Liege waffles are the king of all waffles. They are ultra-rich, dense, crisp, and delicious. The crispy exterior is achieved by the addition of Belgian pearl sugar, a very special ingredient. The brioche-like dough is different than a traditional waffle batter, and results in a denser waffle.
BELGIAN PEARL SUGAR
Belgian pearl sugar is a special type of sugar that is necessary for liege waffle. It can be ordered online, or in specialty stores. The pearl sugar are like irregularly-shaped sugar cubes. It is different than regular sugar because it does not melt at retains its shape. I tried using sugar cubes for this recipe, but it is not a substitute because it melts, and creates a mess in your waffle iron. If you are not able to find pearl sugar, I would recommend ordering it, or instead make a regular waffle recipe.
In a small bowl, mix the yeast and brown sugar in the water. Set aside to activate for 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.
Stir in the yeast mixture until crumbly.
Add in the eggs, one at a time, and the vanilla extract until incorporated.
Stream in the butter until smooth.
Mix in the pearl sugar, and rise again for 15 minutes.
Preheat a waffle iron, and grease with non-stick cooking spray. Add 1/3 cup of batter in the center of the iron, and cook until golden brown.
Enjoy!
- 1/4 cup warm water (44°C)
- 1 1/4 tsp dry active yeast
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar
- 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup Belgian pearl sugar
-
In a small bowl, stir the yeast and brown sugar into the water, and set aside to activate for 10 minutes.
-
Mix the flour and salt in a bowl.
-
Stir in the yeast mixture until crumbly.
-
Add in the eggs, one at a time, and the vanilla extract.
-
Slowly stream in the butter, and mix until smooth.
-
Wrap in plastic wrap, place in a warm place, and let the dough rise for 1 hour and 45 minutes.
-
Stir in the pearl sugar, and rise again for 15 minutes.
-
Preheat a waffle iron, and grease with non-stick cooking spray.
-
Add a 1/3 cup of dough into the center of the iron, and cook until golden brown.
-
Place on a wire rack, to cool briefly.
-
Serve with whipped cream, fruit, or maple syrup.
-
Enjoy!