Yeast Waffles

Yeast is the magic ingredient that lets you mix up waffle batter in the evening and wake up the next morning to batter that’s ready to hit the waffle iron. Yeasted waffles are light and airy, a delightful treat worth the day-ahead prep time. The secret to their irresistible texture lies in a simple overnight rise that allows the flavors to develop and the yeast to work its magic. And with their crispy exterior and tender interior, they’re a flexible base for a variety of sweet or savory toppings.

Ingredients for Yeast Waffles

• Active dry yeast: The yeast ferments the sugars in the batter, producing carbon dioxide gas that creates lift. Learn more in our full guide to baking with yeast.
• Warm water: Warm water (110° to 115°F) hydrates the dry ingredients, activates the yeast and works with the gluten in the flour to develop the waffle batter’s structure.
• Sugar: A little sugar in the waffle batter provides food for the yeast and helps give the waffles a nice brown color as they cook.
• Milk: Milk, the main liquid in the batter, provides moisture and richness to the waffles. Warming it before adding it helps kickstart the fermentation activity of the yeast.
• Butter: The melted butter adds flavor and richness, and helps to create a tender texture.
• Eggs: Beaten room-temperature eggs bind the waffle batter ingredients together, and they add richness to the finished waffles.
• All-purpose flour: Versatile all-purpose flour is the base of this waffle recipe. Check out our guide to different types of flour and when to use them.
• Baking soda: Baking soda acts as a backup for the yeast, helping to leaven the waffles and give these overnight yeast waffles their light texture.

Directions

Step 1: Activate the yeast

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In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Add the sugar, and let it stand for five minutes.

Step 2: Start the batter

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Add the milk, butter and eggs to the yeast mixture, and mix well.

Step 3: Add the dry ingredients

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Combine the flour and salt, then stir them into the milk mixture. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Step 4: Add the baking soda

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In the morning, stir the batter, then sift in the baking soda and stir well.

Step 5: Cook the waffles

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Bake the waffles in a preheated waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s directions, until they’re golden brown.

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Yeast Waffle Variations

• Infuse them with flavor: Add lemon or orange zest to the batter for a little citrusy brightness, or add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom or pumpkin pie spice for warm, cozy flavors.
• Upgrade to whole grain: Substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add more nutrients and fiber to these yeasted waffles.
• Go nuts: Fold very finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter along with the baking soda to make waffles with a crunchy texture.
• Add a little chocolate: Fold mini chocolate chips into the batter along with the baking soda for a fun surprise.

How to Store Yeast Waffles

The best way to store yeasted waffles is actually in the freezer. Once they’re cooked, let them cool completely on a wire rack, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil. Once they’re wrapped, you can stack them in an airtight container or freezer bag. This method helps to prevent freezer burn and keeps them fresh for several months. If you’re likely to use them up within a month or two, skip the step of wrapping them individually and stash them in a freezer bag.

Can you freeze yeast waffles?

Absolutely! Freeze them according to the storage instructions above.

How do you reheat yeast waffles?

Reheat individual waffles in a toaster set on low for a fast breakfast. To reheat several waffles, lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and warm them in a low oven.

Yeast Waffle Tips

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Can I make this yeast waffle recipe without letting the batter sit overnight?

Yes, but you’ll still need to give the batter some time to rise, or the waffles will be heavy. Mix the batter as instructed, but leave it out at room temperature instead of refrigerating it. In about an hour the batter should looked puffed and bubbly. You can proceed with making a test waffle. If it’s heavy and doesn’t puff, the batter may need more rising time. If you need waffles in a hurry, try our easy morning waffles instead, which you can make in only about 20 minutes.

How do I store leftover yeast waffle batter?

You can store leftover yeasted waffle batter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. Know that as the yeast continues to digest the sugars in the batter, the resulting waffles won’t have the same lift. If you have more batter than you can use for a meal, a better practice is to finish cooking the waffles and then freeze them, rather than hanging on to the batter!