Craving a traditional Belgian Liège waffle but can’t go to Belgium? Living in Canada, getting to Belgium isn’t exactly the easiest. So, I made an easy Belgian Liège waffle recipe to get my fix at home!
This Liège waffle recipe took a lot of trial and error to finalize, but this will be the easiest traditional Belgian waffle recipe you’ll find. You don’t have to plan that much in advance to wait for the dough to rise overnight. It’s quick, easy, and yet still makes incredibly delicious traditional Belgian Liège waffles at home!
You will have to get a few different ingredients (like yeast and Belgian sugar pearls) and tools (like a proper waffle iron), but trust me, they’re worth the investment.
Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!
What Is A Belgian Liège Waffle?
Liège waffles aren’t the typical Belgian waffle you’re used to. After our first trip to Belgium, we fell in LOVE with these waffles! We couldn’t believe how different Belgian waffles are in North America.
Liège waffles have a caramelized and crunchy outside with a warm gooey inside! They’re from Liège, a city in Belgium about an hour away from Brussels. The story goes that the king of Liège requested a sweet treat, and this is what his chef came up with. If you’ve already tried them, you’ll understand why they’ve stuck around through the centuries.
Liège waffles are typically enjoyed as is, that means, without any toppings! They’re already so sweet that any extra sweet toppings puts them over the top. In fact, locals in Belgium order them as is from street corner trucks. That’s how they’re meant to be enjoyed!
Extra Ingredients You’ll Need For Liège Waffle Recipe
Two special ingredients set a Liège waffle a part from other waffles. They’re made with yeast and Belgian sugar pearls.
Buying Yeast
Yeast is also not typically used in a waffle recipe but it’s a key ingredient to make Belgian Liège waffles. Using yeast also means that you’ll have to let them rise for the best flavour possible and more airy dough (so keep this in mind when you’re making them)! Adding the yeast is what makes the waffles resemble a sweet bread!
There are two types of yeast you can buy: active dry yeast or instant yeast. There’s a big different between the two, but they’ll both work to make delicious Liège waffles.
Active dry yeast is a bit more complicated to use, you’ll have dissolve it in a liquid first. Instant yeast you can mix it right in with your ingredients. It’s important to follow the directions for the yeast you buy to make sure it works properly.
Where To Find Belgian Sugar Pearls
Belgian sugar pearls look like crystal rocks that are made of sugar. This is what gives the traditional Liège waffle it’s famous caramelized coating and crunchy shell.
They aren’t cheap to buy, but you can’t make a Belgian Liège waffle without it! If you think you’ll be making a lot of Liège waffles, you’ll save some money if you buy in bulk. They don’t expire quickly, we bought a six pack in 2019 and they last until 2022.
Finding The Right Waffle Iron
The next step in making delicious Belgian Liège waffles is to find the right waffle iron for the job.
To make these in Belgium, they typically have a MASSIVE iron that gets SUPER hot and makes several waffles at a time! At home those industrial waffle irons aren’t exactly a possibility. There are two types of waffle irons to choose from: a stand alone stove top iron or a waffle maker. The only key mechanisms that it has to have is that it’s flippable.
This allows an even cook and for the dough inside to be evenly distributed. The shape of the iron does not matter. It can be square, circle, or even heart shaped waffle iron will work!
The Benefits Of A Stove Top Waffle Iron
A stove top waffle iron gives you the most control over your bake. You can easily check on it, take it off the heat, flip it when you want, or add more time or heat.
A small bonus for us to the stove top iron is that it’s also a lot smaller. The irons attach together and lay flat, taking up barely any space in our cupboards. This is important for something you aren’t using daily.
It also tends to be easier to clean when you aren’t dealing with a huge machine.
We bought the Nordicware Cast Iron stove top waffle iron and LOVE IT. It stores easily, cleans easily, and helps us make delicious waffles! It’s also cast iron which is great for more even heating.
Shop Nordicware Cast Iron Waffle Iron On Amazon
- Interlocking hinges separate for quick preheating, slim profile takes up less space than an electric waffle maker
- Non-electric waffler for use on gas, electric and ceramic stovetops
- Fully submersible for easy cleaning, premium non-stick coating with a cooking surface of 7.1 x 7.1 inches
- Made of cast aluminum for even heating, bakes delicate but crisp waffles
- Made in USA with an imported handle
The Benefits Of A Waffle Maker To Make A Belgian Liège Waffle
A waffle maker is a lot easier to use right off the bat, most have an automatic timer that will beep and turn off when your waffle is ready. Like I said though, to make a Belgian Liège waffle, it needs to flip. So be careful when choosing one because a lot of them do not come with this ability.
If you get (or already own) a waffle maker, don’t worry you can still follow this Belgian Liège waffle recipe. You may have to adjust the timing and temperature depending on your waffle maker. But once you know the timing, you will most likely end up with a much more consistant waffle bake.
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- SUPERIOR FUNCTION: The 1400-watt double belgian round waffle maker is professional quality for home use. Bakes two belgian waffles at a time with extra-deep waffle pockets. Nonstick coated waffle grids easily release waffles and make cleaning effortless
- EASY TO USE: With an Easy-to-Handle rotary feature you are able to evenly bake on both top and bottom. 6-setting browning control also helps you choose your waffle’s specific cook temp
- MUST HAVE FEATURES: With 2-LED ready indicator lights and 3 audio beep tones signal when each waffle is done. You’ve also got 1-inch deep batter pockets for thick delicious waffles
- INCLUDED: A waffle cup for pouring your batter into the waffle maker. Also includes a 36-inch power cord for accessibility
Easy Belgian Liège Waffle Recipe
This is an easy Liège waffle recipe with the least amount of wait time and the best results. I’ve done the research. I know what works and what doesn’t. What’s necessary and what isn’t.
Keep in mind though, this may take a few tries to perfect this traditional Belgian waffle recipe. Find out what works for you and what doesn’t. I feel like I’m still improving every time we make them.
Continue reading after for a more in depth direction guide with tips and tricks to get the best Liège waffles!
What You’ll Need – Liège Waffle Recipe Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 11/2 sticks of butter – melted
- ~2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast (Find on Amazon CA | US)
- 1 cup Belgian sugar pearls (about half the bag)
(Find on Amazon CA | US) - 4 cups flour
- 6 tbsp sugar
- pinch of salt
What You’ll Need – Kitchenware
- Waffle iron (Shop Amazon CA | US)
- Measuring Cups & Spoons (Shop Amazon CA | US)
- Whisk (Shop Amazon CA | US)
- Mixing Bowl (Shop Amazon CA | US)
- Tea Towel (Shop Amazon CA | US)
- Thermometer (recommended – Shop Amazon CA | US)
- Tongs (recommended – Shop Amazon CA | US)
What To Do: Directions To Make Belgian Liège Waffle
- Activate yeast by following the instructions based on the specific yeast you buy (see more details & tips).
- After the yeast has activated (usually 10 minutes) add the ingredients to a mixing bowl: 2 eggs, 6 tbsp sugar, 2 tsp vanilla, 1 melted stick butter (about 1/2 cup or 113 gr), and a pinch of salt. Whisk together until blended then add 4 cups flour and mix well. (See more tips!)
- Cover the dough with a towel and let rise. You can leave it for a minimum of 30 minutes to max 3 hours. (See more tips!)
- When your dough has risen, knead in sugar pearls.(Jump to tips!)
- Once the sugar pearls are added, split your dough into roughly 15 palm-sized balls.
- Preheat your waffle iron on medium heat (the temperature will depend on your stove) and melt a lot of butter onto it. Flip the iron to heat up the other side halfway through and add butter. (See more tips!)
- Once the iron is hot, add the dough balls to your waffle iron and flip. Set a timer for 3 minutes, flip, and bake for another 2 minutes. Check each side when there is 1 minute left on the timer to to see how they’re doing. (See more tips!)
- When the waffle is golden brown and shiny on both sides remove them and place in the oven to stay warm.
- Add more butter to both sides of the iron. Repeat!
Step By Step Guide For Traditional Belgian Waffle Recipe!
1. Preparing Your Yeast For Belgian Liège Waffles
You’re going to want to follow the directions on your yeast package for this step. Each brand will have slightly different instructions. I use active dry yeast so I add it to a warm liquid to active it.
Typically to activate yeast, you’ll need to warm milk (or water) to a specific temperature. This is where having a food thermometer will come in handy. If it’s isn’t hot enough the yeast won’t activate. If it’s too hot, the yeast will die. If the package says to use water and sugar, I like swapping that to use milk instead. It’s just better!
Once you’re liquid is heated to the right temperature, wait for the recommended amount of time (about 5-10 minutes) before continuing with the Belgian Liège waffle recipe. (Take me back to the recipe)
2. Add Your Ingredients For Belgian Liège Waffles
When your yeast is ready, add the rest of the ingredients to the bowl. I like to split it up into 2 parts. First, add 2 eggs, 6 tbsp sugar, 2 tsp vanilla, 1 melted stick butter (about 1/2 cup or 113 gr), and a pinch of salt. Whisk this together until well blended before adding 4 cups of flour.
Once you add in the flour, you want to ditch the whisk, it isn’t going to work very well. I use a wooden spoon until it becomes too stiff and then I switch to my hands. It’s the same as making bread, you don’t want to knead it too many times. Just enough that it’s well mixed. (Take me back to the recipe)
3. Cover & Let Rise
This is one of the most important steps of this traditional Belgian waffle recipe. If you want your Liège waffles to be airy on the inside, let your dough rise for as long as possible! This is a good time to clean up a bit of your mess and relax a bit.
Leave your dough in the bowl you mixed it in, cover it with a towel and let it sit for a minimum of 30 minutes. You want to cover it with a towel so the dough doesn’t crust over and it stays as fresh as possible!
I like letting it rise for at least an hour but you can leave the dough rise for up to 3 hours outside of the fridge. If you leave it any longer (like overnight), you’ll have to put it in the fridge.
The first time we made these, we followed a Liège waffle recipe that said to put it in the fridge overnight. This was the BIGGEST MISTAKE if you’re looking for an easy Belgian Liège waffle recipe! Not only does it take FOREVER to make the waffles, but it’s also really hard to knead in the sugar pearls into cold dough. We waited another hour in the morning after taking it out of the fridge but the dough was still too cold and hard to work with. I don’t recommend! (Take me back to the recipe)
4. Time To Add The Sugar Pearls
To add in the sugar pearls, you’re going to use your hands for this Liège waffle recipe step and fold them into the dough. I like adding the sugar pearls in stages.
So, flatten your ball of dough on a flat surface like a cutting board (you can add a bit of flour first if your dough is sticky). In the centre, add a handful of sugar pearls. Fold over the dough until the pearls are mixed in, then repeat the same step until you’re out of sugar.
Once the sugar pearls are added, split your dough into roughly 15 palm-sized balls. You’re sugar pearls may try to escape the dough, this is totally normal! Some recipes recommend letting the individual balls sit for another hour to let them rise a bit more. I’m always too excited to wait, and my waffles turn out just as delicious! But if you have time and you don’t mind waiting, it definitely won’t hurt your waffles. (Take me back to the recipe)
5. Preparing Your Waffle Iron
Now for the fun part! It’s time to get out your waffle iron and prepare it for cooking your traditional Belgian waffles! This is where the 1/2 stick of butter comes in (you can also use a non stick spray).
Butter the iron like you’ve never buttered an iron before! If you think you have enough, add another layer! If you’re using a stove top iron, preheat the iron on around medium heat (keep in mind, this will be different based on your stove).
This part of the recipe is all about trial and error. You have to figure out what works best on your stove. You may overcook some waffles in the process. This happens to the best of us! (Take me back to the recipe)
5. Baking Your Belgian Liège Waffles
Once the iron is preheated, add your dough balls to the iron, and flip it right away. Put a timer on for 3 minutes, I like to check how they’re doing after 2 minutes. If they look like a nice golden colour, it’s time to flip them. If they’re still light like dough, keep them on for another minute.
After the first flip, put the timer on for another 2 minutes. Again, I like to check how the waffles are doing after about a minute this time.
You’re going to have to be the judge if they’re ready or they need more time. Again, you’re looking for a nice dark golden colour with a caramelize glaze on top. If it’s done, take waffle out of the iron using tongs or a fork.
Before adding your next set of dough balls, I also like to add another layer of butter to the iron. Repeat these steps until all your dough is done! (Take me back to the recipe)
Warning! Liège Waffle Toppings Are NOT A Thing!
Wasn’t that easy!? Now enjoy traditional Belgian Liège waffles at home! Unlike North American Belgian-style waffles, Liège waffles do not need any extra toppings. They’re super sweet already, and traditionally aren’t served with anything on top. You can of course pair it with some fresh fruit, but you’ll want to keep the toppings to a minimum.
P.S. in Belgium, they know you’re a tourist if you’re seen getting your Belgian Liège waffle with ANY sort of topping!
Pro Tip – Keep Your Belgian Liège Waffle Warm
You can only make four waffles at a time, so keep them warm while you finish cooking the rest. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees and place a baking sheet inside with tinfoil.
As soon as a set of waffles are ready, remove them from the iron and place them on the baking sheet in the oven. This will keep it nice and toasty until you’re ready to eat them!
Freeze & Reheat For Later!
These Liège Waffles will last for a few days outside of the fridge, but if you can’t finish them all in time you can freeze them for a sweet treat later! I simply put them in freezer bags. They’ll last in the freezer for a few months. We’ve had them for at least 3 months and were still just as delicious as the day we made them.
The trick is in how you reheat them! To reheat them from the freezer, completely wrap them in tinfoil and place them in the oven (I use the toaster oven) for 15 minutes at 400°F. By wrapping them in foil you’re able to reach this higher temperature with burning the tops. And the high temperature is necessary to be able to re-melt the sugar pearls.
The Best Place To Find Liège Waffles In Belgium
The best part about Belgium are hands down the Liège waffles. It’s something that you can’t find anywhere else (not this good anyway!). But, where should you go in Belgium to get your Belgian Liège waffle fix?
Of course, you can go directly to the source – Liège. I’ve never actually been there, but I’ve heard good things about Une Gaufrette Saperlipopette.
From my visits to Belgium, my all time favourite Liège waffles were actually in Brugge. In fact, my second time visiting Belgium, I went back to Brugge just for the waffles. You can’t lose with anywhere you go there, but I love Chez Albert and The Waffle House.
If you’re in Brussels, the key to finding a good waffle is to go to the waffle trucks on the street corners. If you’re lucky, our favourite orange truck might still be there when you visit. It’s an orange truck across from Brussels Centrale Train Station (after the under pass).
Plan Your Belgian Getaway
Belgian Liège Waffle Recipe Shopping List On Amazon
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Last update on 2024-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API