These sweet potato waffles are a tasty twist on the classic breakfast favorite! Fluffy and slightly sweet, they have a lovely orange color that brightens up your plate.
Who knew breakfast could be this fun? I love topping them with a little maple syrup or fresh fruit. They make my mornings feel special, even on a busy day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: They bring natural sweetness and a lovely color to the waffles. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, pumpkin puree works well as a substitute. Just make sure to use unsweetened puree.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your waffles. If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can substitute it with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just ensure it includes xanthan gum for structure.
Buttermilk: Gives a nice tanginess and light texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 5 minutes to sour it.
Butter: I love using unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness. For a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
How Do I Ensure My Waffles Turn Out Fluffy?
Getting your waffles fluffy is all about the mixing method and ingredients. Start by mixing dry ingredients separately from wet to avoid overmixing later. When you combine them, gently stir until just barely combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps!
- Make sure your baking powder is fresh. It helps the waffles rise.
- Let the batter rest for a few minutes to relax, which helps texture.
- Use a preheated waffle iron to get that crispy outside while keeping the inside fluffy.
Sweet Potato Waffles Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato (about 1 medium sweet potato)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Spices & Sweetener:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for greasing waffle iron
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and an additional 20 minutes to cook, depending on your waffle iron. In total, you’ll be enjoying these delicious waffles in about 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Waffle Iron:
First things first, starting with a preheated waffle iron is key for crispy edges. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preheating and give it a light greasing with some butter or non-stick spray.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. This way, all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and ready to go!
3. Prepare the Wet Mixture:
In another bowl, combine the cooked and mashed sweet potato with buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is fully blended and smooth. The sweet potato will add a lovely texture and sweetness to your batter.
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Pour the sweet potato mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Remember, it’s okay if the batter is a tad lumpy—overmixing can make the waffles tough!
5. Cook the Waffles:
Spoon an appropriate amount of batter onto the preheated waffle iron—enough to fill the grid but not overflow. Close the lid and cook the waffles until they are golden brown and crispy, which usually takes about 4 to 6 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times can vary by waffle iron.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the waffles and keep them warm (you can place them in a low oven if you’re cooking in batches). Serve hot with a pat of butter, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Don’t forget a side of fresh fruit like strawberries for an extra burst of flavor!
Enjoy your homemade sweet potato waffles! They make for a delightful breakfast or brunch treat that everyone will love.
Can I Use Canned Sweet Potatoes Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes! Just make sure to drain and mash them well before measuring. They’ll still give you that delicious sweet flavor and texture!
How Do I Store Leftover Waffles?
To store leftovers, cool the waffles completely and then place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for longer shelf life. For freezing, separate each waffle with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I Make These Waffles Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum to help with the texture.
What Can I Serve with Sweet Potato Waffles?
These waffles are delicious topped with maple syrup, but you can also elevate them with fresh fruit, yogurt, or whipped cream. For a savory twist, try pairing them with a fried egg or crispy bacon!
