Indulge in Canadian Comfort: The Ultimate Butter Tart Waffles Recipe for Breakfast & Brunch
Nothing evokes the cozy spirit of Canada quite like a classic butter tart. And now, you can savor that beloved Canadian flavor in a delightful new form: **Butter Tart Waffles!** Whether you’re a proud Canadian or simply someone who appreciates unique, decadent breakfast ideas, these waffles are guaranteed to become a new favorite. Imagine light, incredibly fluffy raisin butter waffles, generously smothered in a creamy, rich butter tart sauce. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your butter tart cravings right at breakfast or brunch.
These Belgian Butter Tart Waffles are an exquisite choice for any weekend, holiday, or special occasion. Their rich flavor profile makes them ideal for your Christmas morning breakfast, a festive Canada Day brunch, or simply a luxurious treat when you want to elevate your everyday meal. What makes this recipe even better is its convenience. Both the waffles and the decadent butter tart sauce can be prepared in advance, making assembly a breeze on a busy morning. You can even freeze the cooked waffles and simply pop them into the toaster for a quick and easy breakfast fix whenever the craving strikes. If you’re on the hunt for unique butter tart recipes that truly stand out, this is an absolute must-try that brings a taste of authentic Canadian tradition to your table.
For many, butter tarts are a cherished tradition, often made once a year, particularly around the festive Christmas season. This recipe allows you to extend that joy beyond the holidays. While these waffles undoubtedly shine as a holiday breakfast, their delightful taste and straightforward preparation make them suitable for enjoyment any time of the year. The luscious butter tart sauce whips up quickly on the stovetop, and the waffles are cooked to perfection in your waffle iron – meaning there’s no need to even turn on the oven!
🥘 Essential Ingredients for Your Butter Tart Waffles
To create these incredibly delicious butter tart waffles and their irresistible sauce, you’ll need a selection of high-quality ingredients. Most of these are likely staples in your pantry, ensuring a simple and enjoyable cooking experience.
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- White granulated sugar
- Butter extract (enhances that classic butter tart flavor)
- Milk
- Whipped cream
- Vegetable oil
- Large eggs (separated for airy waffles)
- Raisins (the traditional choice for butter tarts)
- Unsalted butter
- Vanilla extract
- Brown sugar
- Cream
- Vinegar
- Cornstarch
*Refer to the comprehensive recipe card below for precise quantities and detailed instructions to ensure perfect results every time.
📖 Variations & Substitutions to Customize Your Waffles
This butter tart waffle recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for easy adjustments to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Vegetable Oil: If you don’t have vegetable oil, canola oil is an excellent 1:1 substitute that will yield similar results in terms of texture and flavor.
- Flour: For a slightly healthier twist or a nuttier flavor profile, you can swap out half or all of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour can make waffles a bit denser, so you might need a tiny splash more milk to maintain consistency. For an even lighter waffle, consider using pastry flour.
- Raisins: While traditional, if raisins aren’t your favorite, feel free to omit them from the waffle batter entirely. For the sauce, consider swapping them for an equal amount of chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful nutty crunch, a common variation in butter tarts.
- Milk: Any percentage of milk will work, but 1% or 2% milk is generally recommended for a good balance of richness without being too heavy. For a dairy-free option, unsweetened almond milk or soy milk can be used in the waffle batter.
🎥 Mastering Waffles: A Quick Video Guide
Making these waffles is quite straightforward, but achieving perfectly stiff egg whites is key for that light and airy Belgian waffle texture. If you’re new to beating egg whites to stiff peaks, this quick tutorial will guide you through the process:
VIDEO: How to Beat Egg Whites to Stiff Consistency
For those who didn’t grow up in Canada, the concept of a “butter tart” might be a mystery. And when people tell me they’ve never experienced this Canadian delicacy, I can’t help but feel a pang of culinary sympathy! My immediate desire is to shower them in butter tarts because describing their unique taste verbally simply doesn’t do them justice. There’s truly nothing quite like it. If you’ve never had one, you absolutely need to add it to your culinary bucket list – they are the quintessential Canadian treat! Butter tarts feature a flaky pastry crust filled with a sweet, gooey, buttery filling, often with raisins or pecans, that caramelizes beautifully when baked. It’s a delightful balance of textures and flavors.
My love for butter tarts is clear (some might even say I’m butter tart crazy!), and I just can’t get enough of that distinctive flavor in my life. That passion inspired me to not only continue making my Grandma’s Best Ever Butter Tarts every year but also to develop this innovative waffle recipe. It was a delicious mission to bring that beloved taste to the breakfast table in a fresh and exciting way. And the culinary journey didn’t stop there!
I’ve also poured my passion into several other creative butter tart-inspired recipes. You can discover my full Butter Tart recipe collection HERE. With these recipes, you can quite literally enjoy the essence of butter tarts for every meal – breakfast, lunch, and dinner (yes, really!)
Belgian Waffles: The Perfect Base for Butter Tart Sauce
These Butter Tart Waffles are specifically designed as Belgian waffles, and for good reason. Belgian waffles are renowned for their distinctive characteristics that make them the ideal vehicle for our rich butter tart sauce. They feature large, deep, square pockets that are simply perfect for holding generous amounts of toppings – whether it’s classic butter, jam, syrup, or in this case, our luscious butter tart waffle topping. These deeper pockets ensure that every bite is loaded with flavor.
Beyond their impressive appearance and topping-holding capacity, Belgian waffles are also celebrated for their superior texture. They are known for being exceptionally lighter and fluffier than their thinner counterparts, resulting in a delightfully airy yet substantial waffle. This unique texture is often achieved through a yeasted batter or, as in our easy-to-follow recipe, with the strategic addition of baking powder. Furthermore, Belgian waffles are typically larger in diameter than regular waffles and require a specialized Belgian waffle iron to create their signature deep grids. If you’re curious to delve deeper into the fascinating differences, you can read more about Belgian waffles here.
💭 Regular Waffles vs. Belgian Waffles: Choosing Your Style
While this recipe is optimized for Belgian waffles, you can still enjoy these delicious flavors with a regular waffle maker. Regular waffles, often referred to as thin, American, Traditional, Classic, or Old-fashioned waffles (like the famous Eggo Waffles), are thinner with shallower pockets. If you own a regular waffle maker, simply use a bit less batter for each waffle, and they will cook up thinner. The taste will still be fantastic, but the texture and topping capacity will differ slightly.
🍽 Essential Equipment for Perfect Butter Tart Waffles
To prepare this recipe and achieve the best results, you’ll need a few key pieces of kitchen equipment. These tools will ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking process, leading to perfectly crafted butter tart waffles:
- Large Bowl: For mixing your waffle batter thoroughly.
- Belgian Waffle Maker (affiliate link): This is highly recommended for creating those signature deep pockets and fluffy texture that truly make these waffles special.
- Hand Mixer (affiliate link): Essential for beating the egg whites to stiff peaks, which is crucial for the lightness of the Belgian waffles.
*As mentioned, if you have a regular waffle maker, you can still follow this recipe. Just be aware that your waffles will be thinner and have shallower indentations for the sauce, requiring you to adjust the batter quantity per waffle accordingly.
🌡️ Storage and Make-Ahead Tips for Convenience
One of the many advantages of this Butter Tart Waffle recipe is its fantastic make-ahead and storage potential. This allows for effortless planning, especially when preparing for a holiday brunch or a busy weekday morning.
- Refrigeration: Cooked waffles can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The butter tart sauce can also be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for the same duration.
- Freezing: For longer storage, this recipe freezes exceptionally well. Place cooked and cooled waffles in a sealed container or a heavy-duty Ziplock freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply pop the frozen waffles directly into a toaster or toaster oven for a few minutes until heated through and crispy. The sauce can also be frozen, then thawed and gently reheated on the stove or in the microwave.
🥓 Delicious Side Dishes to Complement Your Canadian Waffles
These delightful Canadian waffles pair wonderfully with a variety of breakfast and brunch side dishes, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. Here are some excellent suggestions:
- Old Fashioned Fruit Salad (with Honey Lime Dressing)
- Roasted Red Pepper Egg White Bites Recipe
- Air Fryer Turkey Sausage
- Award-Winning Maple Sausage Brunch Bites
💭 Top Tip for Crispy Waffles
To ensure you always have a batch of delicious, ready-to-eat waffles, I highly recommend making up the entire recipe and freezing any leftover waffles. When you’re ready for a quick breakfast or snack, simply pop them directly into the toaster. This method not only reheats them beautifully but also restores that lovely, slightly crispy exterior!
If you’re a true enthusiast of Belgian waffles, I encourage you to explore more of my creative waffle recipes! You might enjoy my WW friendly Belgian Chocolate Waffles (as pictured below), which offer a decadent chocolate twist, or my Award-Winning Strawberry Sunrise Waffle and Chicken Sandwich, a unique sweet and savory combination that’s perfect for a adventurous brunch.
👪 Serving Size and Customization
This homemade butter tart waffle recipe is designed to yield approximately 14 generous Belgian waffles, making it perfect for feeding a family or hosting a brunch gathering. However, flexibility is key in the kitchen! You can easily adjust the serving size to suit your needs. Simply click on the blue serving size indicator within the recipe card below, select your desired number of servings, and all the ingredient amounts will automatically adjust accordingly. This feature allows you to effortlessly halve, double, or even triple the recipe with precision.
Traditionally, raisin butter tarts are considered the original, classic version, which is why this recipe incorporates raisins into both the waffle batter and the sauce for an authentic experience. However, I understand that not everyone is a fan of raisins. If you prefer, feel free to omit the raisins from the waffle batter altogether. For the sauce, a fantastic alternative is to stir in an equal amount of chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful nutty flavor and texture, a popular variation often found in classic butter tarts. My Best Ever Butter Tarts recipe also offers the choice of using either raisins or pecans, ensuring there’s a butter tart experience for everyone. Regardless of your preference, if you’re seeking fresh waffle ideas, a delicious and simple make-ahead holiday breakfast, or innovative waffle topping inspirations, these **Butter Tart Waffles** are an absolute must-try!
⭐ Your Feedback Matters: Comments & Reviews
Did you know that leaving comments and ratings on recipes is one of the best ways to support your favorite recipe creators? Your feedback is incredibly valuable! If you loved this Butter Tart Waffles recipe, please take a moment to comment and rate it in the recipe card below, or share your wonderful photos on social media using the hashtag #foodmeanderings or by tagging @foodmeanderings! We love seeing your creations!
📋 Canadian Butter Tart Waffles Recipe
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Equipment
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waffle iron
Ingredients
Waffles
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon butter extract
- 2 cups 1% milk
- ¼ cup whipped cream *i use spray can whipped cream
- 8 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 egg yolks beaten
- 4 egg whites
- 1 cup raisins
Butter Tart Sauce
- 2 ½ teaspoon unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 11/2 cups brown sugar
- 2 whole eggs
- 4 tablespoon cream
- 2 teaspoon vinegar
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
Waffles
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In a large bowl, thoroughly stir together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, whipped cream, butter extract, and vegetable oil with the pre-beaten egg yolks until well combined.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently, just until blended; overmixing can lead to tough waffles. Fold in the raisins.
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In a clean, separate bowl, beat the egg whites until they form stiff but not dry peaks (SEE NOTES for video guidance). Gently fold these beaten egg whites into the waffle batter until just combined, being careful not to deflate them.
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Preheat your waffle iron. Once hot, lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray (you can skip this if your waffle iron is truly nonstick). Pour the batter onto the hot waffle iron, close the lid, and cook until golden brown and done. Most waffle makers have an indicator light to signal when they are ready.
Butter Tart Sauce
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In a small pot on the stovetop, combine vanilla and cream and gently heat over low heat. Once warm, add the unsalted butter, stirring until melted.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole eggs and brown sugar until smooth. Slowly add this egg mixture to the warm cream mixture in the pot, whisking continuously. Bring to a gentle simmer on low heat, then add the vinegar and cornstarch, whisking constantly.
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Continue to whisk constantly over medium-low heat for about 10-15 minutes, until the sauce thickens to a gravy-like consistency. It will become rich and glossy.
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Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the raisins. Set aside to cool for about 10 minutes, then refrigerate until you are ready to use. Before serving, you can gently reheat the sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Garnish & Serve
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Generously garnish your warm butter tart waffles with the rich butter tart sauce and a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra touch, sprinkle with additional raisins or a few chopped pecans, as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
To ensure your waffles are light and airy, precisely beaten egg whites are essential. If you need assistance with this technique, refer to the following guide: VIDEO: How to beat egg whites to stiff consistency
Calories from Fat 108
Nutrition
🎄 More Holiday Breakfast and Brunch Recipes to Savor
If you’re planning a festive spread or simply love to indulge in delicious breakfast and brunch dishes, be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes. They are perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion where you want to add a touch of culinary magic.
- Christmas Morning Casserole (Wife Saver)
- Cinnamon Overnight Sticky Buns
- Gingerbread Christmas Pancakes (with Cranberry Compote)
- Baileys French Toast Casserole