Brusselse Wafels (Brussels Waffles)
Local name: Brusselse wafel
In short: Light, crisp rectangular waffles made from a yeast batter lightened with whipped egg whites, dusted with powdered sugar and topped with fruit. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Resting
- 1 h
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 530 kcal
Brussels waffles are tall, rectangular and airy, with deep pockets that hold toppings. The batter is lightened with whipped egg whites and a little yeast, which gives a crisp shell and a soft, almost custardy middle. In Belgium they are eaten warm, simply dusted with powdered sugar, or piled with whipped cream and strawberries. Let the batter rest so the yeast can work, and bake on a hot iron.
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk the flour, yeast, sugar and salt together. Whisk in the warm milk, melted butter, egg yolks and vanilla until smooth.
- Cover the bowl and leave the batter at room temperature for 1 hour, until bubbly and slightly risen.
- Heat the waffle iron. In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks.
- Fold the whites into the batter in two additions, gently, to keep as much air in as possible.
- Brush the iron lightly with oil. Pour in enough batter to cover the center of the grid (about 1/2 cup), close and bake for 3 to 4 minutes, until deep golden and crisp.
- Cool each waffle on a rack for a minute so it stays crisp, and repeat with the remaining batter.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with fruit and cream.
Tips
- Do not stack hot waffles on a plate, because steam makes them soft. Keep them on a rack in a 100°C (200°F) oven until all are baked.
- The yolk batter can rest overnight in the fridge. Whip the egg whites and fold them in just before baking.
Questions and answers
Can I make Brussels waffles without yeast?
Yes. Leave out the yeast and the rest time and add 2 tsp baking powder to the flour. The waffles will be a little less complex in flavor but still light.
How do I reheat waffles so they stay crisp?
Reheat them in a toaster or a 180°C (350°F) oven for 4 to 5 minutes. A microwave makes them soft.
Are Brussels waffles breakfast or dessert?
Both. In Belgium they are a street snack and a dessert, eaten warm with powdered sugar or toppings, and at home they often appear at brunch.
How long does it take to make Brusselse Wafels (Brussels Waffles)?
About 45 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Brusselse Wafels (Brussels Waffles)?
About 530 kcal per serving, with 14 g of protein, 57 g of carbohydrates and 27 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 530 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 57 g |
| Fat | 27 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
