What Makes A Belgian Waffle Different From A Regular Waffle?
Welcome to the world of waffles! You know, those yummy breakfast and dessert treats? Well, among all the different kinds, there’s one that stands out and is loved by many – the Belgian waffle.
It’s not your usual waffle, oh no! It’s special because it’s different in how it feels, looks, and tastes. Touted for its enchanting texture, captivating appearance, and irresistible taste, the Belgian waffle holds a special place in the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide.
But what sets this delightful creation apart from its traditional counterparts? Belgian waffles are distinct from regular waffles in a few key ways, mainly related to their ingredients, texture, and appearance.
Belgian Waffle & Its History
The Belgian waffles are typically thicker than the American waffles. A yeasted batter and crunchy pearl sugar are used to make these Belgian beauties.
With their extra-deep pockets, Belgian waffles are perfect for stuffing with butter, jam, maple syrup, and whipped cream.
The crispy outside and fluffy inside texture of these cookies is sometimes achieved by using egg whites. There is a lovely golden exterior that gives way to a light, airy interior.
History tells us that flat cakes were roasted with metal plates attached to a long handle in ancient Greece.
Through the centuries, waffles and how they are made have evolved and changed. A grid pattern that is now intrinsic to waffles was first used by Dutch waffle makers around the 15th century.
It is said that it was a way for cooks to cover a larger surface with less batter. We don’t know for sure, but this could be the beginning of the waffle grooves we recognize today.
Factors That Make Belgian Waffle Different From A Regular Waffle
Here are some factors that make Belgian waffles different:
Batter
Belgian waffles typically use a yeast-based batter, which allows the waffle to rise and become light and fluffy. On the other hand, traditional American waffles usually use a baking powder-based batter.
Texture
Belgian waffles have a crispier and fluffier texture compared to regular waffles. This is due to the yeast in the batter creating air pockets during cooking, resulting in a light and airy interior while maintaining a crispy outer shell.
Size and Shape
Belgian waffles are larger and have deeper pockets or indentations, which are perfect for holding toppings like syrup, whipped cream, fruits, or even ice cream. American waffles tend to be smaller and thinner.
Sugar
Some Belgian waffle recipes include pearl sugar, which caramelizes during cooking, creating a slightly sweet and crunchy texture on the outside of the waffle.
Waffle Iron
The waffle irons used to make Belgian waffles typically have larger grids, producing the characteristic deep pockets in the waffles.
Toppings
Belgian waffles are often served with various toppings and garnishes like powdered sugar, chocolate sauce, fruit compotes, whipped cream, or ice cream, making them a popular dessert option.
It’s essential to note that there are many regional variations and interpretations of waffles worldwide, and the differences mentioned above are not absolute.
Some Belgian waffle recipes may be more similar to American waffles, depending on the ingredients and preparation methods used.
The variation in waffle types adds to the richness and diversity of this beloved breakfast and dessert treat.
The Authentic Taste of Belgian Waffles
An old legend states that the chef of the Prince of Liege gave the Prince a waffle covered in caramelized sugar, which was a big hit.
It was the very first Liege waffle, a popular waffle variety in Belgium. Liege waffles and Brussels waffles are the two most common types of waffles in Belgium.
Visitors could buy a light, sweet waffle for $1 at the 1964 World’s Fair in Queens, New York, either plain or topped with strawberries and fluffy whipped cream.
It didn’t take long for these Belgian waffles to become one of the biggest hits at the fair, since they were used to denser, heavier American waffles.
People didn’t quite understand the difference between Brussels Waffles and Belgian Waffles, so they rebranded them as Belgian Waffles. In the past few decades, Americans have become increasingly enamored with all things Belgian waffle.
What Turns A Regular Waffle Into An Authentic Belgian Waffle?
Ah, that’s a great question! Belgian waffles are made of brioche dough, unlike regular waffles that are made from pancake batter.
Waffles made from Belgian pearl sugar have a unique texture and a satisfying crunch because of the pearl sugar. Furthermore, Belgian waffles are incredibly light, which makes them even more delicious.
An interesting fact about Belgian waffles: they’re usually eaten with your hands, not with a fork and knife. The way we see it, it’s also more fun.
Belgian Boys’ Chocolate Coated Belgian Waffles are made of brioche dough with pearl sugar mixed in, topped with rich Belgian chocolate and are sure to be a big hit with chocolate lovers. A scoop of vanilla gelato can be topped on them for a sweet treat.
How to Get an Authentic Belgian Waffle
Go to Brussels. Considering how open the world is becoming, this option may soon become a reality. There are multiple waffle shops on many Brussels streets.
It’s like looking for pizza in New York City or gelato in Rome when you’re in Brussels looking for waffles. A dusting of powdered sugar is all Belgian waffle purists need to enjoy their waffles.
If you want to experience waffles in their purest form, we recommend trying a few this way. For those who love chocolate, caramel, Nutella, all sorts of fresh fruit, and whipped cream, don’t skip them.
Make an Authentic Belgian Waffle Recipe
Are you having a lazy Sunday morning with a waffle iron? You can make your own waffles from scratch. Belgian waffles require a special waffle iron, so you won’t get a 100% genuine Belgian waffle, but you’ll be close.
A waffle mix is an easy way to get the warm waffle iron satisfaction without all the mess and mixing.
Can You Make Belgian Waffles In A Regular Waffle Maker?
It is not possible to make Belgian waffles with a regular waffle maker. To make authentic Belgian waffles, you need a Belgian-style waffle iron.
There is a deeper grid pattern on these Belgian waffle irons than on a regular waffle maker. Regular waffle makers pour batter into the machine and close the lid.
The batter is poured into a Belgian waffle maker, the lid is closed, and the waffle maker is flipped over to cook. Belgian waffles can only be made with a Belgian-style waffle maker.
Is Belgian Waffle Mix The Same As Waffle Mix?
In addition to flour, milk, eggs, butter or oil, both regular waffles and Belgian waffles have the same ingredients. A fluffier texture is achieved with Belgian waffles by using egg whites.
Moreover, Belgian waffles are made with yeast instead of baking powder, in contrast to regular waffles.
Belgian waffle mixes are also different from regular waffle mixes because regular waffles are often made with buttermilk whereas Belgian waffles are not.
The batter in Belgian waffles is also sweeter than that of regular waffles (almost twice as much sugar!).
What Are The Two Types Of Belgian Waffles?
Brussels waffles and Liege waffles are both types of Belgian waffles. As the same variety of waffle that was introduced to America, the Brussels waffle is what comes to mind when you hear the term “Belgian waffle.”
A Liege waffle contains clusters of pearl sugar that caramelize during baking. They are thicker in batter and have uneven edges (similar to bread).
Why Do Belgian Waffles Need To Be Flipped?
Those who have used Belgian waffle makers know that they flip the waffles over as they cook. There are two reasons for this.
In the first place, it aids in spreading out the batter evenly. Furthermore, it speeds up the cooking process!
So, Which Is Better?
You get to decide which waffle is the best, just like with any food! There are some people who prefer thin waffles.
Belgian waffles are popular with some because their deep pockets can hold a lot of tasty toppings. How about you? Which one is your favorite?
Final Words
Waffles from Belgium are more popular because of their deep square pockets that can be filled with butter, jam, or maple syrup, while regular waffles are thinner, and do not usually have the same yeasted batter.
