This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Learn all the secrets to making light and fluffy homemade waffles with tender centers and golden edges. A tried and true family favorite, this homemade waffle recipe is perfect for any occasion!
Homemade waffles are not just for holidays or special occasions! They are an easy breakfast recipe for any day of the week. In fact you can have a whole batch ready in less than 30 minutes. Top them with butter and syrup and serve with scrambled eggs, Breakfast Potatoes, Crispy Bacon and a side of fresh fruit.
Table of contents
Why We Love Homemade Waffles
- These homemade buttermilk waffles are perfectly fluffy with a little crispiness to the edges.
- They’re super easy to make, and taste way better than frozen toaster waffles.
- This is a budget friendly recipe – much easier on your wallet than a restaurant.
- You can make a huge batch and freeze a bunch to reheat whenever a craving hits. Just pop them in the toaster to reheat!
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Eggs
- Sugar
- Butter
- Vanilla extract – for flavor. You could also add lemon or orange extract, or even zest for a citrusy burst.
- Buttermilk – the acid reacts with the baking powder and soda to create little bubbles in the batter, which is what gives them such a fluffy texture.
How to Make Waffles at Home
This recipe for homemade waffles isn’t too complicated. However, I wanted to point out a few key steps to ensure your waffles turn out absolutely perfect.
- Beat the egg whites. Separate the eggs whites and yolks. Then beat the egg whites in a separate bowl with an electric mixer until peaks begin to form. This extra step guarantees that your waffles will be so light and fluffy!
- Make the waffle batter. First whisk the dry ingredients together. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients together. Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry with a large rubber spatula. Finally, fold in the egg whites. Let the batter rest while you preheat the waffle iron.
- Cook the waffles. Spray your preheated waffle iron with nonstick cooking spray. Pour about ¼ cup of waffle batter into each section of the waffle maker. This amount will vary depending on the size and shape of your appliance. Close the lid and cook for 4-6 minutes or until waffles are golden brown and easily release from the waffle maker. Â
How to Serve
Waffles without fun toppings are boring! Of course, you can’t go wrong with traditional butter and maple syrup, but here are some of our favorite ways to serve waffles.
- Peanut butter or another favorite nut butter
- Fresh fruit and whipped cream
- Fresh berries and a drizzle of honey
- Powdered sugar and a squeeze of lemon
- Syrup – buttermilk syrup, berry syrup or traditional maple.
- Make a waffle sundae – Add a scoop of ice cream, some chocolate or caramel syrup, whipped cream and a cherry!
Storage and Reheating Tips
The great thing about this recipe, is how easy it is to make a huge batch and stash some waffle in the freezer for another time!
Storing leftovers: If you plan to use within a couple of days, you can store waffles in an airtight container in the fridge.
Freezing leftovers: To freeze, I recommend either wrapping individually, or at least placing parchment paper between then to keep them from sticking together. Place in a freezer bag and freeze for up 4-6 months.
Reheating: You can reheat either in the microwave or toaster, but I definitely recommend the toaster. You can also reheat in an air fryer if you have one.
Expert Tips and FAQs
- Buttermilk gives a slight tanginess to the batter and makes waffles that are soft and fluffy. I recommend using buttermilk for the best texture, but if you’re in a pinch you can make your own buttermilk.
- Make sure your ingredients are room temperature before getting started – this helps everything mix together evenly.
- Adding a little sugar to the batter creates golden edges.
- Separate the eggs and whisk the egg whites until peaks form. Then at the very end we’ll gently fold in the egg whites. While this does add an extra step in the process, it makes the waffles so fluffy.
- For crispier edges, cook the waffles a little longer.
While the two batters use similar ingredients, they are not the same. Waffle batter has more fat, which results in the crispy edges and fluffy insides.
Think of your waffle iron like a skillet. You need a little bit of oil and a really hot pan to ensure a crisp sear and to keep your food from sticking. Preheat your waffle iron and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
These buttermilk waffles are delicious for brunch served with maple syrup, fresh fruit and whipped cream. Or you can enjoy them for dessert with a scoop of ice cream and chocolate sauce. Either way – these buttermilk waffles will definitely be a new favorite.Â
More Easy Breakfast Recipes
- Egg & Cheese Hash Brown Waffles
- Fluffy Oatmeal Pancakes
- Sausage Egg Casserole
- Easy Breakfast Cookies
- Buttermilk Pancakes
- The Best French Toast Recipe
- German Pancakes
Homemade Waffles
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs separated
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk*
- whipping cream fresh berries & maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the waffle iron to medium high heat according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.Â
- In a medium bowl beat the egg whites until peaks form. I use an electric mixer for this.
- In a separate medium bowl or large liquid measuring cup whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract and buttermilk.
- Gently fold the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients using a large rubber spatula.
- Then gently fold in the egg whites.
- Lightly spray the waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray. Pour ¼ to ⅓ cup of batter into each ¼ section of the waffle iron. Close the lid and cook for 4-6 minutes until golden. This may vary depending on your waffle maker.Â
- Transfer cooked waffles to a wire rack, and repeat the process with the rest of the batter.Â
