These classic buttermilk waffles are easy to make and come out big, fluffy, and crisp every time. It's a must-have recipe for turning an ordinary breakfast into something extra-special. 

Whether you choose to top the waffles with the standard butter and syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, sprinkles, chocolate chips, or some combination… you are going to fall in love with this waffle recipe!

Two square waffles stacked and topped with whipped cream and strawberries with syrup being poured on top.

I didn't encounter the world of "real" waffles until I went to college and found the Belgian waffle station in the cafeteria. I relished my newfound freedom and ate my weight in Belgian waffles during my freshman year. 

Nowadays, I'm partial to my square waffle maker because I have three kids waiting to eat, and the one-waffle-at-a-time approach isn't nearly as efficient.

I used boxed waffle mixes to make my batter for a long time, but I finally nailed the perfect homemade buttermilk waffle recipe. It's incredibly easy and makes the most delicious waffles I know you and your family will love!

Ingredients List

There is a high probability that you already have everything you need to make these classic buttermilk waffles.

Ingredients for buttermilk waffles prepped and labeled.

Let's run down the list…

  1. Flour - To give the waffles structure.
  2. Sugar - For a little sweetness.
  3. Baking Powder + Baking Soda - For the all-important fluffiness.
  4. Salt + Vanilla - For maximum flavor.
  5. Buttermilk - For rich flavor and supreme fluffiness.
  6. Butter - Adds fat for tenderness and loads of flavor.
  7. Eggs - Bind together the batter and bring everything together.

Buttermilk Substitute

If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make it using a combination of regular milk and either lemon juice or white vinegar (this is referred to as "clabbered milk"); here's how to do it: 

For this waffle recipe, add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to a 2-cup measuring cup, then add enough milk to make 2 cups. Stir together, then use as directed in the recipe. (You only need 1¾ cups for this recipe; you can discard the leftover buttermilk.)

How to Make Buttermilk Waffles

Homemade waffles are a great treat; making them completely from scratch takes only 2 or 3 minutes longer than making them with a baking mix.

  1. Whisk together the dry ingredients - Flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Whisk together the wet ingredients in a separate bowl - The buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla get mixed.
  3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk to combine. When whisking the batter together, do so gently and for only as long as it takes to incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry. Lumps are okay; you don't want a completely smooth batter!
  4. Spray the waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray and preheat until it is scorching hot - A drop of water on the iron should sizzle and evaporate almost immediately.
  5. Portion the batter according to the manufacturer's directions and cook to the desired doneness.
Waffle batter in a stainless steel bowl with a whisk in the batter.

The last step is, of course, topping those beautiful golden brown waffles.

Waffle Toppings

There are so many wonderful toppings to choose from! Here are a few ideas:

  • Butter
  • Maple Syrup
  • Fresh Fruit
  • Whipped cream
  • Nut butter or Nutella
  • Jam or fruit spread
  • Hot fudge sauce
  • Sprinkles
  • Chocolate chips
  • Coconut
  • Sprinkle of powdered sugar

What are your go-to waffle toppings?

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Six square waffles on parchment paper, each with different toppings including whipped cream, fruit, coconut, and sprinkles.

Make It a Full Breakfast:

Waffle Tips

No one wants a soggy waffle! To make the most delicious fluffy-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside waffles, there are a few important things to remember:

  • Buttermilk - Much like pancake batter, buttermilk reacts with baking soda to create a wonderful rise, creating ultra-fluffy waffles. A little extra baking powder is included to ensure supreme lift. If you don’t have buttermilk, see the note above in the Ingredients section about how to make a substitute.
  • Lumpy Batter – Don’t keep whisking until the batter is completely smooth; you want some lumps in there! The air pockets in the lumps ensure wonderfully fluffy waffles.
  • High Heat Setting - Don't be afraid to crank up that temperature setting on your waffle iron; your waffles will NOT burn, but they will be significantly crisper when you turn up that setting versus leaving it low, resulting in soft waffles.
Two buttermilk waffles with whipped cream. strawberries, and maple syrup on top.

Serving, Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions

Serving: If you are serving a group and want everyone to have warm and crisp waffles, place the finished waffles on a baking sheet in a 200-degree oven until ready to serve.

Storage: You can store any leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing: If you want to freeze leftover waffles, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and put in the freezer until completely frozen. Then remove them from the baking sheet and store in a freezer-safe plastic bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Whether you’re reheating a waffle from the refrigerator or freezer, these are the best ways to return them to their original warm, crisp texture:

  • Toaster or toaster oven: Use a medium-high setting to get them crispy again!
  • Oven: Reheat in a 350-degree oven for 6 to 10 minutes or to desired crispness.

Check Out More Waffle Recipes:

More Classic Breakfast Recipes:

Watch the Buttermilk Waffles Recipe Video:

These homemade buttermilk waffles are an easy classic that your family will beg for time and again. Make your weekends a little sweeter, or create a waffle Wednesday tradition for a special midweek treat!

If you make this waffle recipe and love it, remember to stop back and give it a 5-star rating - it helps others find the recipe! ❤️️

Fluffy and Crisp Buttermilk Waffles

Yield: 5 large, Belgian-style waffles
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
These classic buttermilk waffles are easy to make and come out fluffy and crisp each and every time. It's a must-have recipe for turning an ordinary morning into something extra-special.
4.80 (295 ratings)
Print Pin Rate

Ingredients

  • 1¾ cups (228 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1¾ cups (420 ml) buttermilk
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions 

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt; set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, butter, eggs and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently whisk to combine. Do not overmix!
  • Spray a waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray, then preheat. Once the waffle maker is ready, add the batter according to the manufacturer’s instructions and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the waffle maker indicates they are ready. Serve immediately, or place in a 300-degree oven to keep warm. Leftover waffles can be wrapped in plastic wrap, placed in a ziploc bag and stored in the refrigerator for 2 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Notes

  • Recommended Equipment: Breville Smart Waffle Maker or this single Belgian-style waffle maker
  • Buttermilk Substitute: For this waffle recipe, add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to a 2-cup measuring cup, then add enough milk to make 2 cups. Stir together, then use as directed in the recipe. (You only need 1¾ cups for this recipe; you can discard the leftover buttermilk.)
  • Lumpy Batter - Don't keep whisking until the batter is completely smooth; the air pockets in the lumps ensure wonderfully fluffy waffles.
  • High Heat Setting - Don't be afraid to crank up that temperature setting on your waffle iron; your waffles will NOT burn, but they will be significantly crisper when you turn up that setting versus leaving it low, resulting in soft waffles.
  • Serving: If you are serving a group and want everyone to have warm and crisp waffles, place the finished waffles on a baking sheet in a 200-degree oven until ready to serve.
  • Storage: You can store any leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: If you want to freeze leftover waffles, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and put in the freezer until completely frozen. Then remove them from the baking sheet and store in a freezer-safe plastic bag for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Whether you're reheating a waffle from the refrigerator or freezer, use a toaster or toaster oven on a medium-high setting, or reheat in a 350-degree oven for 6 to 10 minutes.
Nutritional values are based on one waffle.
Calories: 423kcal, Carbohydrates: 43g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 23g, Saturated Fat: 13g, Cholesterol: 123mg, Sodium: 802mg, Potassium: 346mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 800IU, Calcium: 188mg, Iron: 2.5mg

Did you make this recipe?

Leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag @thebrowneyedbaker on Instagram so I can see it!

Author: Michelle Lettrich
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

[photos by Ari of Well Seasoned]