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If you’re looking for the most delicious Fluffy Waffle Recipe that uses simple ingredients, this one hits the right spot every time. Light, golden, and perfectly crispy on the outside!
I am a bit of a waffle connoisseur, and I am here to teach you all of the best-kept secrets about making the most amazing waffles. Not just any waffles, though – these are extra light, fluffy, and completely delicious homemade waffles, perfect for a sweet blueberry sauce!
The secret to achieving that perfect texture is separating the eggs and folding in stiffly beaten egg whites. While it might seem fussy, these extra few minutes of whisking the egg whites make all the difference between good and extraordinary waffles. You’ll end up with fluffy golden waffles!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Fluffy Waffle Recipe
- Recipe Ingredients
- Extra Light and Fluffy Waffle Recipe Recipe
- How To Make Extra Light and Fluffy Waffles
- Substitutions and Variations
- Recipe FAQs
- Expert Tips
- How to Make Fluffy Waffles
- What to Serve With Fluffy Waffles
- How to Clean a Waffle Iron
- How to Store Leftover Waffles
- Similar Recipes to Try
- More Waffle Recipes to Try
Why You’ll Love This Fluffy Waffle Recipe
- Perfect Texture: These waffles hit the sweet spot with a golden, crispy exterior that gives way to the most tender, fluffy interior.
- Versatile Recipe: While maple syrup is classic, these waffles are equally delicious topped with fresh berries and whipped cream, or paired with crispy fried chicken for a savory twist. The neutral base lets you get creative with toppings.
- Pantry Friendly: No specialty ingredients required for this easy waffle recipe – just flour, eggs, milk, and other basic staples you likely have on hand.
- Crowd Pleaser: From picky kids to discerning adults, everyone loves these made-from-scratch waffles. They’re perfect for lazy weekend breakfasts, special brunches, or even breakfast-for-dinner nights when you want something comforting and delicious.
🧇 Crispy waffles are always a win in our house — light, golden, and perfect for stacking high with all the syrup and toppings you can handle!
Recipe Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Eggs
- Oil — Any light vegetable oil will work.
- Milk
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Extra Light and Fluffy Waffle Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs, yolks and whites separated
- ½ cup oil
- 1 ¾ cups whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle iron as directed.
- In a medium mixing bowl, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk to combine. Make a small well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- In a second medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks.
- Add the egg yolks, oil, and milk to the well in the dry ingredients, and use the whisk to slowly combine the wet and dry ingredients. Stir well until very few lumps remain.
- Fold in the beaten egg whites, taking care not to over-mix.
- Pour the batter into your waffle iron according to manufacturer’s directions.
- When the waffle is done cooking, carefully place it on a wire rack to cool, taking care not to stack the waffles on top of each other. Repeat with remaining batter. (Store in a preheated 200° oven to keep warm if making a bigger batch.)
- Serve waffles hot with your favorite topping, such as buttermilk syrup, fruit, or whipped cream.
Notes
- Opting for oil over butter in the batter enhances the waffles’ exterior golden brown crispness while maintaining a moist and fluffy interior.
- Waffles aren’t just for breakfast! This is a perfect recipe to serve for dinner with either sweet or savory toppings.
- It’s best to use this batter right away as soon as it’s done mixing so the whipped egg whites don’t have time to deflate.
- Mix the batter until just combined—it’s okay if there are a few lumps. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tougher waffles instead of tender, fluffy ones.
Nutrition
How To Make Extra Light and Fluffy Waffles
- Preheat the waffle iron for 5-10 minutes, depending on your appliance.
- Use a whisk to combine the dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, making a well in the center.
- Beat the egg whites with a hand mixer in another medium bowl until they form stiff peaks.
- Add the wet ingredients EXCEPT the egg whites to the well of the dry ingredients, and combine slowly with a whisk until very few lumps remain.
- Fold in the beaten egg whites, taking care not to over-mix.
- Spray the hot waffle iron with non-stick sticking spray and pour in the batter according to the manufacturer’s directions.
- When the waffle is done cooking, place it on a wire rack to cool. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Serve the waffles hot with your favorite topping!
Substitutions and Variations
Buttermilk Waffles: Replace the regular milk with buttermilk for a tangier flavor and even more tender texture. The acid in buttermilk reacts with the baking powder for extra lift. You may need to reduce the baking powder slightly to 2 teaspoons if using buttermilk.
Whole Wheat Option: Substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition and a nuttier flavor. Going beyond half whole wheat can make the waffles dense, so I recommend starting with a 50/50 blend.
Add-In Ideas: Fold in chocolate chips, fresh blueberries, or chopped pecans just before cooking. Add these after folding in the egg whites to distribute them evenly without deflating the batter. About 1/2 to 3/4 cup of add-ins works perfectly.
Vanilla Extract: Add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the wet ingredients for an extra layer of flavor. This pairs especially well if you’re serving the waffles with fruit or whipped cream.
Cinnamon Sugar Waffles: Mix 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon into the dry ingredients for warmth and spice. These are particularly delicious topped with apple compote or cream cheese frosting.
Recipe FAQs
Even though these waffles are light and fluffy on the inside, they will normally get a slightly crispy exterior due to how they cook in the waffle iron. If you want extra crisp, place them on a wire rack in a 200°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes to make them extra toasty.
This is not a recipe where you need to let the waffles rest. I like to start cooking them when I have them mixed up so that the whipped egg whites don’t have time to deflate.
A good-quality waffle maker will allow you to get a well-cooked (and not soggy) waffle. Plus, do not stack your waffles once they’re done cooking! These traps steam between them, causing them to get moist and soggy—bleh. Let them cook on a wire rack with plenty of room to breathe.
Expert Tips
- Beat and Fold: Beating the egg whites and folding them in is a trick that will result in the most fluffy, puffy, and incredible waffles ever! This step seems kind of extra, but trust me—it makes a huge difference in the texture and taste of the waffles. It’s worth it 100%!
- Bulk Cooking: If you’re serving a crowd and want to eat all together, simply place cooked waffles directly on the rack of an oven heated to 200°F. This will prevent sogginess and everyone can dine together -WIN!
- Add-Ins: This recipe just begs you to add your favorite little bites of flavor, like mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, blueberries, coconut flakes, and more! Just add a half or full cup of whatever you love in waffles to the batter right before cooking.
- Hot Iron: Ensure your waffle iron is fully preheated before adding the batter. A properly heated iron promotes even cooking and contributes to a crisp outer layer.
- Don’t Skip the Wire Rack: This is the secret to maintaining crispy waffles. Placing warm waffles directly on a plate creates a steamy environment that softens the exterior. A wire rack allows air to circulate around the entire waffle, keeping it crispy until you’re ready to serve.
- Use Oil, Not Melted Butter: While butter adds flavor, oil creates a superior crispy texture because it doesn’t contain water or milk solids. The oil coats the flour proteins differently, resulting in a crunchier exterior. Trust me on this – it’s worth the trade-off!
- Work Quickly: Once you fold in the egg whites, get that batter into the waffle iron promptly. The whipped whites begin to deflate over time, so working efficiently ensures maximum fluffiness. Mix everything else first, heat your iron, then beat and fold the whites at the last minute.
- Avoid the Peek: Resist the urge to open your waffle iron mid-cooking. Opening too early releases steam and can cause the waffle to tear or cook unevenly. Wait until steam stops escaping from the sides or until your iron’s indicator light signals it’s ready.
How to Make Fluffy Waffles
To achieve exceptionally fluffy waffles, start by separating the eggs and beating the whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold these whipped egg whites into your batter. This technique incorporates air into the mixture, giving your waffles that signature light and airy texture.
What to Serve With Fluffy Waffles
Classic Sweet Toppings
Traditional maple syrup and butter are always winners, but don’t stop there. Try fresh berries with whipped cream, sliced bananas with peanut butter, or a dusting of powdered sugar with lemon zest. For special occasions, make a simple berry compote by simmering frozen berries with a bit of sugar.
Savory Options
These waffles are fantastic for dinner too! Top with fried chicken and honey for Nashville hot chicken and waffles, or go with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese for a complete breakfast plate. Creamed chipped beef or sausage gravy also make excellent savory toppings.
Sides That Complement
Serve alongside crispy bacon, breakfast sausage links, or turkey sausage patties. Fresh fruit salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich waffles. For brunch gatherings, offer a waffle bar with multiple topping options so everyone can customize their plate.
Beverages
Fresh-squeezed orange juice, hot coffee, or cold milk are traditional pairings. For special occasions, mimosas or bellinis add a festive touch to brunch. Hot chocolate is perfect for weekend family breakfasts, especially with kids.
How to Clean a Waffle Iron
Nobody wants to pull out a dirty waffle iron when it’s time to make waffles again. Cleaning the waffle iron is a good practice that only takes a couple of minutes and will preserve the life of your waffle iron.
The easiest way to clean a waffle iron:
- Unplug and let cool off until it’s just a bit warm.
- Use a paper towel or dishcloth to remove any oil, batter, or cooked-on bits.
- Dislodge any stuck-on gunk with a soft brush.
- Clean with a damp dishcloth and a very tiny amount of dish soap. Wipe with a cloth dampened with water to “rinse” any leftover residue.
- Let air dry or dry with a clean towel.
If you get into the habit of cleaning your waffle iron after every use, it will be a cinch to maintain!
How to Store Leftover Waffles
Storage and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature Waffle Storage
Waffles are best enjoyed fresh off the iron, but you can keep them warm for about 30 minutes by placing them on a wire rack in a 200°F oven. Don’t cover them or stack them, as this creates steam and softens the crispy exterior.
Refrigerator Waffle Storage
Cool waffles completely on a wire rack, then store in the fridge in an airtight container or zip-top bag with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in a toaster or toaster oven to restore crispiness – microwaving makes them soggy.
Freezing Waffles
These waffles freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Cool completely, then place in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Transfer frozen waffles to a freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Pop them straight from the freezer into your toaster for quick weekday breakfasts.
Waffle Make-Ahead Tips
You can mix the dry ingredients up to a week in advance and store in an airtight container. However, don’t make the batter ahead of time – the whipped egg whites deflate quickly, and the baking powder loses effectiveness once wet. For the best waffles, mix the batter fresh each time, which only takes about 10 minutes total.
Reheating Waffles for Best Results
The toaster or toaster oven is your best friend for reheating waffles while maintaining their crispy texture. Set to medium heat and toast until warmed through and crispy, usually 2-3 minutes. An air fryer also works wonderfully at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
Similar Recipes to Try
Fluffy Belgian Waffles — Another fluffy classic waffle recipe
Buttermilk Pancakes — The fluffiest and butteriest diner-style buttermilk pancakes
More Waffle Recipes to Try
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I love how fluffy it is :-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-)
In the beginning you say, let batter rest 10 minutes. Also, batter can be made night before.
In recipe, it says to make after mixing batter so whites don’t deflate.
You mention buttermilk and how to make substitution, but not in recipe ingredients.
Sorry for any confusion, This recipe does NOT require either resting the batter or buttermilk.
Excellent texture and a very clean taste!
Excellent! Very light which is thanks to egg whites being folded in. I added dash of vanilla & a little cinnamon. Perfect texture & freezes well
Very fluffy and soft.
This recipe turned out amazing! Hands down my new favorite waffle recipe.
AMAZING recipe!! I would recommend it to friends/family! I did use Cream of Tartar not baking powder, but still, AMAZING!! I will make it again! Thank you Melissa!!
oh I love these. I love your advice to make them crispy in the oven too! I always find it a tad hard to make super fluffy waffles that are also crispy, and stay crispy. The best solution I found was store bought fluffy waffles from https://shop.kodiakcakes.com/collections/toaster-waffles-flapjacks – but thanks to you, now i know! 🙂
These are super duper tasty!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the killer recipe!!!
Hooray! I love this recipe too!!!
I finally have my cast iron waffle maker cleaned and seasoned…which recipe to make first…this one or the cornmeal one? You’ve had me craving waffles all week!!!! I think I’m gonna have some fun with all of these and my waffle maker! Happy waffle week to ya!
What?! Is it electric or is it one you use over your stove or something? I’m intrigued!
Its old school…like 100 years old. They were made to be used on the wood cookstoves of the past….but can still function over an electric or gas burner. I’m so excited to master waffle making in it!!!
Ohhh that’s so cool! I’d love to see that in action!