Crunchy and fluffy Belgian waffles

These are by far the crunchiest waffles I have ever made.

The key was the yeast and also the prolonged rising time – resulting in a crisp surface and fluffy centre. They stayed crunchy for a long time too. Perfect for freezing and reheating in the toaster. This portion is good for making 6 large square waffles. Serves 12.

DSCF3937, a photo by michtsang on Flickr.

Ingredients
3 cups lukewarm milk
12 tablespoons butter (about 120g), melted
6 tablespoons maple syrup
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla paste
4 large eggs
4 cups plain flour
3 teaspoons instant yeast

1/2 cup milk extra

Directions

1. Combine the milk, butter, maple syrup, salt and vanilla paste in a mixer; whisk on a medium speed and add the eggs in one by one. Add in the sifted flour and yeast, whisk until combined. Lumps are fine.

2. Pour it into a large tall plastic box, leaving room for expansion; the mixture will bubble and grow.

3. Slightly cover with plastic wrap or the lid of the box and let rest at room temperature for at least 1 hour; the mixture will begin to bubble. Make sure the box you are using is big enough – I used a box that allows for the mixture to triple in size 😅.

4. You can cook the waffles at this point, or leave it out for another 2 hours and then refrigerate the batter overnight (covered tightly) to cook waffles the next day. They will be extra crunchy this way.

5. Just before you are ready to cook it, check the consistency of the batter. If it is very thick, add the extra 1/2 cup of milk and mix.

6. Preheat your waffle iron. I used a nordicware iron so that means heating it on the stove top. Spray with non-stick vegetable oil spray, and pour 1 cup batter (or the amount recommended by the manufacturer) onto the center of the iron, making sure it covers all spaces. Close the lid and flip over, cooking this side for at least 2 minutes until this side of the waffle is golden brown. Flip over to the other side, and cook for a similar amount of time. It took me 5 to 6 minutes for each waffle to cook.

7. Adjust the heat if it is browning your waffles too quickly. I maintained mine on a medium-high power.

8. Place on a wire rack with lots of airing space below, and leave it to cool slightly.

9. Serve with chocolate sauce or maple syrup, if desired.

10. Perfect to freeze and reheat in a toaster when the moment of yearning for a crunchy waffle arrives.