Mornings can be a scramble, right? We all want something tasty and satisfying to kickstart our day, but who has hours to spare? If you’re nodding along, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving into some fantastic breakfast ideas that are not only delicious but also surprisingly simple to put together. Forget complicated techniques; we’re talking fun, flavorful, and totally doable for anyone.
Especially if you’re new to the kitchen or just trying to make the most of your time (and budget!), having a go-to recipe is a lifesaver. And guess what? Your trusty waffle maker is about to become your new best friend for more than just regular waffles. Get ready to explore some truly delightful different waffle ideas that will make your taste buds sing.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s be honest, who wouldn’t adore a breakfast that tastes like dessert but is perfectly acceptable for the first meal of the day? These coffee cake waffles are a game changer. They’re warm, comforting, and packed with those cozy flavors we all crave.
Plus, they use your waffle iron, which means less mess and more fun. Think of it as a quick shortcut to a truly special morning meal without any fuss. These are the kind of fresh breakfast ideas healthy enough to feel good about, but sweet enough to feel like a treat.
They’re also wonderfully adaptable. Don’t like apples? Swap them out! Want more spice? Add it in! This recipe is a fantastic base for your own creativity. It’s one of those easy waffle iron recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to waffle success! Don’t worry, these are all pretty standard pantry items. You might even have most of them already.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¾ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1½ cups peeled, diced tart apple (such as Granny Smith)
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and it’s easier than you think. Grab your apron, and let’s make some deliciousness.
Step 1: Prep Your Apples
First things first, we need to get those apples ready. Peel them, core them, and then dice them up into small, bite-sized pieces. Think about the size of a small coin.
Toss them into a bowl and set them aside. They’ll be joining the batter a little later to add a wonderful texture and flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a big bowl. This is where all the dry stuff goes. Whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Give it a good whisk to make sure everything is evenly distributed. This helps ensure your waffles rise nicely and have that perfect spice blend throughout.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Now, in a separate bowl, let’s combine the wet ingredients. Whisk together your eggs, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar until they’re nicely blended.
Next, pour in your buttermilk (or your milk and vinegar concoction), the melted butter, and the vanilla extract. Whisk it all up until it’s smooth and looks like a delicious, liquid gold mixture.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Time to bring it all together! Pour that lovely wet mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients.
Gently stir everything until it’s *just* combined. A few lumps are totally okay! Overmixing is the enemy of fluffy waffles, so be gentle here.
Step 5: Add Apples and Nuts
Now for the good stuff! Gently fold in those diced apples you prepped earlier. If you’re using chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, now’s the time to add them too.
Just a gentle fold to distribute them evenly. We don’t want to mash those apples!
Step 6: Preheat and Grease Your Waffle Iron
Get your waffle iron fired up! Preheat it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once it’s hot, give it a light coating of nonstick spray or a little butter. This prevents your waffles from sticking and ensures they come out perfectly golden.
Step 7: Cook the Waffles
Spoon about ¼ cup of batter onto your preheated waffle iron for each waffle. Don’t overfill it! Close the lid gently.
Let them cook until they’re beautifully golden and crisp. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes, but keep an eye on them as waffle irons can vary.
This is a great time to think about other what to make with a waffle maker ideas, but for now, focus on these beauties!
Step 8: Cool and Glaze
As each waffle donut finishes cooking, transfer it to a wire rack. This helps them stay crisp.
While they’re cooling slightly, whip up the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, drizzly consistency.
Drizzle this lovely glaze over the slightly cooled waffles. For an extra touch, dust with a little more powdered sugar.
And there you have it! Your amazing specialty waffles are ready to be devoured.
How To Store Leftovers
If, by some miracle, you have any of these delicious waffles left, storing them is a breeze. Make sure they’ve cooled down completely first to prevent sogginess.
You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. For longer storage, pop them in the refrigerator.
To reheat, a toaster oven or a regular oven works best to bring back that lovely crispness. You can also pop them in a toaster on a lower setting, but watch them carefully!
Tips
Want to take these coffee cake waffles to the next level? Here are a few simple tips to make them even more amazing.
Buttermilk Substitute: No buttermilk on hand? No worries! Just mix ¾ cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Voilà! Instant buttermilk substitute.
Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg to your liking. You could also add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for an extra warm spice kick.
Topping Ideas: Beyond the glaze and powdered sugar, consider other waffle topping ideas breakfast style. A dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, or some fresh berries would be fantastic.
Make Ahead: You can mix the batter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before cooking. This is perfect for those super busy mornings!
Budget Friendly: These are inherently budget friendly, but if you want to save even more, skip the nuts and focus on the apples and glaze. You can also buy butter and eggs in bulk when they’re on sale.
Seasonal Swaps: While apples are great year-round, consider other fruits depending on the season. Sliced peaches in the summer or diced pears in the fall could be delicious alternatives. These are truly versatile fresh breakfast ideas healthy options.
Conclusion
So there you have it – a delightful way to transform your mornings with simple, yet spectacular breakfast ideas. These coffee cake waffles prove that you don’t need fancy equipment or hours in the kitchen to create something truly special.
They’re perfect for a weekend treat, a fun family activity, or even a quick weekday breakfast when you want something a little more exciting than cereal. Give them a try, and get ready to impress yourself (and anyone lucky enough to share them with you!).
What are your favorite different waffle ideas? Let us know in the comments below!
FAQ
Are these considered waffle muffins?
While they aren’t technically baked in muffin tins, they share a similar cake like texture and flavor profile to waffle muffins. They are a delightful hybrid that uses the waffle maker to achieve a crispy exterior with a tender, cakey inside.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can! To make these gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly depending on the blend you use.
What kind of apples are best?
Tart apples like Granny Smith are recommended because they hold their shape well when cooked and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the waffle and glaze. However, you can experiment with other firm apples too.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before using it, as it might thicken overnight.
Easy Coffee Cake Waffles
These delicious coffee cake waffles are the perfect 30-minute breakfast for busy mornings. Packed with warm cinnamon and fresh apples, they taste like dessert but are wholesome enough to start your day right.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, bite-sized pieces (about the size of a small coin). Set aside.
- Grab a big bowl. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar until blended. Pour in the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined; a few lumps are okay. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the diced apples and optional pecans or walnuts.
- Preheat your waffle iron according to instructions. Once hot, coat lightly with nonstick spray or butter.
- Spoon about ¼ cup of batter per waffle onto the iron. Close the lid gently and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Transfer cooked waffles to a wire rack to cool slightly. Meanwhile, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl to make the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm waffles and dust with extra powdered sugar if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Buttermilk Substitute: Mix ¾ cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg to your liking. You could also add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for an extra warm spice kick.
Make Ahead: You can mix the batter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before cooking.
Seasonal Swaps: While apples are great year-round, consider sliced peaches in the summer or diced pears in the fall.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
