Learn how to make authentic Liege style waffles with this Belgian Liege waffle recipe. Our step-by-step guide will show you how to create these crispy, sweet waffles with a soft, chewy texture.
Regular waffles are good. However, my husband makes them too often, so I’m in this perpetual “sick of them” stage. Same with pancakes. Seriously, it’s Saturday morning and my husband says, “I think I’m going to make pancakes”, and I say, “Please noooo moooooore pancaaaaakes I’m so tired of themmmmm”. I’m so ungrateful, right?
Pancakes and waffles are so easy to whip up, so it’s his go-to special weekend breakfast. But we have a special special waffle that we make on very special occasions. It’s way better than a normal waffle. So much so, that you can’t really even compare the two.
What is a Liege waffle?
Liege waffles are a variety of Belgian waffle, they are made with a yeast dough, filled with Belgian pearl sugar that caramelizes and crisps up as they cook in the waffle iron. Not to mention the butter that goes into it… yum. It’s seriously our favorite sweet breakfast, and that’s why we had it as our very first meal of 2017. Start the year off right!
Belgian Liege Waffle Recipe
These Liege style waffles aren’t the kind you can just whip together and have on the table in twenty minutes. These take a little love and patience. But good things are worth the wait. You gotta sit there for thirty minutes, letting the yeast rise. Otherwise, though, it’s quite straightforward to make.
I’m gonna be honest, this recipe is adapted from the back of the box of Belgian pearl sugar. I won’t take any credit for creativity here… I just want to spread the love of liege waffles. Anyways, I increased the yeast a tad, by preference, and halved the recipe. If you make a full recipe you WILL eat it all and that’s very very dangerous. I think half a batch is a perfect amount for 3-4 people to share.
Be Sure To Use Belgian Pearl Sugar
Also, PLEASE please please don’t try and make liege waffles without Belgian pearl sugar. It just can’t be made without it. It really can’t. It’s what makes the whole thing work. You can buy it on Amazon here: Lars’ Own Belgian Pearl Sugar 8 Ounces (Pack of 2).
Feel free to top these with things like nutella, whipped cream, maple syrup, chocolate sauce, fruit compote, whateeeever you want! But can I be honest? My favorite way to eat them is plain, MAYBE with a little whipped cream.
Mastering the Belgian Liege Waffle: Essential Tips and Tricks
- The Importance of Pearl Sugar in Liege Style Waffles: Pearl sugar is a non-negotiable ingredient in any authentic Liege waffle recipe. It’s this special sugar that gives Belgian Liege waffles their signature crunch and caramelized texture. Regular granulated sugar or other forms won’t cut it here.
- Use Softened Butter for Belgian Liege Waffles Recipe: To achieve the richness and delicate texture of Liege style waffles, always use softened, not melted butter. Melted butter can result in an oily waffle rather than the soft, tender delight you’re aiming for.
- Patience is Essential for Liege Style Waffle: In the art of Belgian Liege waffle making, patience truly is a virtue. The yeast-leavened dough in the Belgian waffle recipe yeast needs adequate time to rise, contributing to the waffle’s perfect balance between lightness and chewiness.
- Mastering Your Waffle Iron Settings for Belgian Liege Waffle Recipe: Since waffle iron settings can greatly differ, it may take some experimenting to find the perfect setting for your Belgian Liege waffles. Aim for a balance of a crisp, golden-brown exterior and a soft interior.
- Preheating is Key for Authentic Liege Waffle Recipe: A thoroughly preheated waffle iron is key to getting an even cook and perfect caramelization when making what is a Liege style waffle.
- Even Distribution of Dough for What Are Liege Style Waffles: When crafting your Liege-style waffles, aim for even dough balls to ensure consistent cooking.
- Experimenting with Toppings for Lars Own Liege Waffle Recipe: Traditionally, Liege style waffles are enjoyed plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar, but don’t let tradition limit your creativity. Toppings like fresh fruits, Nutella, whipped cream or even cinnamon can add delightful nuances to your authentic Belgian waffle recipe yeast creation.
- Storage and Reheating Tips for Belgian Liege Waffles Recipe: If you have leftover waffles from your Belgian waffle recipe yeast pearl sugar endeavor, keep them in an airtight container. You can easily reheat them in the oven or toaster to retain their crispy texture.
The art of making perfect Belgian Liege waffles, like Lars Liege waffle recipe, can involve some trial and error, but with persistence and the right ingredients, you’ll master the art of the Liege-style waffle in no time. Happy waffle making!
Belgian Liege Waffle Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
- 2 t instant dry yeast
- 6 T lukewarm milk
- 1 stick unsalted butter softened
- 1 egg
- 1/4 t salt
- 1/2 t vanilla
- 4 oz Belgian pearl sugar or less, to taste
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Instructions
Make Dough
- Dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm milk in a small container and let sit for a few minutes.2 t instant dry yeast,6 T lukewarm milk
- Meanwhile, place the flour in large bowl, add the softened butter, and combine using your hand.1 3/4 cups all purpose flour,1 stick unsalted butter
- Add egg, salt, vanilla, and mix together.1 egg,1/4 t salt,1/2 t vanilla
- Add in the yeast and milk and mix to fully combine. The dough will be quite sticky and messy.
Rise Dough
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and place in a warm place to rise (about 30 minutes).
- Add the Belgian sugar and knead in until evenly distributed.4 oz Belgian pearl sugar
- Divide into approximately 3 ounce balls (to make about 7 total).
Bake
- Bake in a heated waffle iron. (I did level 5 out of 6 on mine, but your temp will vary according to the make/model of the waffle iron.)
You’re right! Liege waffles are the absolute best. I love it with nutella and fruit <3
Have you ever tried it with cookie butter? That’s yummy too! ??