In this edition of MK Test Kitchen, our ever-hungry team of creatives try out the best waffle recipes. From decadently sweet, to flavour-packing savoury variations, we show you why waffles have become the trendy treats that’s perfect for any occasion. 

Level up

For a simple yet tasty dessert, try this combo: Add ¼ cup caramel treat and 2 Tbsp chopped mixed nuts (almonds, pecans or pistachios) to 1 batch waffle batter. Mix well to combine. Top waffles with dollops of caramel treat, sliced banana, fresh raspberries, chopped mixed nuts and a dusting of icing sugar.

Back to basics: waffle edition

We’ve chosen two basic waffle batters that are most used and can be turned into anything extraordinary in a matter of minutes!

Belgian waffles

Makes 8-10 // Proofing (Time to rise) 30 MIN – 1 HOUR

These are made with yeast and have a slightly tangy flavour, as well as a light airy texture. 

Ingredients

1 ½ cups (375ml) + ¼ cup (60ml) milk
⅓ cup (76g) butter, cubed
1 ½ tsp (7ml) instant yeast
2 ½ Tbsp (37ml) sugar
¼ tsp (1ml) salt
2 cups (240g) cake flour
2 large eggs

Method

1. In a pot, heat 1 ½ cups milk and butter together then cool slightly until it reaches lukewarm temperature.
2. Pour into a large bowl, add yeast, sugar, salt, flour and eggs then whisk until combined (the mixture might be lumpy).
3. Cover with a plastic wrap and set aside to proof for 1-2 hours.
4. Remove plastic, stir and add milk to loosen the batter slightly (it should still be thick).
5. Ladle ¼ cup (60ml) of the mixture into a preheated waffle iron and cook for about 3-4 minutes or until golden and crispy.
6. Set aside and repeat with remaining batter.
7. Serve warm.

Churro waffles

Makes 8-10

This twist on the original batter provides a crunchier texture, firm enough to hold loads of toppings. 

Ingredients

For the churros 

2 cups (500ml) water
¾ 4 cup (180g) butter, chopped
2 tsp (10ml) vanilla essence
1 tsp (5ml) salt
2 cups (240g) cake flour
4 large eggs
¼ cup (60g) granulated sugar
1 Tbsp (15ml) ground cinnamon
¼ cup (60ml) melted butter
Melted dark or milk chocolate, for serving

Method

1. Add water, butter, vanilla and salt to a pot over high heat, stir to melt and bring to a rapid boil.
2. Remove pot from the heat, add the flour and mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon until a smooth paste forms.
3. Transfer the paste to a bowl and cool for about 10 minutes, until you can press your finger into the mixture for more than 5 seconds (too hot and the mixture will cook the eggs).
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating until completely combined before adding the next.
5. Combine sugar and cinnamon in a large bowl.
6. Ladle ¼ cup of mixture into a waffle iron and cook for about 3-4 minutes or until golden.
7. Remove and brush immediately with melted butter, then toss into cinnamon sugar to coat. Set aside.
8. Repeat with remaining batter and serve hot and drizzled with melted dark or milk chocolate.

Recipes and styling: Chad January
Photographs: Zhann Solomons