Simple waffle recipe that kids can make! Crispy on the outside, tender inside, ready in 30 minutes with pantry staples. Perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Why This Waffle Recipe Works
My daughter Amon makes these waffles on her own. That’s how easy they are. She says it’s as simple as mixing dry ingredients, combining wet ingredients, putting them together, and cooking. If an 10-year-old can nail it, you definitely can.
These waffles come out with that perfect crispy exterior and soft, cakey interior everyone loves. They’re versatile too! Serve them for breakfast with syrup, as a snack with ice cream, or even as sandwich bread for leftovers.
When we have time for a cooked breakfast, we usually make Filipino garlic fried rice or golden fried rice. But waffles? They are Amon’s speciality, and they are always a treat.
Ingredients for Homemade Waffles
150g plain flour – All-purpose flour works perfectly
½ tsp baking powder – Helps the waffles rise
½ tsp baking soda – Creates that signature crispy texture
Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness
1 tbsp sugar – Just enough for a hint of sweetness
1 egg, beaten – Binds everything together
2 tbsp neutral oil – Vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil
235ml milk – Dairy or plant-based both work
Splash of vanilla extract – Optional but adds lovely flavor
Equipment You’ll Need
- Waffle iron (preheated until screaming hot)
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl or jug
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large spoon
- Cooling rack (important – don’t skip this!)
How to Make Easy Waffles Step-by-Step
Mix the dry ingredients: Sift flour into a large bowl. Add baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Whisk to combine.
Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl or jug, beat the egg, then add oil, milk, and vanilla. Mix well.
Make the batter: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not worry about a few small lumps, they are fine. Don’t overmix or your waffles will be tough.
Rest the batter: Let it sit on the counter for up to an hour. This step isn’t mandatory but improves texture.
Preheat your waffle iron: This is crucial. It needs to be properly hot for crispy waffles.
Cook the waffles: Spoon batter into each section of the waffle iron. Don’t overfill, it’ll overflow. Close the lid and cook until the steaming stops (usually 3-5 minutes).
Cool properly: Place cooked waffles on a cooling rack, not stacked on a plate. This prevents them from getting soggy.
How to Know When Waffles Are Done
Most waffle irons have indicator lights that turn green when ready. If yours doesn’t, watch for when the steam stops coming out. That’s your cue that the waffles are cooked through.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Waffles
Preheat properly – A hot waffle iron creates that crispy exterior. Warm won’t cut it.
Use a cooling rack – Never stack hot waffles on a plate. The trapped steam makes them soggy.
Don’t overfill – Batter expands. Fill each section about two-thirds full.
Make a big batch – These freeze brilliantly. More on that below.
Keep warm in the oven – If serving a crowd, keep finished waffles warm on a baking sheet in a 100°C oven while you cook the rest.
Make-Ahead Waffle Tips
Overnight prep: Mix wet ingredients and store in the fridge. Mix dry ingredients in another bowl and leave on the counter. Combine just before cooking.
Freeze for later: Cook waffles completely, let cool, then freeze in a single layer. Once frozen, stack with parchment paper between each waffle. Reheat in the toaster or microwave (20 seconds) then crisp in the toaster.
How to Serve Waffles
The possibilities are endless:
Classic breakfast: Maple syrup, butter, and powdered sugar
Fruit lovers: Fresh berries, sliced bananas, whipped cream
Indulgent: Ice cream, chocolate sauce, sprinkles
Savory twist: Fried egg, bacon, avocado
Keep it simple: Just butter and a dusting of icing sugar
Serve toppings on the side so everyone can customize their own. For a complete breakfast spread, pair with a peanut butter and banana smoothie or fresh fruit.
What to Do with Leftover Waffles
Waffle sandwiches: Use them like bread for peanut butter and jam, fried egg sandwiches, or even lunch meat.
Dessert topping: Crumble dried waffles into breadcrumb-sized pieces and sprinkle over ice cream or yogurt.
Bread pudding: Cut into cubes and use in place of bread for a sweet bread and butter pudding.
Ice cream sandwiches: Sandwich ice cream between two waffles and freeze.
Can Kids Make This Recipe?
Absolutely! My daughter makes these regularly with adult supervision. It’s a great way for kids to learn measuring, mixing, and kitchen safety. The waffle iron is hot, so an adult should always be nearby, but the actual recipe is simple enough for older children to handle independently.
FAQs About Homemade Waffles
Can I make waffles without a waffle iron? Not really—the iron creates the characteristic shape and texture. You could make pancakes with this batter instead.
Why are my waffles soggy? The waffle iron wasn’t hot enough, or you stacked them on a plate while hot. Always use a cooling rack.
Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the texture will be denser. Try half white, half whole wheat for a lighter result.
How do I store leftover waffles? Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a toaster for best results.
Can I double this recipe? Definitely. The batter keeps well, so make a big batch and freeze extras.
What milk works best? Any kind, they all work, be it dairy, almond, oat, or soy. We use plant-based milk regularly.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the toaster for crispiness.
Freezer: Freeze cooled waffles with parchment paper between each one. Store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Pop frozen waffles directly in the toaster.
More Breakfast and Snack Ideas
Looking for other easy breakfast recipes the whole family will love?
- Filipino Puto (Steamed Rice Cake) – Sweet, fluffy, and kids adore them
- Easy Champorado – Filipino chocolate rice porridge
- Filipino Garlic Fried Rice – Our go-to savory breakfast
- Golden Fried Rice – When we want something different
- Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie – Perfect alongside waffles
Made these easy waffles? Leave a star rating below and tell us what toppings you love! Tag us on Instagram or Facebook with your creations, or Pin this recipe to share with friends.
Easy Recipe for Waffles
Equipment
- 1 waffle iron
- 1 Large bowl
- 1 Medium bowl
- 1 Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Big spoon
- 1 Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 150 grams plain flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- pinch salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil
- 235 ml milk (we used plant-based milk)
- splash vanilla extract
Instructions
- Sift flour into a large bowl.
- Add baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Whisk to combine.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg, then add oil, milk, and vanilla.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients.
- Mix until just combined (small lumps are fine, don't overmix).
- Let batter rest for up to 1 hour (optional but recommended).
- Preheat waffle iron until very hot.
- Spoon batter into waffle iron sections (don't overfill).
- Close lid and cook until steam stops (3-5 minutes).
- Transfer to cooling rack immediately
Video
Notes
- Crispy secret: Hot waffle iron + cooling rack = crispy waffles
- Don’t overmix: A few lumps are fine. Overmixing makes tough waffles
- Make ahead: Mix wet and dry separately the night before, combine before cooking
- Freeze for later: Cool completely, freeze with parchment between waffles, reheat in toaster
- Kid-friendly: Simple enough for children with adult supervision
- Leftover ideas: Use as sandwich bread, crumble for toppings, make bread pudding
English
If your daughter can make this I can make it too. I was reluctant with the waffle iron that it might only be used once and would be a waste of money but it has been great. Reminds me of hotcakes.
Waffles is very easy to make for children and when you made them please do give us a shout out.
Approved kids recipe
I’m glad you said that. You cheered someone up.