📝 About This Recipe
Transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Brussels with this authentic Liège-style waffle, designed specifically for the breakfast-on-the-go lifestyle. Unlike standard batter waffles, these are crafted from a rich, brioche-like yeast dough studded with pearl sugar that caramelizes into a crunchy, golden shell. This 'hand-held' masterpiece requires no syrup, making it the ultimate premium fast-food breakfast that stays crispy and delicious until the very last bite.
🥗 Ingredients
The Dough Base
- 3 1/2 cups All-purpose flour (high quality, sifted)
- 3/4 cup Whole milk (warmed to 110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons Active dry yeast (one standard packet)
- 2 Large eggs (at room temperature, lightly beaten)
- 1 tablespoon Honey (to feed the yeast)
The Richness & Flavor
- 1 cup Unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla bean paste (or extract for deep floral notes)
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
The Signature Crunch
- 1 1/2 cups Belgian Pearl Sugar (Essential for the authentic crunch; do not substitute with granulated sugar)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In a small bowl, combine the warmed milk and honey. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top, stir gently, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
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2
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, add the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and the beaten eggs.
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3
Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. Increase to medium speed and knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
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4
With the mixer on low, add the softened butter one tablespoon at a time. Ensure each piece is fully incorporated before adding the next. This will create a silky, brioche-like texture.
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5
Add the vanilla bean paste and cinnamon. Continue kneading for another 2-3 minutes. The dough will be very soft and slightly sticky.
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6
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 60 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
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7
Gently deflate the dough by pressing down on it. Fold in the Belgian pearl sugar by hand using a spatula, ensuring the sugar pearls are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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8
Divide the dough into 8 to 10 equal-sized balls (roughly 100g each). Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them rest for 15 minutes.
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9
Preheat your heavy-duty Belgian waffle iron to medium-low heat. Do not go too hot, or the sugar will burn before the dough is cooked through.
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10
Place one dough ball in the center of the waffle iron. Close the lid and cook for 3-4 minutes. The exterior should be deep golden brown and the sugar should be visibly caramelized.
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11
Carefully remove the waffle using a fork or tongs—the molten sugar is extremely hot! Place on a wire rack for 1-2 minutes to allow the sugar coating to harden into a crisp shell.
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12
Repeat with the remaining dough balls. If serving 'to-go', wrap the base of the warm waffle in a square of parchment paper or a wax paper sleeve.
💡 Chef's Tips
Use authentic Belgian Pearl Sugar; regular sugar will melt completely and ruin the texture. Ensure your butter is truly room temperature so it emulsifies properly into the dough without clumping. If the waffle iron gets too much sticky buildup, cook a 'cleaning' piece of plain bread between batches to soak up excess caramel. For the best flavor, let the dough rise in the refrigerator overnight; the cold ferment develops a deeper, complex taste. Avoid high heat on your waffle iron, as the sugar burns at 350°F, potentially leaving the inside raw.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve plain in a paper sleeve for the ultimate authentic street-food experience. Pair with a hot, bitter Espresso or a Café au Lait to balance the sweetness of the caramel. For a decadent twist, dip one half of the cooled waffle into melted dark chocolate. Serve alongside fresh strawberries or tart raspberries to cut through the buttery richness. If eating at home, a small dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a luxurious touch.