Malted Waffles

A fluffy, buttery interior paired with a slightly crispy exterior are the hallmarks of a perfect waffle.

However, in reality, waffles do not always end up this perfect. Luckily, you are on the right page! We’ll walk you through a simple, but deliciously effective waffle recipe using a not-so-secret ingredient: malted milk!

Malted milk, plus the careful addition of first egg yolks, then your egg whites will help you make the perfect waffle batter, which leads you ultimately to making the best waffles your waffle iron has ever seen.

With this malted waffle recipe you will always have the most brag-worthy waffles – and a great breakfast! So read on for the best malted waffle recipe and treat yourself right next lazy weekend morning.

The Key to Great Waffles

Let us think about good waffles like a secret that needs to be unlocked. A crispy, buttery, and light secret that you can cover in maple syrup, honey, or fresh fruits. It really is the ideal breakfast.

But, to discover that secret we must clarify a few things first.

Waffles and pancakes are not quite the same thing. Although waffles and pancakes are close relatives, you cannot use pancake batter to make waffles. It just does not work. 

The key to great waffles (something that pancakes do not have) is in the extra sugar.

Yes, both batters have some sugar, but the waffles have some extra sugar in them. The sugar helps create that caramelized crispy exterior, adding that extra crispness and helping the waffles get that yummy browning around the edges.

That is something pancakes just do not have. 

The waffles also have a little secret (yes, it will be revealed) – and that is freshly beaten egg whites.

If you want airy and light waffles, you should beat egg whites separately. This method makes the waffles lighter, but also gives an extra outside crisp. 

Once you have your waffle batter made, it is time to cook them. Naturally we use a waffle iron and that waffle iron must be preheated.

You cannot expect great results if the iron is not hot. Only a pre-warmed iron gives waffles that brown and crispy exterior with fluffy interior we all desire.

If you want to avoid soggy and floppy waffles, be sure to follow the preheating step. And don’t forget to add a little fat, either!

Why Use Malted Milk For Waffles?

If your kitchen is like mine, then tucked away somewhere near the condensed milk, there is a small carton or jar of one ingredient that will change your life. It is your malted milk powder!

Seriously, malted milk powder may not change your whole life, but it will definitely change the way you bake or prepare waffles. Trust me!

Malted milk powder is an exceptional way to add that toasty, almost caramel-like texture to all sorts of things, but especially your morning waffles.

You can use malted milk for your frosting, cookies, pudding, and even for plain bred to improve flavor and browning, so it’s worth storing this versatile super ingredient.

What Does Malted Milk Taste Like?

If you have ever had a malt milkshake then you already have a good idea of what malted milk tastes like. That sweet and rich toasty flavor is a hallmark of malty beers and dark lagers.

So what exactly is malted milk? It is a powdered blend of malted barley extract, milk, salt, and baking soda. The malted milk is usually used as a mix for the milkshake or a sprinkle over the ice cream, but it can be used beyond.

It can be added to whipped cream, blondies, panna cotta and delicious malted waffles. It really can go just about anywhere you want to add a toasty note. 

The malt is also often used in commercial bread baking to improve the browning and add depth and touch of sweetness. The same goes for malted milk powder in your home baking. 

Special Note

Doe to the wheat and barley extract, malted milk powder is not suitable for those on a gluten free-diet.

Also the milk in the malted milk is not suitable for vegans, so if you are trying to make GF or vegan waffles, you will unfortunately have to pass on this recipe!

Customizing Your Waffles

Chopped nuts, dried fruits, chocolate chips or even crumbled bacon will pair with these waffles.

You can top your waffles after the cooking or during the cooking time. After you place the batter on your waffle iron, you can sprinkle it with a few chocolate chips or chopped nuts on the waffle, press and cook. 

If you want to use whole berries please know it may be tricky. It is ideal to top the waffles with berries once they are cooked. If you add them to the batter while cooking, you are likely to end up with some very squishy sections of waffle.

The reason  behind this is the fact that berries will release some of the liquid and this is the reason why it is better to leave these aside.

How To Make Malted Waffles

Step 1

Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer’s directions. 

In a bowl, combine sugar, malted milk, flour, and baking powder.

Step 2

Pour in milk, vanilla, and butter.

Separate egg, and beat egg whites with a pinch of salt in a bowl, until stiff peaks form.

Add egg yolk into the flour mixture and stir until just combined.

Gradually fold in egg whites until a batter consistency forms.

Step 3

Pour 1/3 cup of the batter at a time into the waffle iron and cook according to manufacturer’s directions. 

Serve waffles warm.

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