Gaufres de Liège (Liège Waffles)
Local name: Gaufre de Liège
In short: Yeast-raised, brioche-like waffles studded with crunchy pearl sugar that caramelizes on the iron into a sweet, chewy, golden crust. It takes about 1 h 5 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 35 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Resting
- 1 h 30 min
- Total
- 1 h 5 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 420 kcal
The Liège waffle is a dense, buttery, yeast-risen waffle with pockets of pearl sugar that melt into sticky caramel as it bakes. It is sold hot in paper bags at street stands and eaten out of hand, without toppings. The dough is closer to brioche than to batter, so it needs time to rise and an iron that copes with sugar. Once you have eaten one fresh, it is hard to go back to shop-bought.
Instructions
- Whisk the flour, salt, sugar and yeast in a large bowl. Add the warm milk, eggs and vanilla and mix to a sticky dough.
- Knead on a lightly floured counter, or with a dough hook, for 8 minutes until smooth and stretchy.
- Add the soft butter a few cubes at a time, kneading until each addition is absorbed. The dough will turn soft and shiny. Knead for 5 more minutes.
- Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until doubled.
- Gently fold in the pearl sugar and cinnamon so the pearls stay whole. Divide into 8 balls of about 100 g each, cover and rest for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Heat a waffle iron to medium. Place one ball in the center, close the lid and bake for 3 to 4 minutes, until deep golden and the sugar has caramelized.
- Lift each waffle out with a fork, because the sugar is molten, and cool on a rack for 2 minutes. Serve warm.
Tips
- Pearl sugar (nibbed sugar) is sold in Belgian and Scandinavian shops. If you cannot find it, crush sugar cubes roughly in a bag with a rolling pin and sift out the fine dust.
- Wipe caramelized sugar off the iron with a damp cloth while it is still warm. Grease the grid lightly only if it is not non-stick.
Questions and answers
Can I make Liège waffle dough ahead?
Yes. After kneading, let the dough rise once, then chill it overnight. Let it warm up for 30 minutes, fold in the pearl sugar and shape the balls just before baking.
Can I freeze Liège waffles?
Yes. Cool them fully and freeze in a bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster or a 180°C (350°F) oven for 5 minutes.
What is the difference between Liège and Brussels waffles?
Liège waffles are made from a thick yeast dough with pearl sugar and are dense, chewy and sweet. Brussels waffles use a thin batter and are light, crisp and rectangular.
How long does it take to make Gaufres de Liège (Liège Waffles)?
About 1 h 5 min in total: 35 min of preparation and 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Gaufres de Liège (Liège Waffles)?
About 420 kcal per serving, with 6 g of protein, 53 g of carbohydrates and 20 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 420 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 53 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 24 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
