The Rich History of Waffles: From Ancient Greece to Dutch Delights

The history of waffles is far more extensive and fascinating than many realize, tracing its origins all the way back to the 13th century. Early forms of waffles, described as dough baked between two metal plates, were savored by the Greeks. These weren’t the sweet treats we know today; instead, they were typically savory, flavored with cheese and fragrant herbs.

Fast forward several centuries, and the waffle began its transformation into the beloved indulgence we recognize. The mid-17th century saw the emergence of a truly iconic variation, credited to the cook of the Prince of Liège. This culinary innovator sought to create a delectable brioche-like pastry infused with delightful pieces of pearl sugar. The result was the legendary Liège waffle, also widely known as the Belgian waffle. From that point on, the popularity of waffles soared across Europe, and specialized waffle irons became commonplace for baking this growing delicacy. Even today, you can find street vendors at weekly markets in villages, serving up these warm, inviting treats.

Traditionally, many waffle recipes call for yeast as a leavening agent, which contributes to their characteristic airy texture. However, preparing a yeast-based batter can be a time-consuming process, requiring patience for the dough to rise. Our recipe offers a wonderful alternative by utilizing baking powder instead of yeast. This clever substitution ensures that your waffles will still be wonderfully airy, light, and incredibly crispy, all while drastically cutting down on preparation time. You get all the delicious taste and perfect texture without the long wait!

Essential Ingredients for Your Yeast-Free Waffles

Crafting these delectable, old-fashioned waffles is surprisingly simple, requiring just a few common pantry staples. The exact measurements for each ingredient can be conveniently found in the recipe card located at the very bottom of this blog post. Gather these items, and you’ll be well on your way to baking a batch of crispy, soft perfection:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder (our secret to a quick, fluffy rise!)
• A pinch of salt (to balance and enhance flavors)
• Granulated sugar (for that perfect touch of sweetness)
• Eggs (size M, for structure and richness)
• Milk (whole milk or a dairy-free alternative for moisture)
• Sunflower oil or melted butter (for tenderness and a lovely texture)
• Vanilla extract (for a fragrant, classic flavor)
• Extra sunflower oil or baking spray (for greasing your waffle iron)

Enhancing Flavor with Vanilla: Extract vs. Sugar

In this recipe, we opt for vanilla extract to infuse our waffles with that classic, warm, and inviting flavor. Vanilla extract is readily available in most supermarkets, making it a convenient choice. However, if you’re an avid baker, you might find it more economical and rewarding to make your own vanilla extract. It’s a simple process, and a homemade batch ensures you always have high-quality vanilla on hand.

Should you find yourself without vanilla extract, don’t fret! You can easily substitute it with 2 teaspoons of vanilla sugar. This will provide a similar aromatic sweetness, ensuring your waffles are just as delightful.

The Science of Fluffy Waffles: The Power of Baking Powder

As mentioned, this particular recipe achieves its incredible lightness and airiness without the use of yeast. So, what’s the secret to getting that perfect, fluffy waffle? It all comes down to a generous addition of baking powder – specifically, a full tablespoon – to our batter. Here’s how it works its magic:

Baking powder is a chemical leavening agent that reacts with the liquid and heat in the batter. When the wet batter hits the hot waffle iron, the baking powder creates carbon dioxide bubbles. These tiny air bubbles are what expand during baking, causing the waffle to rise and become light. This process ensures that your waffles are wonderfully airy on the inside, providing a delightful contrast to their crispy, golden exterior.

It’s important to note the difference if you’re considering alternatives. If you plan to use self-raising flour, remember that it already contains some baking powder – typically about half the amount required for this recipe. In that case, you’ll need to add an extra teaspoon of baking powder to achieve the desired lift and texture. Furthermore, baking soda is *not* a suitable substitute for baking powder in this recipe. While baking soda is also a leavening agent, it requires an acidic ingredient (like buttermilk or lemon juice) to activate and produce carbon dioxide bubbles. Our batter doesn’t contain sufficient acidity for baking soda to work effectively, so stick to baking powder for optimal results.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Perfect Soft & Airy Waffles

Creating these delicious waffles is a straightforward process, and with our clear instructions, you’ll be enjoying warm, homemade goodness in no time. For a complete recipe with precise ingredient amounts and easy printing options, refer to the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this page.

Start by preparing your batter: in a large mixing bowl, quickly combine all the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar). Give them a good whisk with a fork to ensure they are well-integrated. Then, gradually add the wet ingredients – eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix these together at a low speed, using either a whisk or a hand mixer, until you achieve a smooth, lump-free waffle batter. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tougher waffles.

Once your batter is ready, it’s time to get baking! Preheat your waffle iron thoroughly. Before you pour the batter, lightly brush the plates of your waffle iron with a little oil or use a cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure a beautiful golden finish. Spoon a small amount of batter onto the preheated iron plates. The exact quantity will depend on your specific waffle maker (see our tips below for guidance). Close the waffle iron and let the magic happen. Bake the waffles for several minutes, typically until they reach a beautiful golden-brown color. In my experience, this usually takes about 7 minutes, but cooking times can vary. Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the waffle from the grid and continue with the remaining batter.

• How Much Batter Do You Need? The ideal amount of batter largely depends on your specific waffle maker. Most waffle iron manuals will provide a recommended batter quantity. If you’re unsure, a good strategy for the first waffle is to iron it slightly overfilled. This will give you a clear indication of how much batter is needed to fill the grid properly without overflowing. After that initial test, you won’t need to manually spread the batter; simply closing the iron will distribute it evenly between the plates.
• What’s the Perfect Baking Time? My waffle iron takes approximately 7 minutes to achieve that desirable golden-brown crispness. However, every appliance is different, and baking times can vary, typically ranging between five and eight minutes. For your first batch, it’s a good idea to check the waffles a few times during baking. This will quickly help you learn the optimal timing for your particular waffle iron, ensuring consistently perfect results.
• No Waffle Iron? No Problem! Don’t own a waffle iron? No worries! If you have a sandwich maker, you can absolutely use it to make delicious waffles. While you won’t get the classic grid pattern, you’ll still enjoy a warm, tasty waffle. Simply bake them in your sandwich maker until they are golden brown and cooked through.
• Why Add Oil (or Melted Butter)? Incorporating oil (or melted butter) into your batter is crucial for achieving soft, tender waffles. Without this fat content, regular waffles can often turn out hard and dry. The oil ensures a moist interior and contributes to that desirable crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside texture.
• The Role of Milk in Your Batter: Milk is an essential liquid component that helps keep the waffles creamy and moist, preventing them from drying out during the baking process. Its moisture content contributes to the tender crumb of the finished waffle. If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, you can easily substitute dairy milk with plant-based alternatives such as soy milk, oat milk, or almond milk without compromising the quality of your waffles.

Did you try this delightful recipe? We would absolutely love to see your creations! Tag #byandreajanssen on Instagram! I enjoy seeing what you bake and frequently share the most beautiful photos from our community. Enjoyed this recipe? Then please consider leaving a rating on the recipe card below! Your valuable feedback not only helps other home cooks find great recipes but also supports me immensely.

Looking for more culinary inspiration?

• Explore a variety of video recipes on my YouTube channel.
• And don’t forget to save your favorite recipes on Pinterest, so they’re always easy to find for your next baking adventure!

Andréa