These Liege Waffles are a unique, European-style waffle that are caramelized on the outside and chewy on the inside. Be warned: these are so delicious, you will be ruined for any other kind of waffle.
Welcome to the wonderful world of waffles! Liege waffles differ from “normal” and even Belgium waffles. They are made with a thick, bread-like batter that uses yeast as a leavening agent. These unique waffles end up caramelized and crispy on the outside and chewy and sweet on the inside.
Liege waffles call for a unique kind of sugar called Belgian Pearl Sugar—also called nib sugar. This sugar is meant to maintain its chunky structure when it is used in baking and cooking. Pearl sugar is often sprinkled atop European desserts, much like pretzel salt is sprinkled on soft pretzels. The beauty of what happens when you use pearl sugar in waffles is that is caramelizes on the outside and creates little bits of undissolved sugar on the chewy inside. The result is a unique and fantastic flavor and texture.
Can I make the batter in advance as it takes a while to rise?
Yes. These take a little planning, from the purchase of the special sugar to the time it takes to prepare them. They are totally worth the effort and the wait. You can prepare the batter the day before and then refrigerate it, but make sure it finishes rising before you refrigerate it. You can also start the process in the morning and serve them as a dessert in the evening, the way the Belgians do.
Where can I find Belgian pearl sugar?
Belgian Pearl Sugar can be found in some specialty stores that carry ethnic and imported food items. You can also order it online from a number of places, like Amazon.
What toppings are good on Liege waffles?
Liege waffles are delicious eaten plain, or dusted in powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar, but they can also be topped with a variety of toppings for delicious variations on this fantastic dessert.
TOPPING SUGGESTIONS:
- Nutella
- Whipped Cream
- Cookie Butter (Biscoff)
- Ice Cream
- Fresh fruit (strawberries, raspberries, peaches, etc.)
- Cinnamon butter
- Lemon curd + raspberries
- Cinnamon sugar
- Caramel topping
PRO TIP: Waffles can be kept warm on a baking sheet in a 200 degree oven until all are cooked and ready to serve.
Can liege waffles be frozen and reheated in the toaster?
These are best made fresh, but if you have left-overs and would like a convenient breakfast treat in the future, they can be frozen and reheated in the microwave or toaster.
If you like this recipe, you may also enjoy some of these other breakfast treasures:
Watch the video below where Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, Facebook Watch, or our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.
I wasn’t going to make these because I didn’t have any Belgian pearl sugar but bam! I found some at our local market! I took the suggestion of another reader and substituted the water with whole milk. I was lazy and melted the butter and warmed the milk in the same pot. I wasn’t doing a good job in slowly adding the mixture as I was make a mess pouring from the pot. My dough was slightly thinner and not as smooth as the video on YouTube but I thought everything would come together with an overnight fermentation. The dough was smooth and thick the next morning. They waffles came out tasty and perfect! Thank you for the recipe.
Super easy and delicious.
I’m not a big breakfast person but these sound like a wonderful dessert. Would you have any thoughts on if these could also be made gluten free? Unfortunately my daughter is and I would love to make something like this special for her if possible.
These waffles are not european-style waffels, but real Liege Waffels. The name comes from the town where they were invented. Liege is located east of belgium close to the german border.
The waffle is a belgian invention and are very different per region.
Thats the reason that the waffels have a name to it to determine which kind of waffle it is, because they are very different from each other. By the way Brussels waffles are very good too.
But your receipe is very accurate asap I find the pearl sugar.
Thank you.
I have been trying to get more into cooking and I want to make liege waffles. I think that Liege Waffle Dough would be so helpful. I want to eat more Belgian waffles.
Just made dough for yet another batch batch of these wonderful waffles! This is my go to recipe for an afternoon treat. Only issue I have with the recipe is that it takes almost two hours from decision to make and eating……