If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, let me introduce you to this delightful Malted Waffles Recipe. These waffles have the perfect balance of rich malted flavor, a slightly caramelized sweetness, and that irresistible crisp outside with a soft, tender inside. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a special occasion, these waffles bring a cozy, nostalgic vibe that’s both comforting and elevated. Once you whip up this batter, you’ll find yourself craving these malt-infused beauties again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eight ingredients arranged in two rows on a white marbled surface. The top row has four white bowls: a small round bowl with dark brown liquid, a divided square dish with two piles of white powder, a round bowl filled with white flour, and a round bowl filled with white milk. The bottom row features, from left to right, two brown eggs placed next to a white bowl of pale yellow butter cubes, then a square white dish with reddish-brown powder, and finally a square white dish with light brown sugar. All items are neatly placed with clear separation, viewed from above. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Malted Waffles Recipe comes from a handful of simple, but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the ideal texture, flavor, and golden color you want from a perfect waffle.

Plain flour (120g / 2¼ cups): Acts as the sturdy base to give the waffles their structure and lightness.
Malted milk powder (62g / 8 tbsp): The star ingredient that imparts that unique, toasty malt flavor and a hint of sweetness.
Light brown sugar (24g / 2 tbsp): Adds a touch of caramel flavor and helps with the crispiness in the waffle crust.
Baking powder (8g / 2 tsp): Gives the waffles a gentle rise and fluffiness.
Bicarbonate of soda (8g / 2 tsp): Keeps the batter light and tender by working with the acidic malt powder.
Milk (500ml / 2 cups): Hydrates the batter for smoothness and richness.
Large eggs (2): Provide structure and a little extra richness.
Butter, melted (75g / ⅓ cup): Contributes to moistness and helps create a crispy exterior.
Vanilla bean paste (5ml / 1 tsp): Enhances the malt and sugar notes beautifully with a warm aroma.
Butter, for greasing: Keeps waffles from sticking and adds buttery flavor as they cook.

How to Make Malted Waffles Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Start by putting the plain flour, malted milk powder, light brown sugar, baking powder, and bicarbonate of soda into a large mixing bowl. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed. This step ensures the leavening agents and malt powder are distributed so the waffles cook evenly and have consistent flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla bean paste together using an electric mixer. Whisking helps incorporate enough air into the batter to keep it light, while the melted butter adds richness and moisture.

Step 3: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

With your mixer running on a low speed, slowly add spoonfuls of the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Keep going until all the dry ingredients are fully combined and you have a smooth, slightly thick batter. This gradual mixing prevents lumps and helps the batter develop the right consistency for waffle-making.

Step 4: Preheat and Grease the Waffle Iron

Bring your waffle iron to its proper cooking temperature. Once hot, quickly swipe the surface with a block of butter to prevent sticking and give your waffles a lovely golden crust. This small step makes a big difference to the texture.

Step 5: Cook the Waffles

Ladle the batter onto the center of the greased waffle iron. Use a spatula to spread it out slightly if needed to cover the surface. Close the lid and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions—about 7 minutes per waffle is typical. Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the iron as necessary. Each waffle will come out crisp on the outside but tender and fluffy inside, packed with that nostalgic malt flavor.

How to Serve Malted Waffles Recipe

Two white plates each hold a round waffle with a golden brown color and a crisp texture. The waffles are topped with three round scoops of creamy, pale yellow ice cream arranged in the center. Around the ice cream, there is a colorful mix of fresh berries including bright red raspberries, sliced red strawberries with green leaves, and deep blue blueberries, evenly spread on the waffles. A drizzle of light yellow sauce is visible on the ice cream and slightly on the berries. The plates are placed on a white marbled surface with a blue and white striped cloth partially underneath. Near one plate, four silver spoons and forks rest in a small stack. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These waffles practically beg to be dressed up with cozy toppings. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries add tartness that cuts through the sweetness. A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream brings indulgence, while a drizzle of golden syrup rounds everything out with classic warmth and stickiness. A dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream is an optional touch to elevate them even more.

Side Dishes

Balance the richness of your malted waffles with some crisp bacon or savory sausages. For a fresher note, a small fruit salad or a citrusy yogurt parfait can brighten the whole plate. If you want something light, scrambled eggs or sautéed mushrooms are the perfect savory companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your Malted Waffles Recipe waffles with a layer of Nutella or peanut butter and sliced bananas between them for an extra decadent breakfast sandwich. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares and serve with a variety of toppings buffet-style for a fun, interactive brunch. Another idea is to turn leftover waffles into waffle sandwiches with ham and cheese or turkey and cranberry sauce for a sweet-savory twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover waffles, let them cool completely at room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh enough to reheat without losing their lovely texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze waffles individually on a baking sheet to prevent sticking, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. They’ll keep up to 2 months frozen and are great for quick breakfasts whenever you want a malted waffle fix.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop the waffles in a toaster or toaster oven until warm and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you can, as this tends to make waffles rubbery instead of crunchy. The toaster brings back that fresh-cooked outer crunch perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of the recommended amount?

Absolutely! This recipe calls for plain milk, so whole, 2%, or skim milk will all work fine. Whole milk might yield a slightly richer waffle, but the difference is subtle.

Is malted milk powder easy to find?

You can usually find malted milk powder in the baking aisle of most supermarkets or at specialty food stores. If you can’t find it, some online retailers sell it too. It’s definitely worth seeking out for its distinctive taste in this recipe.

Can these waffles be made vegan or dairy-free?

While this classic Malted Waffles Recipe uses butter and milk, you can experiment with plant-based milk and vegan butter substitutes. You’ll also want to replace eggs with a suitable vegan egg replacer. Just note that the texture might be a little different but still delicious!

Why does the recipe use both baking powder and bicarbonate of soda?

The combination of baking powder and bicarbonate of soda gives a balanced rise and tenderness. The malted milk powder has some acidity which reacts with bicarbonate of soda, while the baking powder adds extra lift, ensuring fluffy waffles.

How do I know when the waffles are done?

Most waffle irons have an indicator light, but if yours doesn’t, cook for around 6 to 7 minutes until the waffles are golden brown and crisp on the outside. The difference in smell and appearance is the best guide.

Final Thoughts

This Malted Waffles Recipe is one of those rare breakfasts that feels both nostalgic and special every time you make it. The unique malt flavor elevates an ordinary waffle into something truly memorable. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these waffles as much as I do—they taste like a little celebration in each bite. So grab your waffle iron, gather those simple ingredients, and whip up a batch for yourself and your loved ones. You’re going to love it!