Vanilla Waffles

I’m a sucker for homemade waffles. I never order them at restaurants, but I love them at home. They come together so quickly and I love adding in various ingredients for an entirely new flavor profile (try the ham & cheese waffle recipe just to start). These vanilla waffles are our new favorite!

My husband is also a big fan of them. I love sending him to work with leftover waffles because they’re easily reheated in the toaster oven and a special treat to start the workday.

Apparently the smell of homemade waffles in the toaster, however, causes a bit of a stir in the office, so I’ve been asked to send in extras whenever I can – a request I’m happy to oblige whenever possible…

Vanilla Waffles

These homemade vanilla waffles are heartier and denser than many traditional waffle recipes. I wanted something with a little more substance, almost like a Belgian waffle, and adding more flour helped me get the texture I was looking for.

Vanilla gives these waffles their familiar, sweet flavor, while cardamom adds a warm, aromatic note. With two teaspoons of cardamom, the flavor is subtle. If you love cardamom, try using three teaspoons for a more pronounced flavor. You can also add a little extra vanilla if you want that flavor to stand out.

The cardamom is optional, so you can leave it out for a more traditional vanilla waffle. I also love the addition of sliced almonds for a little nutty flavor and texture.

Vanilla Waffles Ingredients

• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Butter
• Vanilla
• Flour
• Sugar
• Salt
• Baking powder
• Cardamom (optional)
• Sliced, blanched almonds

How to Make Vanilla Waffles

Mix Wet Ingredients

Combine buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl.

Add Dry Ingredients

Add in flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and cardamom, if using. Mix well.

Make Waffles

Scoop ½ cup batter onto preheated waffle iron. Cook until the waffles are cooked through and reach their desired crispness. Top with sliced almonds, if using.

How to Serve Vanilla Waffles

My favorite way to enjoy these vanilla waffles is the classic butter and syrup approach. I added some slivered almonds on top for a little crunch and to look fancy.

They’d be delicious with fresh fruit, however. Really any way you like to enjoy waffles would be good with these—they’re quite versatile.

How to Store Vanilla Waffles

Cool Waffles Completely Before Storing

To keep waffles from getting soggy while you cook the remaining batter, let them cool on a wire rack. A wire rack also helps waffles cool completely before storing. Make sure the waffles are fully cooled before placing them in a container to prevent condensation and excess moisture.

Store in Sealed Container

Store leftover waffles in a sealed container. I use these half gallon reusable bags. They’ll keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator or up to two months in the freezer.

How to Reheat Waffles

Reheating Waffles in Toaster Oven

We like to reheat our waffles in our toaster oven. I like the toast option, so it warms quickly without making it soggy. If you have a tray and wire rack for your toaster oven, place your waffles on top of the rack to evenly cook the top and bottom.

Reheating Waffles on Stovetop

To reheat waffles on the stovetop, warm a lightly greased skillet over medium-low heat. Arrange the waffles in a single layer, cover, and heat for about 1 minute. Flip and warm for another 30 to 60 seconds, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make vanilla waffles without cardamom?

Yes! The cardamom is optional, but I love how its warm flavor pairs with the vanilla.

How do I store leftover vanilla waffles?

To store waffles, cool them completely and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer up to 2 months.

Can I freeze homemade vanilla waffles?

Yes! To freeze waffles, arrange them in a single layer on a parchment or silpat-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 30-60 minutes. Place them in a sealed container—I like these half gallon reusable bags. Best enjoyed within 2 months.

How do I reheat waffles so they stay crispy?

Our favorite way to reheat waffles is in the toaster oven. I like the toast setting because it warms them quickly without making them soggy and the wire rack lets them heat and toast uniformly. You can also use a regular toaster, but keep an eye on them so they don’t get too dark.

What toppings go well with vanilla waffles?

I love sliced almonds and butter with syrup. They’d be yummy with cinnamon syrup too! You could absolutely do whipped cream and fresh berries.

If you love cardamom like me, you’ll love these crunchy cardamom cookies. This honey cardamom cake with a tasty maple whipped cream is a family favorite. And then this cardamom latte is one of my favorite homemade drinks!

More Waffle Recipes

I love a good waffle—the traditional style with tasty toppings like this or some other fun mixes. Try these yogurt & jam topped waffles, ham & cheese waffles (great for leftover ham), and these cornmeal and cheese waffles!

Want to add some protein to the meal? Try this salmon breakfast frittata and these egg soufflés.