Easy Buttermilk Waffle Recipe – Fluffy & Golden Brown

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Buttermilk Waffle Recipe – Fluffy & Golden Brown

Hey everyone! There’s just something about a lazy weekend morning and a stack of warm, fluffy waffles, isn’t there? I remember making these for my family when the kids were little, and the smell alone would get everyone out of bed! This buttermilk waffle recipe is a classic for a reason – it’s simple, reliable, and always delivers the perfect golden-brown waffle. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any waffle recipe. It’s the kind that becomes a family favourite. It’s quick to whip up, uses ingredients you probably already have, and results in waffles that are light, airy, and utterly delicious. Seriously, once you try these, you’ll ditch the boxed mixes forever! Plus, it’s super versatile – we’ll talk about tons of fun variations later.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing waffles:

• 1 cup plain flour (about 120g)
• 2 tbsp sugar (about 25g)
• 1 cup buttermilk (240ml)
• 1 egg
• 0.5 tbsp baking powder (about 7g)
• 0.5 tsp baking soda (about 2.5g)
• 0.5 tsp salt (about 2.5g)
• 2 tbsp cooking oil (about 30ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s chat about a few key ingredients to make sure your waffles turn out perfectly!

• Buttermilk is the star: Don’t skip it! Buttermilk’s acidity reacts with the baking soda, creating those lovely, light, and fluffy waffles. It also adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
• Oil Choices: I usually use a neutral-flavored oil like canola or vegetable oil. But feel free to experiment! Melted coconut oil adds a subtle coconut flavour, or even a little melted butter can add richness.
• Flour Power: All-purpose flour works beautifully here. You can also try using whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavour, but you might need to add a touch more liquid.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get to the fun part!

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, buttermilk, egg, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and oil.
2. Gently mix everything together until just combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are okay – overmixing develops the gluten and can make your waffles tough.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg white until stiff peaks form. This is where a little elbow grease comes in, or you can use an electric mixer.
4. Gently fold the beaten egg white into the batter. Be careful not to deflate the egg whites – this is what gives the waffles their fluffiness.
5. Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a little oil.
6. Pour about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of batter onto the hot waffle iron (depending on the size of your iron).
7. Cook for about 3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve immediately with your favourite toppings!

Expert Tips

• Don’t peek! Resist the urge to open the waffle iron before the timer goes off. Let it do its thing!
• Keep it warm: If you’re making a big batch, keep the cooked waffles warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven on a wire rack. This will keep them crispy.
• Batter Consistency: The batter should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of buttermilk at a time until you reach the right consistency.

Variations

This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes) and use plant-based buttermilk (soy, almond, or oat milk with 1 tsp lemon juice).
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I like Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour.
• Spice Level: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, cozy flavour. My grandma always added a pinch of nutmeg!
• Brunch Adaptations: Get savoury! Add chopped chives, shredded cheese, or even a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning to the batter. Serve with fried chicken, avocado, or a fried egg.

Serving Suggestions

Waffles are amazing on their own, but the toppings are where you can really shine! Here are a few of my favourites:

• Classic maple syrup and butter
• Fresh berries and whipped cream
• Powdered sugar and a drizzle of chocolate sauce
• Sliced bananas and peanut butter
• A dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola

Storage Instructions

If you have any leftover waffles (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

• Can I make the waffle batter ahead of time? Yes, you can! Prepare the batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You might need to whisk it gently before using.
• What is the best way to prevent sticky waffles? Make sure your waffle iron is properly greased and preheated.
• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk? You can, but your waffles won’t be as fluffy or tangy. Use the buttermilk substitute mentioned in the ingredient notes.
• How do I adjust the sweetness of the waffles? Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more if you prefer sweeter waffles.
• What’s the best way to reheat leftover waffles? Pop them in the toaster or a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy.

Enjoy your waffles! I hope this recipe brings a little sunshine to your kitchen. Let me know in the comments how they turn out!