There’s something magical about homemade waffles topped with fresh, juicy strawberries. This recipe delivers crispy exteriors with fluffy centers – the perfect canvas for sweet berry goodness. I’ve been perfecting these strawberry waffles for years, loving how those signature pockets catch every drop of syrup and strawberry juice. Whether for a special family breakfast or a quiet morning treat, these waffles bring comfort with every bite. The recipe is refreshingly simple yet endlessly customizable. Ready to create the fluffiest, most delicious strawberry waffles you’ve ever tasted? Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Making perfect strawberry waffles starts with gathering quality ingredients. I’ve tested this recipe countless times, and these measurements create the ideal balance of flavor and texture:
For the Waffle Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1¾ cups milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced (plus extra for topping)
For Serving:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- Maple syrup
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
A few notes about these ingredients that make a difference: Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly into the batter. If you forget to take them out ahead of time, place them in warm (not hot) water for about 5 minutes. For the milk, I find whole milk creates the richest waffles, but 2% works well too.
The star ingredient strawberries should be ripe but firm. Look for berries that are bright red throughout with no white or green patches near the stem. When they’re in season, local strawberries will give you the sweetest flavor, but good-quality store-bought berries work wonderfully year-round.
How to Make Strawberry Waffles
Creating perfect strawberry waffles is simpler than you might think. I’ll walk you through each step so you can enjoy these delicious treats with confidence.
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Wash and hull your strawberries, then dice enough to measure 1 cup for the batter.
- Slice the remaining strawberries for topping and set aside.
- Preheat your waffles iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Make a small well in the center of your dry ingredients – this helps when combining with wet ingredients.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl:
- Beat the eggs lightly
- Add milk, melted butter, and vanilla
- Whisk until well combined
The butter should be melted but not hot – if it’s too hot, it might cook parts of the egg when mixed.
Step 4: Create Your Batter
Pour the wet ingredients-into the well you created in the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined – a few small lumps are perfectly fine! Over-mixing leads to tough waffles, so use a light hand here.
Step 5: Fold in Strawberries
Gently fold the diced strawberries into your batter. This careful folding motion preserves the strawberry pieces while distributing them throughout the batter.
Step 6: Cook the Waffles
- Lightly coat your preheated waffle iron with non-stick spray (even if it has a non-stick surface)
- Pour about ½ cup of batter onto the center of the iron (adjust based on your waffle maker’s size)
- Close the lid and cook until the steaming stops and the waffles are golden brown, typically 3-5 minutes
If your waffle maker doesn’t have an indicator light, look for the steam – when it significantly reduces, your waffle is likely done.
Step 7: Keep Waffles Warm
As you make multiple batches, place finished waffles on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven. This keeps them warm without getting soggy while you finish cooking.
Step 8: Serve With Style
Plate your warm waffles, top with sliced fresh strawberries, a drizzle of maple syrup, and optional whipped cream. A light dusting of powdered sugar ads a beautiful finishing touch.
The magic of these strawberry waffles lies in the pockets of fruit that create bursts of flavor with every bite. Don’t rush the process – the care you put into each step really shows in the final result!
Substitutions & Variations
Not everyone has the same ingredients on hand or dietary needs, and that’s where the versatility of this strawberry waffle recipe truly shines. Here are some thoughtful substitutions and creative variations to make this recipe work for you and your family.
Dietary Accommodations
Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve found that blends containing xanthan gum work best for maintaining that perfect waffle texture. Add an extra ¼ teaspoon of baking powder to help with rise.
Dairy-Free Alternative:
- Substitute the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk (the beverage kind, not canned)
- Replace butter with melted coconut oil or a high-quality dairy-free butter substitute
- These swaps maintain the moisture and richness without compromising flavor
Egg-Free Version: For each egg, you can use:
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water (let sit for 5 minutes to gel)
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce plus ¼ teaspoon additional baking powder
- A commercial egg replacer following package instructions
Flavor Variations
Berry Medley Waffles: Mix and match strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a colorful berry explosion. Using multiple berries creates beautiful color contrast and complex flavor notes.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Waffles: Fold ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips into the batter along with the strawberries. The chocolate melts slightly during cooking, creating pockets of decadence that pair beautifully with the fresh berries.
Strawberry Banana Waffles: Add ½ cup of mashed ripe banana to the wet ingredients and reduce the strawberries to ¾ cup. This creates a naturally sweeter waffle with a subtle tropical twist.
Citrus Strawberry Waffles: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter. The bright citrus notes enhance the strawberry flavor and add a refreshing dimension.
Topping Ideas
Transform your waffle experience with these special toppings:
- Homemade strawberry compote (simmer 2 cups strawberries with 2 tablespoons sugar for 10 minutes)
- Greek yogurt drizzled with honey
- Sliced almonds or chopped pecans for crunch
- Cream cheese whipped with a touch of vanilla and powdered sugar
- Nutella or chocolate sauce for an indulgent treat
The beauty of these waffles is how easily they adapt to what you have available and what your taste buds are craving. Don’t be afraid to experiment – some of the best recipe discoveries come from creative substitutions!
How to Store Strawberry Waffles
These waffles are perfect for making ahead! Here’s how to store them properly:
Refrigerator Storage
- Cool waffles completely on a wire rack
- Place in an airtight container with parchment betwen layers
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat in the toaster or oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes
Freezer Method
- Cool waffles completely
- Place on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 2 hours
- Transfer to frezer bags, removing as much air as possible
- Label with the date – they’ll keep for up to 2 months
- Reheat frozen waffles directly in the toaster or for 8-10 minutes in a 350°F oven
For best flavor, store plain waffles and add fresh strawberry toppings just before serving!
More Strawberry Recipes
Can’t get enough strawberries? Here are five more delicious ways to enjoy this versatile fruit:
- Strawberry Banana Smoothie – Blend 1 cup strawberries, 1 banana, ½ cup yogurt, and a splash of milk for a quick breakfast or snack.
- Strawberry Spinach Salad – Toss sliced strawberries with fresh spinach, feta cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing lunch option.
- Strawberry Shortcake – Layer sweetened strawberries between buttery biscuits and top with whipped cream for a classic dessert.
- Strawberry Jam – Simmer 4 cups hulled strawberries with 2 cups sugar and 2 tablespoons lemon juice until thickened for homemade preserves.
- Strawberry Bruschetta – Top toasted baguette slices with whipped ricotta, sliced strawberries, honey, and fresh basil for an elegant appetizer.
Try these recipes when you have extra strawberries from your waffle-making adventures!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How to add strawberries to waffle mix?
A: The best method is to fold diced strawberries gently into your completed batter just before cooking. Use a rubber spatula and incorporate them with just a few strokes to avoid crushing the berries or overmixing the batter.
Q: What is the best thing about waffles?
A: The perfect combination of crispy exterior and fluffy interior makes waffles special! The grid pattern creates pockets that catch syrup, butter, and toppings, giving you the ideal balance of flavors in each bite.
Q: What were waffles first called?
A: Waffles originated as “wafers” in medieval Europe. The word “waffle” comes from the Dutch “wafel,” which evolved from the earlier “wafele.” These early versions were cooked between two metal plates connected by a hinge and held over an open fire.
Q: How to cut strawberries for waffles?
A: For mixing into batter, dice strawberries into small ¼-inch pieces so they distribute evenly. For toppings, slice strawberries about ⅛-inch thick or quarter them if they’re large. Always hull the strawberries first by removing the green leafy top and white core.
Q: Can you put fruit in waffle batter?
A: Absolutely! Berries work especially well, but you can also use diced apples, peaches, or bananas. The key is using firmer fruits and cutting them small enough that they cook through without making the surrounding batter soggy.
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries for waffles?
A: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but they require special handling. Thaw them completely first, then drain and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This prevents your batter from becoming too wet, which would result in soggy waffles.
Fluffy Strawberry Waffles
Equipment
- Waffle Maker
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1¾ cups milk
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups diced fresh strawberries
- Cooking spray for waffle iron
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, salt) in a large bowl.
- Whisk milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla in another bowl.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in diced strawberries gently.
- Preheat waffle iron and spray with cooking spray.
- Pour batter onto hot waffle iron (about ½-¾ cup per waffle).
- Cook until golden brown and crisp (3-5 minutes).
- Serve immediately with maple syrup and additional strawberries.
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 375
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 16g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sodium: 410mg