Buttermilk Waffles

Buttermilk Waffles

  • Prep time: 5
  • Cook time: 15
  • Yield: 8
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Ingredients
  • 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1-1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3 large eggs, separated
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1-3/4 cups buttermilk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Nutrition Facts
Serves 8

Description

Buttermilk is a common ingredient in waffle recipes, and it contributes to making waffles better in several ways:

  1. Tangy Flavor: Buttermilk has a slightly tangy taste due to its acid content. This tanginess adds depth and complexity to the flavor of the waffles, making them more interesting and appealing to the palate.

  2. Tender Texture: The acid in buttermilk interacts with the leavening agents in the waffle batter, such as baking powder or baking soda. This interaction helps to produce carbon dioxide gas, which contributes to the leavening process. The result is a light and airy texture, giving the waffles a tender and fluffy consistency.

  3. Moisture Retention: Buttermilk adds moisture to the waffle batter, helping to keep the waffles moist and preventing them from becoming dry. Moisture is crucial for achieving a desirable texture in waffles, and buttermilk contributes to this quality.

  4. Browning: Buttermilk contains sugars that aid in the browning of waffles during the cooking process. This contributes to the appealing golden color and slightly crispy exterior that many people enjoy in well-made waffles.

  5. Dairy Fat Content: Buttermilk has a moderate fat content, which adds richness and contributes to the overall flavor of the waffles. Fat plays a role in creating a more satisfying and indulgent mouthfeel.

  6. Acidity for Flavor Balance: The acidity of buttermilk helps balance the sweetness of the waffle batter. This balance between sweet and tangy flavors creates a more complex and well-rounded taste experience.

  7. Chemical Reaction: When buttermilk combines with baking soda, a chemical reaction occurs, producing carbon dioxide gas. This reaction helps leaven the waffle batter, leading to a lighter and fluffier texture.

  8. Versatility: Buttermilk is a versatile ingredient that works well with both sweet and savory waffle variations. Its unique flavor profile complements a variety of toppings and mix-ins, making it suitable for a wide range of waffle recipes.

In summary, buttermilk enhances waffle recipes by contributing to the overall flavor, texture, and moisture content of the batter. Its tanginess, combined with its role in leavening and moisture retention, makes buttermilk a valuable ingredient in creating delicious and well-textured waffles.

Instructions

  • 1. Preheat waffle maker on medium-high heat. Preheat oven to 200F. Place wire rack on baking sheet and set aside.
  • 2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
  • 3. In another bowl, whisk egg yolks, butter, shugar, buttermilk, and vanilla together.
  • 4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and whisk gently until just smooth.
  • 5. In a medium bowl, whisk egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold egg whites into batter with a rubber spatula.
  • 6. Pour 1/3 cup of batter into each well of the waffle maker and cook until golden brown and crisp, 5-6 minutes.
  • 7. Transfer cooked waffles to wire rack and keep warm in oven while cooking the remaining waffles.