5 Waffle Recipes to Mark International Waffle Day

Waffles, characterized by the distinctive grid-like pattern, are the go-to breakfast choice for most homes in America. International Waffle Day is celebrated annually on March 25 to celebrate waffles and their history.1

Because it is versatile, it can pass for brunch and an afternoon snack. The best part is that you can modify the ingredients to suit your preference. For example, to make it gluten-free, you can use oat flour, cornmeal, pumpkin, or sweet potato puree. Furthermore, you can top it with fresh fruits such as berries, bananas, apples, chocolate chips, and whipped cream.

History of International Waffle Day

Waffles was introduced in Sweden in the early 1600s and spread to other regions. At that time, they were eaten with fruits and jams and became a loved treat for any time of the day.

Over time a different variety of waffles emerged. In the 1700s, butter and sugar were added to the waffles recipes, making them sweeter than the original. The modern waffle, as we currently know it, originated in Belgium in 1839. It was much thicker than regular waffles with deeper grids and also more filling because it held more jam and cream.1

International Waffle Day came up because of the mispronunciation of two holidays in Sweden. The Vaffeldagen (Waffle Day) and Varfrudagen (Our Lady Day), which celebrates the conception of the Virgin Mary. Because of the linguistic connection, Swedish families celebrated Varfrudagen with waffles.1

In the 2000s, International Waffle Day became a worldwide sensation where people would eat waffles and share them on social media. In the United States, waffles have become a beloved breakfast food, and a staple often served with fruits, fried chicken, and maple syrup.

How to Celebrate International Waffle Day

You can mark Waffle Day by making and enjoying waffles with a variety of flavors and toppings, such as whipped cream, butter, fruits, and syrup. It is a great opportunity to indulge in the delicious treat and experiment with different waffle recipes.

Here are five easy waffle recipes for International Waffle Day.

1.  Classic Waffles²

Crispy • Fluffy • Breakfast Favorite
Serves: ~4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: ~5 minutes per waffle

Golden, crispy waffles with a tender crumb—perfect topped with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or syrup. Simple to make but always impressive!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1½ cups warm milk

• 2 large eggs

• ¼ cup melted butter (plus more for greasing)

• 1½ Tbsp baking powder

• 2 Tbsp white sugar

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Fresh strawberries or raspberries, for garnish (organic if possible)

Instructions

1. Preheat
   Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer's instructions. Lightly brush with melted butter or spray with cooking oil.

2. Mix dry ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.

3. Mix wet ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, warm milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Combine
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined—some small lumps are okay. Avoid overmixing to keep waffles tender.

5. Cook waffles
   Ladle batter into the hot waffle maker (amount varies by model). Close and cook for 3–5 minutes, or until waffles are golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve warm
   Serve immediately with fresh berries, whipped cream, and maple syrup—or your favorite toppings.

Tips & Variations

• For whole-grain waffles, substitute up to half the flour with whole wheat flour.

• Add ½ cup crushed freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries into the batter for extra flavor and color.

• Keep waffles warm while making more by placing on a baking sheet in a 200 °F oven.

2.  Banana Waffles³

Moist • Flavorful • Freezer-Friendly
Serves: 4–6 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 5 min per waffle

These banana-packed waffles are crisp on the outside and tender inside—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or batch-freezing for the week. Add mini chocolate chips for a dessert-like twist!

Ingredients

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 Tbsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1¾ cups milk

• 2 large eggs

• ¼ cup melted butter (plus more for greasing)

• ½ Tbsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup freeze-dried banana, rehydrated and mashed

• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

• For serving: maple syrup, banana chips or fresh banana slices, extra chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Rehydrate & mash bananas
   Place freeze-dried banana slices in a bowl, cover with warm water, and soak for 10–15 minutes. Drain and mash until smooth.

2. Mix dry ingredients
   In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. Mix wet ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas until combined.

4. Combine & rest
   Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes for fluffier waffles.

5. Preheat waffle maker
   Meanwhile, preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease with butter or oil.

6. Add chocolate chips & cook
   Fold in chocolate chips (if using), then ladle batter into the waffle maker. Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

7. Serve
   Serve warm with maple syrup, banana slices or banana chips, and additional chocolate chips if desired.

Storage

• Fridge: Up to 5 days in an airtight container.

• Freezer: Up to 3 months. Reheat in a toaster or oven.

Tips

• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.

• Use whole milk or plant-based milk depending on your dietary preference.

• Want extra protein? Swap in ½ cup Greek yogurt for part of the milk.

3.  Blueberry Waffles⁴

Fluffy • Fruity • Crowd-Pleaser
Serves: 4–6 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 5–7 min per waffle

Bursting with tangy, sweet freeze-dried blueberries, these golden waffles are crisp on the outside and tender inside. Brightened with lemon zest and warm cinnamon, they’re a delightful breakfast treat the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 Tbsp baking powder

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 2 large eggs

• 1½ cups milk

• ¼ cup melted butter (plus more for greasing)

• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups freeze-dried blueberries

For serving:

• Powdered sugar

• Maple syrup

Instructions

1. Rehydrate blueberries
   Place freeze-dried blueberries in a bowl and cover with warm water. Let soak for 10–15 minutes, then drain well.
2. Mix dry ingredients
   In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Stir in lemon zest.
3. Mix wet ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine & rest
   Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Let batter rest for 10 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly.
5. Preheat waffle maker
   Meanwhile, heat your waffle iron and lightly grease with butter or oil.
6. Fold in blueberries & cook
   Gently fold rehydrated blueberries into the batter. Ladle into the waffle iron and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
7. Serve
   Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup. Serve hot.

Tips

• Add ¼ tsp nutmeg for extra warmth.

• For a protein boost, swap in ½ cup Greek yogurt for part of the milk.

• Use lemon juice instead of zest if needed—just 1 tsp will brighten the flavor.

4.  Apple Waffles⁵

Warm • Spiced • Comforting
Serves: 4–6 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 5–7 min per waffle

Wake your household with the cozy aroma of cinnamon-spiced apple waffles. Made with sweet, rehydrated freeze-dried apples and pantry staples, these golden waffles are crisp, comforting, and perfect alongside a steaming mug of coffee.

Ingredients

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup freeze-dried apples

• 1 cup milk

• ¼ cup melted butter (plus more for greasing)

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 Tbsp baking powder

• 1 Tbsp granulated sugar

• 1 Tbsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp salt

For serving:

• Powdered sugar

• Maple syrup

• Extra apple slices (optional)

Instructions

1. Rehydrate apples
   Place freeze-dried apples in a bowl and cover with warm water. Soak for 10–15 minutes, then drain and chop into bite-sized pieces if needed.

2. Mix wet ingredients
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.

3. Mix dry ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

4. Combine & rest
   Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined. Let batter rest for 10 minutes to thicken slightly.

5. Preheat waffle maker
   While the batter rests, heat your waffle iron and lightly grease with butter or oil.

6. Fold in apples & cook
   Gently fold the rehydrated apple pieces into the batter. Pour into the preheated waffle maker and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Repeat with remaining batter.

7. Serve
   Serve warm topped with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and extra apple slices if desired.

Tips

• Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or clove for extra autumn flavor.

• For a richer batter, substitute ¼ cup of the milk with sour cream or Greek yogurt.

• Chop the apples finely for more even distribution throughout the batter.

5.  Sweet Potato Waffles⁶

Earthy • Hearty • Lightly Spiced
Serves: 4–6 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 5–7 min per waffle

These golden waffles are packed with naturally sweet, mashed dried sweet potatoes and warm cinnamon. With a crisp outside and soft center, they make a wholesome and delicious addition to any breakfast or brunch table.

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried sweet potatoes

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 Tbsp baking powder

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 4 large eggs

• 1 cup milk

• ¼ cup olive oil or canola oil

• Salt, to taste

For serving:

• Maple syrup

• Toasted nuts or Greek yogurt (optional)

Instructions

1. Rehydrate sweet potatoes
   Place dried sweet potatoes in a bowl, cover with warm water, and soak for 15–20 minutes. Drain well and mash until smooth.

2. Mix dry ingredients
   In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

3. Mix wet ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, mashed sweet potatoes, milk, and oil until smooth.

4. Combine & rest
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, then let the batter rest for 10 minutes.

5. Preheat waffle maker
   Heat your waffle iron and lightly grease with oil or butter.

6. Cook waffles
   Ladle the batter into the waffle maker and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Repeat with remaining batter.

7. Serve
   Serve warm with maple syrup, toasted nuts, or a dollop of Greek yogurt if desired.

Tips

• For a richer flavor, use whole milk or add a splash of vanilla extract.

• Lightly toast chopped pecans or walnuts and fold into the batter for crunch.

• Use extra mashed sweet potato as a topping along with your syrup.

Did you try out these five waffle recipes? Please share your feedback in the comment section below.

References

1.     https://nationaltoday.com/international-waffle-day/
2.     https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/20513/classic-waffles/
3.     https://www.kimscravings.com/banana-waffles/
4.     https://www.kyleecooks.com/blueberry-waffles/
5.     https://brooklynfarmgirl.com/easy-apple-waffles/
6.     https://www.acouplecooks.com/pumpkin-waffles/

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