When you wake up in the morning and dream of a breakfast that will be even better with coffee, there is no better feeling than biting into a perfectly fluffy waffle. Although making waffles looks simple at first glance - flour, milk, eggs and a little sugar - there is one ingredient that plays a key role in making waffles truly fluffy. So what is the secret?
The secret ingredient for the fluffiest waffles
The trick is actually using two key ingredients that act as dough risers: baking powder and baking soda. Baking powder is a standard ingredient found in almost every waffle recipe. It works by releasing carbon dioxide when it comes into contact with wet ingredients, causing bubbles that make the dough light and airy.
Baking soda adds extra power, as it reacts with the acids in the dough (such as yogurt, buttermilk, or lemon juice) to create even more bubbles. The result is a light dough that expands and becomes extremely fluffy when heated.
Another important secret: Separation of whites and yolks
Another technique that is often overlooked is egg separation. Instead of simply mixing the eggs into the batter, try separating the yolks from the whites. Mix the egg yolks into the dough, and beat the egg whites to stiff peaks and fold them in gently at the end of the dough preparation. This step adds even more airiness as beating the egg whites creates small air bubbles that increase the volume of the batter.
Buttermilk or yogurt
While you can use regular milk, using buttermilk or yogurt provides extra acidity to help the baking soda work better. At the same time, this sour component also adds a special aroma and rich taste to the dough, which makes the waffles even juicier.
A little touch of vanilla and melted butter
While it's not the secret ingredient to fluffiness, we shouldn't overlook the importance of flavor. Adding vanilla extract and a little melted butter will enhance the flavor of the waffles and give them a rich texture while still remaining fluffy and light.
How to get perfect waffles?
The secret to the fluffiest waffle therefore lies in the combination of techniques and ingredients. The baking powder and baking soda work together to create the perfect rise to the dough, while the egg whites add the airiness necessary for a light texture. Add buttermilk for acidity and some vanilla for flavor, and you'll create waffles that will be a winner at any breakfast.
Try these tricks and enjoy the fluffiest waffles you've ever baked!
