Fluffy Buttermilk Waffles

Name: Fluffy Buttermilk Waffles
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; ¼ cup sugar (or add less for less sweet); 2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 cups buttermilk (see notes to make your own); ⅓ cup butter (melted); 2 eggs; 1 ½ tablespoons vanilla extract

Fluffy Buttermilk Waffles are not your average waffles! Light and tangy on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside, this upgraded waffle recipe is the best way to make breakfast or brunch extra special. Don’t forget the maple syrup on top!

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a stack of buttermilk waffles topped with whipped cream and berries on a plate.

Easy fluffy waffles from scratch

I love using my mini waffle iron or if I’m making a big batch, I use my 4 mini-waffle maker to make over-the-top waffle recipes, like my Leftover Mashed Potato Waffles and Chocolate Waffles with Cardamom. But when you’re craving a classic homemade waffle, stick to these Fluffy Buttermilk Waffles. They’re fluffy on the inside and crisp on the outside, and enhanced with rich and tangy buttermilk!

Making waffles with buttermilk is the best way to improve the texture and flavor of this classic breakfast item. It’s naturally acidic and reacts well with the leavening agents, helping the waffles to lift and fluff up. The tanginess also adds complex and decadent flavors in every bite!

Last but not least, these homemade classic buttermilk waffles are just plain easy to make and only require 8 simple ingredients. Just mix all the ingredients together, cook the waffles (the same day or the next morning), and enjoy!

3 stacks of buttermilk waffles on white plates next to fresh berries and icing sugar.

What does buttermilk do in waffles?

Buttermilk is supreme in waffles compared to milk. This is because buttermilk is acidic, which reacts with the baking soda and creates air bubbles in the waffle batter. Once cooked, the waffles rise, fluff up, and have a sensationally light texture!

ingredients for buttermilk waffles in individual white bowls.

Ingredients you need

Flour – I used all purpose flour because it’s easy to work with and results in consistent, fluffy, and tender waffles. A 1:1 blend of whole wheat and all purpose flour could work as a substitute. For gluten free, try using a good-quality gluten free flour blend.
Sugar – I used white granulated sugar. Use less sugar if you want to adjust the sweetness.
Baking powder
Baking soda – The baking soda reacts with the acid in the buttermilk and creates gas bubbles. These bubbles turn into air pockets, which leads to fluffy waffles!
Salt
Buttermilk – Buttermilk isn’t actually made with butter. Instead, it’s fermented cow’s milk. Most of the store-bought buttermilk you’ll find is whole milk that has lactic bacteria added in, giving it active cultures, a thicker consistency, and a tangy smell/flavor. Using buttermilk in biscuits, drop dumplings, pancakes, waffles, cakes, and more is the best way to impart fluffiness and a light texture in the dough.
Butter
Eggs – For moisture and to help bind the waffle batter together.
Vanilla extract – For flavor.

4 images showing how to make waffle batter and how to cook waffles in a small waffle maker.

How to make fluffy buttermilk waffles

Start by whisking the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, stir the buttermilk, butter, and eggs together.

Gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined (some dry lumps in the batter are ok). Lastly, fold in the vanilla and leave the batter to rest for 10 minutes.

Preheat your lightly greased waffle iron while you wait.

Once it’s hot, pour some batter into the center and cook until the light indicates that the waffle is done.

Tip: To keep your cooked waffles warm, preheat your oven to 200ºF. Turn it off and place the cooked waffles on a baking sheet in the warm oven while you cook the rest of the batter.

Serve your homemade buttermilk waffles with the toppings of your choice (I’ve included ideas for you below), then enjoy!

close up on a stack of buttermilk waffles topped with whipped cream and berries on a plate.

How to make homemade buttermilk

You only need two ingredients to make homemade buttermilk: cow’s milk and vinegar or lemon juice. To make it yourself, pour a little less than 2 cups of regular milk into a bowl. Stir in 2 tablespoons of white vinegar or lemon juice, then let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before using.

Topping ideas

Enjoy these waffles with as many sweet toppings as you like! These are some of my favorites:

Maple syrup
Whipped cream
Berry compote
Crushed pecans or walnuts
Chocolate chips or shavings
Sliced bananas
Nutella or nut butter
Jam
Powdered sugar
Fresh berries

Frequently asked questions

Are buttermilk waffles different from Belgian waffles?

These two kinds of waffles are both sweet and delicious breakfast items, but have a few distinct differences. First, Belgian waffles are made with yeasted dough, which gives them a very thick texture. Second, their pockets are extra deep, which is perfect for holding fresh fruit, syrup, chocolate sauce, and more sweet toppings.

Buttermilk waffles, with their subtle tangy flavor and fluffy texture, are easier to make and look just like classic waffles. Their pockets aren’t as deep, but are still excellent at holding the toppings you love.

Can you make the waffle batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can stir the waffle batter together up to 1 day ahead. Keep the bowl with the batter in the fridge overnight, then cook the next day.

What can you serve with buttermilk waffles?

Serve them with all of your favorites for breakfast and brunch, like bacon pancakes, soft scrambled eggs, quiche, smoked salmon tart, salad, strawberry scones, and pomegranate tangerine bellinis.

How else can you use buttermilk?

Put the leftover buttermilk in your fridge to use in a batch of mashed potatoes, homemade biscuits, scones, ranch dressing, and pancakes.

Storing and freezing

To store: The waffles are best enjoyed right after they’re cooked, but if you end up with leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for later. They’ll stay fresh for 1 to 2 days.

To freeze: Wrap the individual waffles in plastic or store them in a sealed freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Looking for more breakfast recipes?

If you try these Fluffy Buttermilk Waffles, let me know what you think! Rate and review this recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog!