Vanilla Bean Waffles. Just think on that for a while, whilst you gawp stare graciously at this picture.
Light and fluffy inside, crispy and golden outer, these Vanilla Bean Waffles may just about be the best invention for breakfast, since sliced bread got a one-up and became toast!
I have wanted a waffle maker for longer than I care to remember. This in itself is kind of odd, seeing as I’ve never eaten a waffle before in my life! Let alone made one. Yet after watching Diners, Drive-ins and Dives on Food Network UK, where Guy Fieri travels around the U.S. visiting various eating establishments. Since seeing all the incredible waffles sold all over the U.S.A I have been craving them. While I haven’t ever bought them pre-made from the supermarket, or even eaten them at a cafe or restaurant, I wanted to make them.
Homemade Food Tastes Better
It’s a little thing of mine, if I can buy it I want to make it. With only a couple of exceptions, don’t mention the croissants homemade always tastes better than pre-made, packaged, mass produced, supermarket produce.
Please don’t misunderstand me? I really couldn’t manage without the convenience of my weekly online grocery shop, especially as I cannot drive at the moment. Rather, it is simply that, fresh from the Waffle iron, these Vanilla Bean Waffles are a million miles away from their shop bought counterpart. Plus you can switch up what you add to them.
Fortunately our daughter has eaten (and loves) shop bought waffles. Her verdict after eating two Vanilla Bean Waffles was a firm 10 out of 10 and “so much better than any I’ve eaten before” verdict. And that response was thrilling. She can be a tough cookie and 8.5 out of 10 is usually the highest she goes! So I knew I’d struck gold with this recipe.
Served warm with a dusting of icing sugar, super fragrant strawberries and a swirl of cream to seal the deal, the plate you see above was my lunch.
Oh boy. Why have I waited so long? All these years I’ve been missing out on the absolute, utter deliciousness of homemade waffles. Plus I was pretty pleased that I’d managed to nail the recipe on my first attempt!
Back to the waffles. You must try these. Seriously, even if you’re not the worlds greatest cook, with this recipe and a trusted Andrew James Belgian Waffle Maker, you can’t go wrong.
Note: It is always recommended that you read through the entire recipe before proceeding. This applies to all recipes on this site and in general.
Recipe: Makes 10 Vanilla Bean Waffles
This recipe assumes that you have read the waffle maker’s instruction booklet and carried out any pre-treatment required. Mine was simple to wipe over the non stick plates with a clean, damp cloth.
- 120g Unsalted Butter
- 3 Large Free Range Eggs
- 150ml/5fl oz Whole Milk
- 1tsp Vanilla Bean Paste – I use Nielsen-Massey
- 30g/2tbsp Caster Sugar
- 225g/8oz Plain Flour – Self Raising can be substituted, omit the baking powder
- 2tsp Baking Powder
- 1/8tsp Salt – I use Maldon-sea salt
Method:
Making The Waffle Batter
- First of all place the unsalted butter into a small saucepan on a low – medium heat. Allow the butter to completely melt. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
- While the butter is cooling crack the eggs into a large bowl. Give them a quick whisk.
- Add the milk, sugar and vanilla bean paste to the eggs and lightly whisk to combine.
- Once cooled weigh 100g of the melted butter into the egg, milk, sugar, vanilla bean paste mixture and whisk briefly to combine (wet ingredients).
- Weigh the flour and sift along with the baking powder and salt into the bowl containing the wet ingredients.
- Gently mix both the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined – over mixing will lead to tough waffles.
Prepping The Waffle Maker
- While the Waffle Maker is switched off brush the melted butter so that it completely covers each of the waffle plates.
- Close the waffle maker and switch on. For the Andrew James Belgian Waffle Maker it is ready to cook with when the green ‘ready’ light illuminates.
- Using oven gloves, to protect your hands, as the top of the waffle make plus the waffle plates get very hot, press the button and open the waffle maker.
- Use an American 1/4 cup measure (50ml – 2 heaped tablespoons).
- Close the lid of the waffle maker and set a timer for 5 minutes.
- Ensure the room is well ventilated as the cooking process produces steam.
- I found 5 minutes to be the optimum time for cooking these Vanilla Bean Waffles in this waffle maker. Adjustments to time maybe needed if using a different brand.
- Really enjoy the smell as the waffles are cooking – don’t be surprised if your neighbours line up at your front door!
- After 5 minutes, wearing oven gloves, press the button to release the lid of the waffle maker.
- Use a wooden spatula to help remove the waffles from the plates. They come away really easily. Most importantly do not use anything metallic to remove the waffles as it could scratch the non stick coating on the waffle plates.
- Repeat adding 1/4 cup (50mls) as before to each plate.
- Continue until all the waffle batter has been used.
- As soon as the last waffle has been removed switch the waffle maker off and leave to cool.
What I Added To The Waffles
Enjoy your Vanilla Bean Waffles however you want.
I added sliced strawberries, a dusting of icing sugar and some whipped cream. Our children reheated their waffles in the toaster, before adding various combinations of ice cream, Nutella and strawberries! What you put on yours is up to you. Flavoured fruit or spiced butters work well. Also a drizzle of maple syrup tastes amazing on these golden beauties.
They keep for up to 2 days in an airtight container and can be reheated in the toaster or oven. To freeze, ensure the waffles are completely cold then pack into zip lock bags or containers with an airtight lid. Keep for one month in the freezer.
For a first attempt at waffle making I am surprised and pleased with how easy it is. I would happily make these at weekends, invite some friends over for a breakfast party.
Oh wow how much fun would that be?
However you enjoy your waffles, I really hope I have inspired you to have a go and make some at home. They simply taste so unbelievably good.
Vanilla Bean Waffles perfect for feasting, sharing and having fun!
If you have enjoyed making these Vanilla Bean Waffles you may also like these recipes:
Since discovering the deliciousness and versatility of homemade waffles, weekend brunches in our house have become something we all look forward to. And while I have the waffle maker out it makes sense to double up the recipe and freeze some for another day. Also, if you prefer savoury toppings on your waffles, simply leave the vanilla bean paste out of the recipe. Alternatively you could make some plain waffles and then add some vanilla for a sweeter version. Finally, to reheat cold waffles, simply pop them in the toaster.
So, whatever you are making, baking and creating in your kitchens, have fun preparing and sharing your feast.
Sammie xx
The Andrew James Belgian Waffle Maker was provided for the purposes of review. All opinions, recipes and content are my own. Please see my Disclosure Policy.