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    Home » Recipes » German Dessert Recipes

    German Waffles

    Published: Aug 7, 2018 · Modified: Nov 8, 2022 by Angela Schofield ·

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    If you haven't had a German waffle, you're missing out. They're fluffy, airy, and delicious. You can serve them with a variety of fruit compotes, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce - or keep it simple with powdered sugar. No matter how you eat them, German waffles are a treat worth trying.

    Waffles are the unsung heroes of every German home! Nothing beats waking up on a Saturday morning and stumbling out of bed to a decadent plate of freshly made waffles slathered with homemade apple compote, cinnamon, and a generous dollop of whipped cream. They are, however, more than just a weekend breakfast treat. Scroll down to see what meals Germans enjoy eating these pillowy treats with.

    German waffle with cherry compote and whipped cream on a white plate.

    If you love desserts, you need to check out my ultimate list for the Best German Desserts. I am pretty sure you will find some new favorites.

    Jump to:
    • Cultural Background
    • Ingredients & Substitutes
    • Instructions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Top Tip
    • How to Serve
    • Recipe
    • Frequently Asked Questions

    Cultural Background

    Waffles are less common for breakfast in Germany. They are more commonly consumed as a dessert, snack, or as a substitute for cake at the famous German coffee hour.

    In some areas of southern Germany, waffles are the go-to lunch on Saturdays. The quick and easy lunch is not only budget friendly but also a lot of fun for the whole family.

    Waffles are also a must-have item at any German fairground, Oktoberfest, or Christmas markets. The popular treat is served in a variety of delicious tasty ways.

    How are waffles called in German?

    The German word for waffle is "Waffel". Die Waffel (f) in singular and die Waffeln (f) in plural.

    How to pronounce "Waffel" the correct way in German?

    Listen to this audio file to hear how to say "Waffel" the right way.

    Click the play button to listen to the audio file.

    Ingredients & Substitutes

    German waffles have simple ingredients that are similar to other international waffle recipes.

    German waffle ingredients: all-purpose flour, milk, eggs, butter, salt, sugar, baking powder and vanilla extract.
    • Flour - I prefer plain all-purpose flour. However, this recipe can also be made with other flours. If you substitute whole wheat flour or spelt flour, you may need to adjust the amount of milk.
    • Baking Powder - this recipe calls for baking powder and can not be substituted for baking soda, as it would alter the texture and taste of the waffles.
    • Butter - great German waffles are always made with real, high-quality butter. This will yield the best buttery waffle with an incredible texture. If you don't like butter, you can use margarine instead.
    • Eggs - I usually use large eggs in my recipes. If you have only small or medium eggs on hand, you might need to adjust the amount of milk.
    • Milk - use whole milk for the best results. If you are concerned about the fat content, you can use 2% milk instead. Nonfat milk is not something I would recommend. You can also substitute plant-based milk for cow milk, such as coconut milk or almond milk.
    • Sugar - You may notice that German recipes use less sugar than American recipes. If that isn't sweet enough for you, please adjust the amount of sugar to your liking.
    • Vanilla Extract - Vanilla sugar is commonly used in waffle recipes in Germany. However, vanilla sugar is not widely available in many parts of the world, so I modified this recipe to use vanilla extract instead.
    • Salt - A generous pinch of salt complements the flavor of the waffles. Don't worry about the waffles not tasting salty.

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Instructions

    Making German waffles is simple and straightforward, but one simple extra step is the key to the amazing texture.

    German waffle recipe step 1: egg whites beat to stiff peaks in a teal bowl.

    Separate the egg whites and yolks into two separate mixing bowls and beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.

    German waffle recipe step 2: beating egg yolks with sugar in a pink bowl.

    Add the vanilla sugar and sugar to the egg yolks and whisk on high speed until the mixture is fluffy and light.

    German waffle recipe step 3: adding milk to waffle mix in a pink bowl.

    Melt the butter and add it with the milk to the egg yolk mixture. Make sure that the melted butter is not too hot.

    German waffle recipe step 4: beating waffle mix with a red hand mixer in a pink bowl.

    Mix the baking powder and the flour in a separate bowl. Add the flour to the batter spoon by spoon while mixing on low speed.

    German waffle recipe step 5: folding stiff egg whites into waffle batter in a pink bowl.

    While the waffle iron is heating, fold the egg whites into the waffle batter.

    German waffle recipe step 6: adding waffle batter to a waffle iron with a ladle.

    Brush both sides of the waffle iron with butter. Add one ladle of waffle batter to the waffle iron and bake until golden and crispy. Repeat these steps until all the batter is gone.

    Hint: Keep the already baked waffles warm on a plate by placing them in a preheated oven set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Variations

    Give the dish a special touch.

    • Cinnamon - to give the waffles an extra flavor boost, add a teaspoon of cinnamon powder to the batter.
    • Rum - for an adult version of this German waffle, flavor the batter with a tablespoon of rum or Kirschwasser (German cherry brandy).
    Vanilla ice cream with cherry compote, whipped cream and a piece of German waffle.

    Equipment

    These kitchen tools are required to make this recipe.

    • two medium sized mixing bowls
    • measuring cups and spoons
    • stand mixer or hand mixer with whisk attachment
    • ladle
    • pastry brush

    Storage

    Raw waffle batter can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Baked waffles should be stored in a tin wrapped in a piece of aluminum foil. To reheat the waffles, use a toaster instead of the microwave, as the microwave will make them soggy.

    German waffle with apple sauce and powdered sugar.

    Top Tip

    A German waffle bar complements any breakfast or brunch. It also makes an excellent dessert bar for any wedding or baby shower. They will be also popular for all age groups at your Oktoberfest celebration party when arranged with various toppings.

    How to Serve

    German waffles are served with a large variety of topping. Fruit compotes, apple sauce, jam, whipped cream, hazelnut spread, chocolate or vanilla sauce, or just powdered sugar are the most popular variations. One of my favorite toppings is this tipsy Black forest cherry compote.

    German waffles are also wonderful served with vanilla ice cream and a generous dollop of whipped cream. Make this dessert even more decadent by adding your favorite caramel, strawberry or chocolate sauce.

    Recipe

    German waffle with cherry compote and whipped cream on a white plate.

    German Waffles

    Angela Schofield
    German waffles are a delicious breakfast, snack, or dessert.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Share on Facebook Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Breakfast, Desserts, Snacks
    Cuisine German
    Servings 4 Waffles
    Calories 590 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 2 tsp. baking powder
    • 1 pinch salt
    • ¼ cup sugar
    • 2 eggs
    • ½ cup melted butter
    • 2 cups milk
    • 1 tsp. vanilla extract

    Instructions
     

    • Separate egg whites and yolks into two bowls.
    • Beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until it forms stiff peaks.
    • Beat egg yolks, sugar and vanilla extract until fluffy and light.
    • Mix melted butter with milk, and add to egg yolks while beating on medium-high speed.
    • Add flour and baking powder to another bowl and blend. Add to the egg yolk mixture a couple of tablespoons at a time.
    • Fold in egg whites.
    • Bake batter in a waffle maker until golden brown.

    Nutrition

    Yield: 1waffleCalories: 590kcalCarbohydrates: 67gProtein: 13gFat: 30gFiber: 2gSugar: 19gNet Carbohydrates: 66g
    Keyword easy
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are Belgian waffles from Germany?

    According to the Brothers Grimm's German dictionary the waffle is an ancient Lower Franconian festive and fasting pastry like Krapfen and Strauben. The recipe for waffles was brought from France by the Franconians and gradually spread throughout Germany.

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    Angela framed by German landscape

    Guten Tag, I'm Angela,
    Herzlich willkommen! I'm glad you've stopped by.

    It is a joy to share with you some of my all-time favorite authentic German recipes and tell you a little bit about the cultural background of my home country, Germany.

    More about me →

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