Homemade Liège (Belgian) Waffles

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Homemade Liège (Belgian) Waffles

These decadent waffles taste like a cross between a waffle and a glazed doughnut, thanks to the use of Belgian pearl sugar. This sugar can be found in some baking aisles of specialty stores or even some grocery stores, and it can easily be purchased online or you can make it yourself!

Prep Time45

Cook Time10

Rising time2

Total Time2 55

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner

Cuisine: European

Servings:

Calories: 4251kcal

Author: Compliments: Cuisinart Double Belgian Waffle Maker Recipe Collection

Cost: Varies

Ingredients

3 tbsp granulated sugar
2 ¼ tspn active, dry yeast
⅓ cup warm whole milk
4 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
1 tspn kosher salt
6 large eggs, room temp
1½ tspn pure vanilla extract
4 sticks (1 pound) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly plus more for brushing
2 cups Belgian pearl sugar (SEE NOTE)

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk the granulated sugar and yeast into the warm water and milk. Let stand until foamy, about 5 to 10 minutes.
Put the flour and salt together in a large mixing bowl; whisk to combine (alternatively, this entire process can be prepared using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Follow the same guidelines that follow.) Make a well in the center of the bowl and add the yeast mixture. Using a hand mixer fitted with the beaters, mix on medium until shaggy, about 1 minute. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing for 20 seconds between each.
Combine the vanilla extract with the melted butter. While the mixer is running on low, gradually add the melted butter mixture until it is smooth (the batter will be thick and very sticky).
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow to rise in a wamr place until doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours (batter can be prepared to this point and then refrigerated overnight. Bring to room temperature before continuing with step 5.)
After the batter has rested, stir in the pearl sugar. Cover again and let rest for 15 minutes before cooking in the waffle maker.
Gently stir the batter to deflate. Preheat the waffle maker to a medium-high setting.
Scoop a cup of batter into the center of the waffle maker. When the waffles are ready, carefully open the waffle maker and remove the baked waffle.
For best results, serve immediately.

Notes

To make your own pearl sugar, combine 1½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) water in a large saucepan and stir so the sugar clumps into small bits. Cook over very low heat, stirring occasionally, 25 to 30 minutes.

The sugar should dry out but not caramelize. Pour the sugar onto a plate and let cool. Break up any large clumps with your fingers and sift through to collect 1 cup pea-size clumps, leaving smaller sugar granules behind.

Making the pearl sugar this way will produce more than required for the waffles, but the only way to get enough large clumps is to start with more sugar than you need.

Nutrition