Clean Eating Belgian Waffles Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Are Belgian waffles healthy? ›

Let's be honest: Waffles may be delicious, but they aren't exactly good for you. They're usually made with ingredients that nutritionists say to limit, such as white flour, butter, and lots of sugar. A Belgian waffle from IHOP, for example, has 590 calories, 29 grams of fat, and 17 grams of sugars.

Belgian waffles are usually thicker than their American counterparts. These Belgian beauties are made with a recipe that includes yeasted batter and crunchy pearl sugar. Belgian waffles have extra-deep pockets—the better for filling with butter, jam, maple syrup, or whipped cream.

Many Belgians are waffle purists, enjoying them with nothing but a dusting of powdered sugar. We recommend trying a waffle or two this way to have the experience in its unadulterated form…but don't skip chocolate, caramel, Nutella, all sorts of fresh fruits, and whipped cream if that's your thing.

A 6-ounce waffle at Bob Evans “costs” 340 calories, while Denny's Belgian waffle platter will run you more than 600 calories — before adding syrup, butter or fruit. French toast, though, is typically the least healthy choice. Denny's French toast platter has more than 1,200 calories.

On average waffles are 14% fat, versus pancakes, which are 10%. Waffles contain less sugar at 2%, while pancakes press it up with 15%. Waffles are in the lead over pancakes with higher calorie, cholesterol, and salt figures. So, waffles are more likely to kill you, and that gives them an extra point.

Some waffle makers flip to ensure that the batter spreads evenly throughout the waffle maker. This also allows the waffles to cook much faster and contributes to a nice crisp, golden-brown exterior and fluffy-soft center.

These scrumptious Belgian waffles have a lovely crisp exterior with a light and fluffy inside. Top them with some whipped cream, maple syrup, and fresh berries and you're in for a treat.

Pancakes and waffles typically both contain baking soda, which causes them to rise. As soon as the baking soda is combined with the wet ingredients (which contain an acidic ingredient, like often buttermilk), it starts producing carbon dioxide gas bubbles that cause the batter to rise.

Legend has it that the Liège waffle originated when the Prince-Bishop of Liège made a special request to his chef, asking him to prepare a special pastry made with the newly introduced baking ingredient “pearl sugar.” This specialty sugar can only be found in Belgium and takes on its powerful flavor when it comes in ...

Belgian waffles vs regular waffles

The batter for Belgian waffles is also made a little differently by using a leavening agent or egg whites ( like I used in this recipe) to make the batter extra light and fluffy! The secret ingredient to get them extra crispy is the cornstarch! So there you have it, the more you know.

What is the difference between Dutch and Belgian waffles? ›

Belgian waffles taste more soft and crispy, while waffles in the Netherlands are made from a heavier batter with a chewy and sticky texture. Another prominent difference lies in the shapes used by Belgian and Dutch styles. The former is in the shape of rectangle and the latter is round.

Belgians traditionally eat their Brussels waffle with a little bit of butter and confectioner's sugar. Some like to add fruit on top of their waffle as well. Unlike most American Belgian waffles, you won't find a local slathering on syrup to their waffle either.

In Belgium, there are two main types of waffles, Brussels and Liege waffles. While Brussels waffles are eaten with a knife and fork, Liege waffles are generally eaten with the hands.

Indeed, the popularity of Brussels waffles has transcended Belgium's borders, becoming an internationnally recognized delicacy. In many countries, across Europe, North Americal, Asia, and Oceania, one can find specialized establishments selling Brussels waffles, Liege waffles, and other Belgian waffle varieties.

Waffle Woes

Whether you have diabetes or not, you'd be hard-pressed to find any nutrition expert who would classify waffles as healthy. That's because most waffle recipes don't have many good-for-you ingredients.