Description

This recipe offers a perfect stack of crispy-outside, fluffy-inside waffles, elevated with an optional Spiced Pear and Ginger Caramel Drizzle for a restaurant-quality family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

2.25 cups all-purpose flour
0.25 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 large eggs, separated
2 cups buttermilk (or 2 cups milk with 2 tablespoons lemon juice or white vinegar)
0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled (or vegetable oil)
1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, for spiced pears
diced pears, for spiced pears
1 tablespoon light brown sugar, for spiced pears
cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom spices, for spiced pears
1 cup granulated sugar, for ginger caramel drizzle
0.25 cup water, for ginger caramel drizzle
0.25 cup cubed unsalted butter, for ginger caramel drizzle
0.5 cup warmed heavy cream, for ginger caramel drizzle
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, for ginger caramel drizzle
0.25 teaspoon fine sea salt, for ginger caramel drizzle

Instructions

Prepare Spiced Pears: In a medium non-stick skillet, melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter over medium heat. Add diced pears, 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom). Cook, stirring, for 5-7 minutes until pears soften slightly but hold shape. Remove and cool.
Make Ginger Caramel Drizzle: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 0.25 cup water. Cook over medium-high heat without stirring, swirling occasionally, until a deep amber color forms (8-10 minutes). Remove, whisk in 0.25 cup cubed unsalted butter. Gradually pour in 0.5 cup warmed heavy cream, whisking constantly. Stir in 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger and 0.25 teaspoon fine sea salt. Set aside; caramel thickens as it cools.
Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2.25 cups all-purpose flour, 0.25 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt until well combined and light.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 egg yolks, 2 cups buttermilk, 0.5 cup melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract until smooth and evenly colored.
Mix and Fold Batter: Pour wet into dry ingredients; stir gently until just combined (a few lumps are fine, do not overmix). Fold in the cooled spiced pears. In a clean bowl, beat the 2 egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold beaten whites into batter until no streaks remain for a light, airy texture.
Preheat Waffle Iron: Heat your waffle iron to medium-high heat according to manufacturer(s) instructions. Lightly brush with additional melted butter or oil if necessary.
Cook Waffles: Pour about 0.5 cup of batter onto the preheated waffle iron (adjust amount based on waffle iron size). Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp and steam stops escaping.
Serve Immediately: Serve warm, golden waffles immediately. Arrange 2-3 waffles per serving. Generously drizzle with warm ginger caramel and finish with a light dusting of ground cinnamon or ginger.

Notes

If you don’t have buttermilk, combine 2 cups milk with 2 tablespoons lemon juice or white vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes. For variations, use whole wheat flour, plant-based milk/butter, chocolate chips, berries, or citrus zest. To store, cool leftover waffles completely then freeze in an airtight bag for up to 1 month; reheat in a toaster or oven.

Prep Time: 29 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 waffles (180 g)
Calories: 450 calories
Sugar: 30 g
Sodium: 300 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 55 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 10 g
Cholesterol: 100 mg

Keywords: easy waffles, crispy waffles, fluffy waffles, family recipe, breakfast, brunch, spiced pear, ginger caramel, baking