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How to Make IHOP Belgian Waffle at Home

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of indulging in a Belgian waffle from IHOP, you know just how deliciously fluffy and flavourful they can be. With their signature golden-brown exterior and a light, airy interior, these waffles are a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert. Fortunately, you don’t have to hop onto a plane to enjoy them; you can easily recreate this delightful dish in your own kitchen. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to make your very own IHOP-style Belgian waffle.

Ingredients

For the Waffle Batter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ¾ cups milk (whole milk gives the best results)
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Serving (optional)

• Maple syrup
• Whipped cream
• Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, etc.)
• Sliced bananas
• Icing sugar

Equipment Needed

• Waffle iron
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle or cup for pouring batter

Method

Step 1: Preheat Your Waffle Iron

Before you start preparing the batter, plug in your waffle iron and set it to a medium-high heat. This will ensure it’s ready to cook your waffles to perfection once the batter is ready.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This will help to aerate the mixture and remove any lumps, ensuring a smooth batter.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Make sure the mixture is well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Make a well in the centre of your dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together using a spatula or a whisk. Be careful not to overmix; it’s perfectly fine if there are a few lumps in the batter. Overmixing can lead to dense waffles.

Step 5: Cook the Waffles

Once your batter is ready, ladle an appropriate amount (usually about ½ to ¾ cup, depending on the size of your waffle iron) into the preheated waffle iron. Close the lid and cook according to your waffle iron’s instructions, typically around 3-5 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown and crisp. If your waffle iron has an indicator light, this can be helpful to ensure they’re cooked through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the waffle from the iron using a fork or tongs, and place it on a warm plate. Repeat the process with the remaining batter. Serve your Belgian waffles immediately with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, fresh berries, or any toppings of your choice.

Tips for Perfect Belgian Waffles

• For Extra Fluffiness: Separate the egg whites from the yolks and beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold these into the batter at the end for a lighter waffle.
• Toppings Galore: Get creative with toppings! Nut butters, chocolate sauce, or even a scoop of ice cream can elevate your waffle experience.
• Cooling: If you’re making a large batch, keep the cooked waffles warm in an oven set to low heat (around 100°C) while you finish cooking the rest.

Conclusion

With these simple steps, you can bring the joy of IHOP Belgian waffles into your home. Perfect for weekend breakfasts, brunches, or even a special dessert, these waffles are bound to impress. So whisk up that batter, fire up the waffle iron, and enjoy a delicious, homemade treat!