Buttermilk Waffles

Name: Buttermilk Waffles
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups (420 ml) buttermilk (room temperature); ½ cup (113 g or 1 stick) unsalted butter (melted and cooled to room temperature); 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ¾ cups (218 g) all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons light brown sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; Nonstick cooking spray or butter

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by Haley // April 30, 2022

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Buttermilk waffles are quick and easy to make from scratch with simple ingredients. This recipe makes fluffy, flavorful waffles and tastes delicious with apple compote on top.

plate of buttermilk waffles topped with syrup and fresh berries

If I had to choose on sweet breakfast meal, it would hands down be buttermilk waffles. Normally I like something savory, like a sausage breakfast casserole, but there’s something about waffles that is so satisfying. I think it’s the little pockets holding puddles of maple syrup (kind of like this french toast casserole). Here is my go-to recipe for homemade buttermilk waffles when I want something special for brunch. It’s always fun to do a mimosa bar too!

Why this recipe works: Buttermilk and baking powder give these waffles plenty of “lift” or “rise” when cooked, making each waffle perfectly fluffy. The addition of brown sugar and vanilla gives a subtle sweet flavor.

buttermilk waffles ingredients in bowl labeled with text

Table of Contents

How to make buttermilk waffles

Whisk together the wet ingredients in one bowl and the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and mix until combined.
Let the batter sit for 5 minutes.
Spray the waffle iron with nonstick spray, then heat waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Add batter to waffle iron, close and cook until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove waffle from iron and serve warm with syrup and berries.

Wondering what waffle iron to use? I prefer a round Belgian waffle iron because I think the waffles turn out fluffier, but my mom loves her square waffle iron. Both are good choices. It just depends what you prefer!

photo collage demonstrating how to make buttermilk waffles in a mixing bowl and waffle iron

Helpful tips

The secret for crisp and tender waffles is letting the batter rest. The batter will expand and get airy giving the waffles a tender texture. I suggest letting the batter rest for 10 minutes, but it can sit for up to 30 minutes. It’s also important for the ingredient to be room temperature for a more evenly textured batter. However, it is okay if the batter has a few lumps (you don’t want to over-mix it!)

Finally, make sure the waffle iron is nice and hot. Let it heat up for a bit before adding the waffle batter. The hotter the iron, the crisper the waffles. Don’t worry, the waffles will not burn!

hand holding glass pitcher of maple syrup and pouring syrup over stack of waffles with berries

Frequently Asked Questions

How to make waffles fluffy

Use buttermilk and baking soda to make waffles fluffy. Let the batter sit for at least 10 minutes before cooking. Avoid over-mixing the waffle batter.

How to make waffles crispy

Make sure the waffle iron is very hot for crispy waffles. It also helps to let the batter sit before cooking the waffles.

Can you make waffle batter ahead of time?

Yes, waffle batter will keep in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Make sure it is in an airtight container. The batter will need a stir if it settled at all.

How to freeze waffles

Place waffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place in the freezer for an hour. Then transfer to a ziplock bag, remove any excess air and freeze for up to 3 months.