Learn to make simple homemade waffle batter from scratch for perfectly crispy waffles! They’re fluffy on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside, and you can freeze any extras for a quick breakfast. Plus, this recipe uses just a handful of ingredients you likely already have on hand!

three homemade waffles in a stack with butter on top

The Secret to Crisp Waffles

Have you ever wondered what gives waffles that irresistible light and airy texture with a perfect crisp?

Separate the egg whites (LEARN HO W) from the yolks for fluffy waffles with a crispy crust. Beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until they form stiff peaks (hold their shape when you lift the beaters). Gently fold these fluffy whites into your waffle batter. This step adds air to the batter, resulting in light and airy waffles with a delightful crunch on the outside.

Don’t skip this step! Separating the egg whites is the key to making this homemade waffle batter recipe!

Ingredients

Ditch the store-bought waffle mix and make these incredibly easy homemade waffles with these simple ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: The base of your waffles, providing structure
Baking Powder: The leavening agent that creates air bubbles, ensuring they rise beautifully for a light and fluffy texture.
Salt: A small amount enhances the overall flavor.
Whole Milk (preferred): While other milks can work, whole milk adds richness and helps them cook up with a soft and tender interior.
Eggs (room temperature and separated): Separating the eggs allows you to beat the whites to stiff peaks, incorporating air for extra lift.
Melted Butter: Adds a buttery flavor and richness. Additionally, it helps crisp up the edges during cooking.
Pure Vanilla: A small amount of vanilla extract adds flavor.

Special Tools (affiliate links): Waffle Iron | Egg Separator | Electric Mixer | Mixing Bowls

an above view looking down on a stack of waffles with strawberries in the background

How to Make Homemade Waffle Batter

Here are the step-by-step instructions for making these easy waffles:

Plug in your waffle iron and turn it on to preheat.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Carefully crack the eggs, separating the yolks from the whites.
Using an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form. This means that when you lift the whisk, the peaks hold their shape and don’t droop.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vanilla and egg yolks.
Pour the milk and egg yolk mixture into the dry ingredients. Whisk to combine the ingredients. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are okay.
Stir in the slightly cooled melted butter.
Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter. Leave little fluffs of them showing in the batter.
Pour enough batter onto the center of the lower grid to spread to about 1 inch from the edges. Gently close the lid and don’t open it while the waffle cooks.
Cook according to your waffle iron’s instructions. For those with adjustable waffle irons, a higher heat setting will create crispier waffles.
Carefully remove the waffle from the iron with a fork and place it on a cooling rack to cool or serve warm. Repeat steps 8-10 to cook the remaining batter, preheating your waffle iron between batches.

three waffles in a stack with butter on top and maple syrup drizzled down the sides.

How to Serve Waffles

Maple syrup: A timeless favorite for a reason! The sweetness pairs perfectly with the fluffy texture of waffles.
Homemade syrup: Whip up a batch of my favorite homemade syrup recipe for a truly special touch.
Whipped cream: The perfect addition that adds a creamy touch.
Fresh fruit: Berries, sliced bananas, peaches, or mangoes are all excellent choices.
Chocolate sauce: Perfect for chocolate lovers. Drizzle it over or serve it on the side for dipping.
Powdered sugar: A simple topping that adds a touch of sweetness.
Peanut butter: Creamy or chunky, peanut butter adds a nutty flavor and protein boost.

Recipe Tips for Crisp Waffles

Here are some extra tips to take your homemade waffles from good to great:

Eggs: Using room temperature eggs will help them incorporate more easily into the batter.
Crispy on the Outside, Fluffy on the Inside: For waffles that stay crisp, place your cooked waffles on a wire rack instead of stacking them on a plate.
Reheat Your Iron: Between batches, make sure your waffle iron reheats properly for consistent results.
Separate Eggs: Separating and beating the egg whites incorporates air, resulting in light and fluffy waffles.
Lumpy: Don’t stress about a few lumps in your batter.
Filling the Waffle Iron: Use enough batter to almost fill the waffle iron. It will expand slightly and cook evenly to the edges.

FAQs

What is the Secret to Making Good Waffles? The secret to making good waffles lies separating and beating egg whites.

Is Pancake and Waffle Mix the Same Thing? No, pancake mix and waffle mix aren’t the same. While they share some basic ingredients like flour, milk, and eggs, the proportions are different. Waffle mix typically has more sugar, fat (like butter or oil), and eggs compared to pancake mix.

Storing Leftover Waffles

Freeze: Freezing is a great option for longer storage. Let the waffles cool completely. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating Leftover Waffles: To reheat waffles, toast them in a toaster or toaster oven for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy.

What to Serve With Waffles for Breakfast

Here are simple breakfast ideas to serve with homemade waffles:

Bacon: The salty and savory flavors of bacon perfectly balance the sweetness of the waffles. (GRAB THE RECIPE)
Hash Browns: Pan-fried to golden perfection these are a classic breakfast companion. (GRAB THE RECIPE)
Chocolate Milk: A must-have drink that complements the sweetness of the waffles. (GRAB THE RECIPE)

Homemade Waffle Batter Recipe for Perfectly Crisp and Fluffy Waffles

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 5

Total Time 20

Serving Size 10 waffles

Equipment

1 Waffle Iron

Ingredients

2 cups all purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups whole milk
4 eggs, separated
1 cup melted butter, slightly cooled
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

Plug in your waffle iron and turn it on to preheat.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Carefully crack the eggs, separating the yolks from the whites.
Using an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form. This means that when you lift the whisk, the peaks hold their shape and don’t droop.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vanilla and egg yolks.
Pour the milk and egg yolk mixture into the dry ingredients. Whisk to combine the ingredients. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are okay.
Stir in the slightly cooled melted butter.
Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter. Leave little fluffs of them showing in the batter.
Pour enough batter onto the center of the lower grid to spread to about 1 inch from the edges. Gently close the lid and don’t open it while the waffle cooks.
Cook according to your waffle iron’s instructions. For those with adjustable waffle irons, a higher heat setting will create crispier waffles.
Carefully remove the waffle from the iron with a fork and place it on a cooling rack to cool or serve warm. Repeat steps 8-10 to cook the remaining batter, preheating your waffle iron between batches.

Notes

Using room temperature eggs will help them incorporate more easily into the batter.
For waffles that stay crisp, place your cooked waffles on a wire rack instead of stacking them on a plate.
Between batches, make sure your waffle iron reheats properly for consistent results.
Separating and beating the egg whites incorporates air, resulting in light and fluffy waffles.
Don’t stress about a few lumps in your batter.

Filling the Waffle Iron: Use enough batter to almost fill the waffle iron. It will expand slightly and cook evenly to the edges.

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About Sarah

Wife. Mother. From-Scratch Cook. Homemaker.

I’m Sarah, the creator of Rocky Hedge Farm, where I share my love for simple living, homemade meals, and creating a cozy home. As a wife and mother, I’m passionate about slowing down, cooking from scratch, and finding joy in the everyday moments of life. From DIY projects and family-friendly recipes, I hope to inspire others to embrace a life rooted in simplicity and warmth.

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