Buttermilk Vanilla Waffles Recipe
+2 photos

Buttermilk Vanilla Waffles Recipe

With only a pinch of baking soda to help them brown, these waffles are leavened primarily by steam, so they're light and crisp, with a hint of tangy goodness.

Ingredients

  • all-purpose flour

    1 1/3 cup; 185g

    6 ½ oz
  • powdered sugar

    1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons; 45g

    1 ½ oz
  • diamond crystal kosher salt; for table salt

    use half as much by volume or use the same weight

    ½ tsp
  • baking soda
    ½ tsp
  • baking powder
    ½ tsp
  • vanilla bean

    split and scraped, see note

    1
  • cultured lowfat buttermilk

    1 3/4 cup; 395g

    14 oz
  • unsalted butter

    melted, 3 tablespoons; 40g

    1 ½ oz
  • egg whites

    about 2 1/2 ounces; 70g

    2 large
  • vanilla extract
    1 tsp
  • maple syrup

    for serving

Directions

  1. 1

    For the Batter: In a large bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and scrapings of one large vanilla bean, mixing by hand until the seeds are well dispersed. Add buttermilk, melted butter, egg whites, and vanilla extract and whisk until smooth.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    For the Waffles: Set waffle iron to medium and preheat until indicator is ready. For an 8-inch square machine, scrape in roughly half the batter. For a 7-inch Belgian machine, scrape in about one-third. Close lid and cook until waffle is golden brown but still steaming, 4 1/2 to 6 minutes depending on the depth and heat of your machine. Serve immediately, with copious amounts of maple syrup, and griddle remaining batter as before.

    Step 2
Buttermilk Vanilla Waffles Recipe
+2

Buttermilk Vanilla Waffles Recipe

4.6(21)1030 cal

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Ratings & Reviews

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Based on 21 ratings

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4.6(21 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving the ultimate crisp and airy waffle experience for your next brunch? These Buttermilk Vanilla Waffles deliver that perfect balance of light texture and rich, tangy flavor that will make any morning feel special.

The magic behind these waffles lies in their unique leavening: primarily steam, with just a touch of baking soda to achieve that beautiful golden brown. This clever technique ensures a remarkably light and crisp exterior, while the cultured lowfat buttermilk adds a delightful tanginess and contributes to their tender crumb, setting them apart from heavier alternatives.

Prepare for a sensory delight. Each bite of these buttermilk vanilla waffles offers a satisfying crispness followed by an airy, tender interior that practically melts in your mouth. You'll savor the bright, tangy notes from the buttermilk perfectly complemented by the aromatic sweetness of vanilla. These aren't your average heavy breakfast pancakes; they're a refined brunch centerpiece, designed to feel indulgent yet surprisingly light, making them perfect for leisurely weekend meals. Each serving is quite substantial, coming in at 1030 calories, promising a truly satisfying experience.

While the recipe calls for a vanilla bean, you can achieve a wonderful vanilla flavor using only vanilla extract if a bean isn't available, simply ensuring you still use the 1 teaspoon specified. For an extra touch of sweetness and texture, consider folding in fresh blueberries or chocolate chips into the batter just before cooking. You can also experiment with different types of syrup or fresh fruit toppings to create your ideal flavor combination.

These elevated buttermilk vanilla waffles are the ideal star for any brunch gathering, pairing wonderfully with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or, as suggested, a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup. Serve them alongside crispy bacon or a fresh fruit salad for a complete and memorable meal.

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