Liege Waffle Recipe

Liege waffles are indulgent, rich, and slightly caramelized Belgian waffles made with a brioche-like dough and pearl sugar.

Their crispy exterior and chewy interior, combined with a caramelized sugar crust, make them a decadent treat perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any special occasion. Top them with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of chocolate for the ultimate waffle experience.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin (optional)
• Baking sheet
• Waffle iron (preferably Belgian-style)
• Parchment paper

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F or 45°C)
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened and cut into small cubes

For the Caramelized Crust:

• 1 cup Belgian pearl sugar

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh fruit (strawberries, bananas, or blueberries)
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate sauce
• Powdered sugar

Directions

1. Activate the Yeast:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
   Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture and stir until combined.
3. Incorporate the Flour:
   Gradually add the flour to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook on low speed.
4. Add the Butter:
   Gradually mix in the softened butter, a few cubes at a time, until fully incorporated. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough will be sticky.
5. First Rise:
   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1.5-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
6. Incorporate the Pearl Sugar:
   Gently deflate the dough and knead in the pearl sugar until evenly distributed.
7. Shape the Dough:
   Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a towel, and let them rest for 20-30 minutes.
8. Preheat the Waffle Iron:
   Heat your waffle iron to medium-high heat. Lightly grease if needed.
9. Cook the Waffles:
   Place a dough ball in the center of the waffle iron and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and caramelized. Repeat with the remaining dough balls.
10. Serve:
    Serve warm with your favorite toppings, or enjoy them plain to savor their rich flavor and caramelized crust.

Prep Time

20 minutes (+2 hours rising time)

Cook Time

30 minutes

Total Time

2 hours 50 minutes

Nutrition (Per Waffle)

Calories: 360
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 18g
Sugar: 15g

Expert Tips

• Use Belgian Pearl Sugar: This is essential for achieving the caramelized crust that Liege waffles are famous for. It can be found in specialty stores or online.
• Soft Butter: Ensure the butter is soft enough to mix into the dough but not melted, as this can affect the dough’s texture.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Waffle Iron: Cook one waffle at a time to ensure even cooking and caramelization.

FAQs

What is pearl sugar, and can I substitute it?
Pearl sugar is a type of coarse sugar that holds its shape under heat and creates the caramelized texture in Liege waffles. If unavailable, you can use crushed sugar cubes as a substitute, but the texture may differ slightly.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate after the first rise, then let it come to room temperature before adding the pearl sugar and cooking.

Can I freeze the waffles?
Yes, cooked waffles freeze well. Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in a toaster or oven before serving.

Storing & Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store leftover waffles in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze waffles in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen.

Substitutions & Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for baking to make the recipe gluten-free.
• Flavor Variations: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra flavor.
• Chocolate Chip Waffles: Knead mini chocolate chips into the dough along with the pearl sugar for a chocolaty twist.

Liege Waffle Recipe

Liege waffles are indulgent, rich, and slightly caramelized Belgian waffles made with a brioche-like dough and pearl sugar.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• - Large mixing bowl
• - Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• - Rolling pin (optional)
• - Baking sheet
• - Waffle iron (preferably Belgian-style)
• Parchment paper

Ingredients

  

• **For the Dough:**
• - 1/2 cup warm milk 110°F or 45°C
• - 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
• - 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• - 3 large eggs
• - 1 tsp vanilla extract
• - 1/2 tsp salt
• - 3 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
• - 1 cup unsalted butter softened and cut into small cubes
• **For the Caramelized Crust:**
• - 1 cup Belgian pearl sugar
• **Optional Toppings:**
• - Fresh fruit strawberries, bananas, or blueberries
• - Whipped cream
• - Chocolate sauce
• - Powdered sugar

Instructions

 

• **Activate the Yeast:**
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
• **Mix the Wet Ingredients:**
• Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture and stir until combined.
• **Incorporate the Flour:**
• Gradually add the flour to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook on low speed.
• **Add the Butter:**
• Gradually mix in the softened butter, a few cubes at a time, until fully incorporated. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough will be sticky.
• **First Rise:**
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1.5-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
• **Incorporate the Pearl Sugar:**
• Gently deflate the dough and knead in the pearl sugar until evenly distributed.
• **Shape the Dough:**
• Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a towel, and let them rest for 20-30 minutes.
• **Preheat the Waffle Iron:**
• Heat your waffle iron to medium-high heat. Lightly grease if needed.
• **Cook the Waffles:**
• Place a dough ball in the center of the waffle iron and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and caramelized. Repeat with the remaining dough balls.
• **Serve:**
• Serve warm with your favorite toppings, or enjoy them plain to savor their rich flavor and caramelized crust.