Hello there, are you ready? I am going to try to sell you my favourite German waffle recipe. These waffles are super fluffy, sweet, endearing and so versatile.
I wanted to write about German waffles for a long time because they were an essential part of my childhood but until recently I did not own a waffle maker.
The difference between German waffle makers and British or US ones are that they are heart-shaped. Just look for heart-shaped waffle makers, I would suggest this one (affiliate link)
FOR UK READERS FOR US READERS
I personally cannot recommend a specific waffle maker, but as long as the waffle iron is heart shaped they are like the ones that are commonly used in Germany.
Why are the waffles heart-shaped? The History of German Waffles*
Waffles originate from France or Belgium and were first mentioned in the 13th century. It is assumed, however, that waffles were introduced to Germany from the Netherlands in the 15th century. They quickly spread through the north but it is interesting to note that in the south of Germany and in Austria it was never a common dish, and typically reserved for the upper class.
In Germany, the waffles are commonly round and heart-shaped. These waffles are called “Herzwaffeln” heart waffles and come from in the German area of Bergischen Land in North Rhine-Westphalia. This tradition can be traced back to the 16th century.
In Sweden the waffles are also commonly heart-shaped too, so we cannot claim that this shape is unique to Germany.
*source Wikipedia
About this fluffy waffle recipe
Nothing can beat homemade waffles. There are so many German waffle recipes that I want to share with you. I was not sure which one to post first. After a little thought, I decided to start with this easy and basic one.
One thing I can promise you: these waffles are super fluffy. The waffle batter is light and buttery. The waffles themselves are sweet, but there is nothing to stop you from reducing the amount of sugar in the recipe, to make them healthier.
When adding the waffle mixture to the waffle maker, I tend not to grease the iron too much, because the batter has enough fat in it.
If you are using the waffle maker for the first time, make sure to gradually test out the quantity of batter that you pour into the pans. Otherwise, they quickly overflow.
I sometimes make the waffle batter ahead of time, and leave it in the fridge overnight. The ingredients might slightly separate, so make sure you stir the mixture well before baking.
What is the best way of storing leftover waffles?
You can store leftover waffles and pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2-3 days. You can just warm them up in an oven or microwave.
They can also be frozen and will keep in the freezer up to three months. I like to make a huge batch and then defrost them for a quick breakfast treat in the toaster or microwave. They will still have a nice and fluffy texture, but won’t be as crispy as when you make them fresh.
What to put on waffles?
When we had this recipe at home my mother would serve these waffles with a little icing sugar on top.
Here are the Top Waffle Toppings
- Cream and fresh fruit.
- Cherry Compote (Heisse Kirschen (hot cherries) or Kirschgrütze.
- Apfelmus (German Apple Sauce)
- Banana with chocolate sauce (I like hazelnut chocolate spread personally)
- Vanilla ice cream and caramelised nuts
- Cheese and bacon
- Cinnamon and icing sugar
- Rhubarb Compote
- Rote Grütze (German Red Berry Sauce)
If you are looking for healthy waffle toppings- why not simply eat them with some fresh berries on top?
Hope you guys are going to enjoy this easy waffle recipe.
Let me know what you think. Happy mixing!
More German Sweet Dishes
- Milchreis (German Rice Pudding)
- Pfannkuchen (German Pancakes)
- Germknödel
- German Apple Pancakes (Apfelpfannkuchen)
- Plum Dumplings (Zwetschgenknödel)
Did you try this recipe?
Please leave a rating or make a comment below. I would love to hear from you. You can send me an e-mail or comment on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.
Why not share our Facebook Group - Homemade German Food & Recipes. Here we chat about German Food and share recipes.
Recipe
Basic German Waffle Dough Recipe
Equipment
- waffelmaker
- hand or stand mixer or a simple whisk
Ingredients
- 250 g unsalted butter 1 ⅛ cup or 8,8oz, soft
- 200 g sugar 1 cup or 7 oz
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 5 medium eggs at room temperature
- 500 g flour 4 cups, 17.6 oz, UK plain flour, US pastry flour.
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 500 ml whole milk 2.5 cups cup
Instructions
- To avoid a lumpy waffle dough, make sure that all the ingredients are at room temperature. If your butter is too cold, warm it up in the microwave for a few sections.
- Place the butter, sugar, salt and vanilla extract in a bowl and whisk with a hand or standmixer for about 5 minutes until you achieve a creamy consistency.
- Now add the eggs, one by one and whisk until combined.
- Mix the flour and baking powder and add to the mixture. Add the milk and mix to a fluffy waffle dough.
- Heat up your waffle maker. Once you have reached the desired temperature grease the plate with a little butter. This will avoid the waffles sticking to the plate. Now pour in a scoop of the mixture and bake the Waffles until golden brown.
Notes
- When adding the waffle mixture to the waffle maker, I tend not to grease the iron too much, because the batter has enough fat in it.
- If you are using the waffle maker for the first time, make sure to gradually test out the quantity of batter that you pour into the pans. Otherwise they quickly overflow.
- I sometimes make the waffle batter ahead of time, and leave it in the fridge overnight. The ingredients might slightly separate, so make sure you stir the mixture well before baking.
- You can store leftover waffles and pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2-3 days. You can just warm them up in an oven or microwave.
- They can also be frozen and will keep in the freezer up to three months. I like to make a huge batch and then defrost them for a quick breakfast treat in the toaster or microwave. They will still have a nice and fluffy texture, but won’t be as crispy than when you make them fresh.
Laura
Hey Marita! Your waffles look incredible! I would love to try the recipe but I can't find the recipe on the website. Is it normal? Where can I find the recipe?
Have a nice day.
Marita
Hi Laura,
thanks for pointing it out. it got deleted by accident. I added it back in.
Hannelore
ICH SUCHE EIN GANZ EINFACHES REZEPT FUER GERMAN WAFFLES ICH COME VON BADISHEN GEGEND BODENSEE.
Marita
Hi Hannelore, this is an easy waffle recipe. How can I help you? Would you like me to email you the German translation of the recipe?
Best Wishes
Marita
Alex
I noticed all the German waffle recipes have a fairly large amount of sugar. Is it possible to make the waffles without sugar? Do you have a recipe with no or very little sugar? I prefer waffles that are not sweet, and then I sweeten them with syrup or powdered sugar on top. Thanks.
Margot
The look incredibly delicious and would be perfect for the Inheritance Recipes link-up as well.
Anne
Wow, diese Waffeln kommen definitiv auf meine Wunschliste für den nächsten Cheating-Day. 🙂 Sieht super aus.
Marita
Danke Anne! Ich hoffe sie schmecken dir 🙂
Eva
I had never made waffles with cream before but they turned out really crusty. I used less sugar. Served them with whipped cream and raspberries.