Belgian Liège Waffles

Transport your taste buds to the heart of Belgium with this authentic Belgian Liege waffle recipe with pearl sugar. Discover the secrets to creating these irresistible, sweet, and doughy delights just like they do on the streets of Brussels.

Jump to:

• What are Liege Waffles?
• More Waffle and Crepes
• Ingredients Notes
• Materials Needed
• How to Make Easy Belgian Liège Waffles
• Serving Suggestions
• Storage and Freeze
• Tips for this recipe
• Recipe Variations
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Belgian Liege Waffles

What are Liege Waffles?

Belgian Liege waffles, also known as "Gaufres de Liège" in French, are a sweet and indulgent type of Belgian waffle that have captivated taste buds around the world with their irresistible combination of rich, doughy goodness and sweet, caramelized perfection.

They are characterized by their rich, brioche-like dough studded with pearl sugar that caramelizes during cooking in a Belgian Waffle maker, creating a delightful blend of crispy, sugary exterior and soft, chewy interior.

• Irresistible Texture: The waffles have a unique texture with a crispy, caramelized outer layer and a soft, doughy interior, making each bite a delightful contrast.
• Sweetness of Pearl Sugar: The pearl sugar chunks in the dough melt and caramelize during cooking, adding a sweet and satisfying crunch to every bite.
• Authentic Belgian Flavor: Authentic Belgian Liege waffles offer a taste of Belgian culinary tradition, making them a beloved treat for those seeking an authentic Belgian experience.

More Waffle and Crepes

Ingredients Notes

*You'll find quantities and full instructions in the recipe card at the end of this page.

• Milk (at a lukewarm temperature): Provides moisture and richness to the waffle dough.
• Instant Yeast or Active Dry Yeast: A fast-acting or traditional leavening agent that helps the waffles rise.
• All-purpose flour or Bread Flour: The primary dry ingredient for the waffle batter. Bread flour can also be used for a richer texture.
• Eggs (at room temperature): Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the waffles.
• Egg Yolk (at room temperature): Adds richness and color to the waffles.
• Unsalted Butter (softened or melted and cooled): Provides a rich, buttery flavor to the waffles.
• Fine Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the waffle dough, enhancing its flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
• Sugar Pearls: Special sugar chunks that caramelize during cooking, adding sweetness and a delightful crunch to the waffles.

Materials Needed

Belgian Waffle Maker

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Stand mixer

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How to Make Easy Belgian Liège Waffles

Brioche dough

• Rehydrate the instant yeast in warm milk if necessary and let it rest for a few minutes.
• In the bowl of your stand mixer equipped with the dough hook, place the flour, sugar, and salt, and mix at medium speed.
• Add the yeast and milk mixture, followed by the eggs and egg yolk, and the softened or melted butter. Knead for about 5 to 7 minutes.
• Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise for approximately 1 hour.
• Then, add the Belgian pearl sugar and mix again to incorporate.
• Divide the dough into 12 balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Baking

• Preheat a special Belgian waffle iron or a regular waffle iron and grease it with a little butter or cooking spray.
• Place a dough ball in the center of the waffle iron and cook for approximately 3 to 5 minutes until it is golden brown.
• Serve Liège waffles hot with your choice of topping or allow them to cool slightly before enjoying with powdered sugar or a hot chocolate sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Fruit Medley: Top the waffles with a colorful mix of fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped nuts like toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts over your waffles and finish with a drizzle of honey.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Melted chocolate or chocolate sauce paired with chocolate chips and a scoop of vanilla ice cream can turn your waffles into a decadent dessert.
• Banana Split Waffles: Slice bananas and place them on top of your waffles, add a scoop of chocolate ice cream, drizzle with caramel sauce, and finish with a maraschino cherry.
• Nutella and Marshmallow: Spread Nutella on your waffles and top with marshmallows. Use a kitchen torch to lightly toast the marshmallows for a s'mores-inspired treat.
• Caramel Apple: Top your waffles with sautéed cinnamon apples and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce.
• Peanut Butter and Banana: Spread peanut butter on your waffles, add banana slices, and finish with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts.
• Lemon and Berries: Zest a lemon over your waffles and serve them with a mix of fresh berries and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Storage and Freeze

Room Temperature Storage (3 to 5 days): Liège waffles can be kept at room temperature for 3 to 5 days. To store, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container or resealable bag. Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources, and enjoy within the specified timeframe.

Freezing (Up to 3 Months): For longer storage, you can freeze Liège waffles for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool, separate with parchment paper, wrap in plastic or foil, and place in a freezer bag or airtight container. Label with the freezing date. To reheat, bake in the oven until heated through.

Tips for this recipe

• Preheat the Waffle Iron: Make sure your waffle iron is thoroughly preheated before adding the batter. This helps achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside fluffy.
• Properly Grease the Iron: Even if your waffle iron has a non-stick surface, it's a good idea to lightly grease it with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Cooking Time: Cook until the waffles are golden brown and crisp. The exact cooking time will depend on your waffle iron, but it's typically around 3-5 minutes.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Chip Waffles: Fold chocolate chips into the waffle batter for a delightful chocolatey treat.
• Nutella and Banana Waffles: Spread Nutella on warm waffles and top with sliced bananas for a decadent combination.
• Cinnamon Sugar Waffles: Sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar on top of your waffles for a sweet and aromatic touch.
• Blueberry Waffles: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for bursts of fruity flavor.
• Apple Cinnamon Waffles: Mix diced apples and ground cinnamon into the batter for a comforting fall-inspired waffle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you heat up liège Waffles ?

To heat up Liège waffles, simply place them in a toaster or oven until they're warm and crispy.

How to make Belgian Liège Waffles overnight ?

To make Belgian Liège waffles overnight, prepare the dough, let it rise in the fridge overnight, and then cook the waffles in the morning for a fresh breakfast.

Did you make this recipe?

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