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
- 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.
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
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- **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.
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