If you’re looking for a delicious and comforting dessert or breakfast, waffles paired with ice cream make a classic combination that never fails to impress. This recipe for Waffles and Ice Cream brings together the warm, crisp texture of freshly made waffles with the creamy coolness of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of rich maple syrup.
Why We Love This Waffles and Ice Cream Recipe
There’s something special about homemade waffles that store-bought versions can’t match. The aroma as they cook fills your kitchen with warmth and comfort, and the crispy outside with a soft, tender inside texture is pure joy. Adding a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream makes each bite even more irresistible by balancing the warm waffles with cool sweetness. Maple syrup brings in a natural, deep sweetness that ties all the flavors together perfectly.
This recipe stands out because it uses a mix of sprouted oat, sorghum, and rice flours, making the waffles naturally gluten-free and easier to digest. Using maple sugar instead of regular sugar adds a nuanced flavor profile with less refined sweetness. The gentle touch of gelatin helps improve the waffle’s texture, making them light yet sturdy enough to hold the ice cream and syrup without getting soggy too quickly. Plus, you get the satisfaction of making the batter fresh, controlling every ingredient for a wholesome result.
Whether you’re making these waffles for a family breakfast or a casual dessert, you’ll appreciate the balance of nutrition, flavor, and texture in every bite. It’s a treat that feels indulgent but has a clean ingredient list that’s mindful of health.
Ingredients for Waffles and Ice Cream
To make these tasty waffles and ice cream, you’ll need the following ingredients, carefully measured to create the best batter and perfect pairing:
- 1/2 teaspoon gelatin
- 1/2 cup sprouted oat flour (make sure it’s gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup arrowroot powder
- 1/4 cup sprouted sorghum flour
- 1/4 cup sprouted rice flour
- 1/2 cup maple sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 pints vanilla ice cream
- Maple syrup (Grade B preferred for deeper flavor)
How to Make Waffles and Ice Cream
Here is the step-by-step process to prepare these delightful waffles topped with ice cream and maple syrup. Follow these instructions carefully for the best results.
Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s important to start with a properly heated iron so your waffles cook evenly and develop that signature golden-brown crust.
In a small bowl, combine the gelatin with 1 teaspoon of water. Stir gently and set this aside to bloom. This step helps the gelatin activate and improves the texture of your waffles.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: sprouted oat flour, arrowroot powder, sprouted sorghum flour, sprouted rice flour, maple sugar, baking powder, and sea salt. Make sure everything is well combined to ensure an even batter.
In the bowl of a food processor or using a handheld mixer, add the melted and cooled butter, eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, and the gelatin mixture. Blend or pulse until smooth and fully combined — about 10 seconds.
Add the dry ingredient mix to the wet ingredients in the food processor. Pulse briefly in about five 1-second pulses to mix the batter without overworking it. The batter should be smooth but not overly beaten.
Using a ladle, carefully spread an appropriate amount of batter onto the hot waffle iron. Don’t overload the iron; enough batter to cover the grid evenly works best. Close the iron and cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions until the waffle turns golden brown.
Once cooked, transfer the waffle to a plate. While still warm, top the waffle generously with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle maple syrup over the top to finish.
Repeat this process with the remaining batter, cooking each waffle fresh and topping with ice cream and syrup.
If you want to serve all waffles at once, keep the cooked waffles warm on a wire rack set inside a low oven at 200ºF for up to 10 minutes. This method prevents sogginess while maintaining crispness.
This technique ensures every waffle is crispy, light, and perfectly paired with creamy ice cream and syrup for a wonderful flavor balance.
How to Serve Waffles and Ice Cream
Serving your waffles and ice cream is simple but can be made extra special with a few thoughtful touches. You want to present this dish so it looks as inviting as it tastes.
Start by placing a freshly cooked waffle on each plate. Add a generous scoop or two of vanilla ice cream right on top while the waffle is still warm. This contrast creates a pleasing melt effect around the edges.
Drizzle Grade B maple syrup over the ice cream and waffle for a rich, sweet glaze that enhances the natural flavors. The syrup’s deeper notes complement the caramelized parts of the waffle beautifully.
For added appeal, consider sprinkling chopped nuts like toasted pecans or walnuts for a crunchy contrast. Fresh berries such as sliced strawberries or blueberries also brighten the dish visually and add a fresh note to balance the sweetness.
Serve your waffles immediately for the best texture experience—crispy exterior with melty, creamy ice cream. Pair with a hot beverage like coffee or tea for a complete meal or dessert that’s sure to delight anyone at your table.
Expert Tips for Making Waffles and Ice Cream
Here are some expert tips to help you master this recipe and impress everyone with your waffles and ice cream:
- Make sure your waffle iron is fully preheated before cooking. This helps you achieve the signature crisp crust while keeping the inside soft.
- When mixing the batter, avoid overmixing once you add the dry ingredients. Overworking the batter can make waffles tough rather than light and airy.
- The gelatin addition might seem unusual but is key for a better waffle structure and longer-lasting crispness.
- Use Grade B maple syrup if possible. Its richer, more robust flavor adds depth and pairs beautifully with the waffle’s nutty flours and the smooth ice cream.
- Keep cooked waffles warm on a wire rack in the oven to prevent moisture buildup and sogginess if making multiple waffles at once.
- For a dairy-free version, swap whole milk with almond or oat milk and use vegan butter. Use your favorite dairy-free vanilla ice cream to keep the creaminess.
- Serve waffles fresh for the best taste, but if you need to reheat, toast them lightly in a toaster oven or air fryer rather than the microwave for best texture.
Following these simple tips will help you consistently make delicious waffles that are crisp, tender, and full of flavor.
How to Store Waffles and Ice Cream
If you have leftover waffles or want to prepare them ahead, here’s how to store them properly:
- Allow cooked waffles to cool completely on a wire rack to avoid condensation and sogginess.
- Store waffles in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, freeze waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen waffles last about 1 month.
- Reheat refrigerated waffles in a toaster oven or air fryer until crispy before serving.
- Keep ice cream tightly sealed in its original container and store in the freezer. Avoid leaving it out too long to prevent melting and refreezing which affects texture.
Following these storage tips helps maintain the quality of your waffles and ice cream so you can enjoy them later without loss of flavor or texture.
Variations of Waffles and Ice Cream
There are many ways to put your personal spin on this classic dish and keep it interesting for different occasions or dietary preferences.
- Fruit-Topped Waffles: Add fresh or cooked fruits like berries, peaches, or bananas on top along with ice cream for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Twist: Stir mini chocolate chips into the batter before cooking or top your waffle with chocolate sauce in addition to ice cream and syrup.
- Spiced Waffles: Add warming spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the batter for a cozy flavor boost that pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream.
- Savory-Sweet Option: Top waffles with a dollop of Greek yogurt, honey, and toasted nuts instead of ice cream for a lighter, tangy variation.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free ice cream to make this recipe suitable for a vegan diet without losing its deliciousness.
- Nut Butter Drizzle: Add a drizzle of almond or peanut butter on top of the ice cream and waffles for a protein boost and creamy texture contrast.
These variations allow you to adapt the recipe to suit your tastes or the occasion, making waffles and ice cream a versatile favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions about Waffles and Ice Cream
What is the best way to keep waffles crispy when serving with ice cream?
To keep waffles crisp, serve them immediately after cooking. If you need to prepare ahead, place them on a wire rack in a low oven (around 200°F) to keep them warm without steaming. Avoid stacking waffles to prevent moisture buildup.
Can I make this waffle recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe already uses sprouted oat, sorghum, and rice flours, which are gluten-free when certified as such. Always check labels to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
Is gelatin necessary in this waffle recipe?
Gelatin helps improve the waffle’s texture and crispness but is optional. If you prefer not to use it, your waffles will still be tasty but might be slightly less sturdy.
Can I substitute the maple sugar with regular sugar?
You can use regular sugar, but maple sugar adds a richer flavor that complements the waffles and syrup well. Adjust sweetness according to taste.
How long can I store leftover waffles?
Refrigerated waffles last about 2 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them for up to one month and reheat before serving.
What’s the best ice cream flavor for this recipe?
Classic vanilla ice cream is recommended for its smooth, creamy texture and mild flavor that pairs beautifully with maple syrup and the nutty waffle batter. However, you can experiment with other flavors like caramel or cinnamon.
Can I make waffles ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance or cook the waffles earlier and reheat them. For best texture, store cooked waffles on a wire rack and reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer.
Waffles and Ice Cream
Equipment
- Waffle Iron
- Mixing Bowl
- Food Processor
Ingredients
- 1/2 tsp. gelatin
- 1/2 cup sprouted oat flour (gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup arrowroot powder
- 1/4 cup sprouted sorghum flour
- 1/4 cup sprouted rice flour
- 1/2 cup maple sugar
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. sea salt
- 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter melted and cooled
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 pints vanilla ice cream
- Maple syrup (Grade B preferred)
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- In a small bowl, combine gelatin with 1 teaspoon of water and let it bloom.
- In a large bowl, whisk together sprouted oat flour, arrowroot powder, sorghum flour, rice flour, maple sugar, baking powder, and sea salt.
- In a food processor, blend melted butter, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and bloomed gelatin until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and pulse briefly to combine.
- Spread an appropriate amount of batter onto the preheated waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions until golden brown.
- Transfer the cooked waffle to a plate, top with vanilla ice cream, and drizzle with maple syrup.
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