Vafler (Norwegian Heart-Shaped Waffles)
In short: Thin, soft waffles with a hint of cardamom, baked in a five-heart iron and served warm with sour cream and jam or slices of brown cheese. It takes about 35 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Resting
- 15 min
- Total
- 35 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 575 kcal
Birthdays, cabin weekends, school fundraisers and any afternoon that calls for coffee are all reasons to bake vafler, the thin, soft, heart-shaped waffles of Norway. The batter is lightly sweet with a pinch of cardamom, and each waffle is a cluster of five hearts that tears apart easily. Serve them warm with sour cream and strawberry jam, or with thin slices of brunost, the Norwegian brown whey cheese.
Instructions
- Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, cardamom and salt together in a large bowl.
- In a second bowl, whisk the eggs and milk, then pour them into the dry ingredients along with the melted butter. Whisk until the batter is smooth and pourable, like heavy cream, with no lumps. Rest the batter for 15 minutes.
- Heat a heart-shaped waffle iron and brush it lightly with butter. Pour in about 100 ml (scant 1/2 cup) of batter, spread it toward the edges and close the lid.
- Bake for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden and no more steam escapes from the sides. Lift the waffle out with a fork and repeat, buttering the iron after every second waffle.
- Keep the finished waffles in a single layer on a wire rack in a 100°C (210°F) oven. Serve warm, torn into hearts, with sour cream and jam or slices of brunost.
Tips
- If the batter thickens as it rests, loosen it with a splash of milk. It should fall from the whisk in a steady ribbon.
- Do not stack hot waffles on a plate, because the steam makes them soft. Cool leftovers on a rack, then reheat them in a toaster.
Questions and answers
How are Norwegian waffles different from Belgian waffles?
Norwegian waffles are thin and soft, baked in a five-heart iron, with a lightly sweet batter. Belgian waffles are thick with deep pockets and are often yeasted and crisp.
Can I make the waffle batter ahead of time?
Yes. Cover it and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Whisk it again and loosen it with a little milk before baking.
What do Norwegians put on waffles?
Sour cream with strawberry jam is the favorite. Slices of brunost, butter with sugar, and raspberry jam are also common.
How long does it take to make Vafler (Norwegian Heart-Shaped Waffles)?
About 35 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Vafler (Norwegian Heart-Shaped Waffles)?
About 575 kcal per serving, with 16 g of protein, 72 g of carbohydrates and 25 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 575 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 72 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
