This is the best yeast waffle recipe because these waffles taste better, are better for you, and are better for the environment as well. Made with ingredients that have a small carbon footprint. We should just call them “save the world” waffles. They rise overnight and are ready in the morning, so they are convenient and easy for breakfast. Even better, leftover waffles can be frozen and then reheated in the toaster.
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Yeast Waffles
The concept of flat cakes cooked between hot metal plates dates back thousands of years. However, the modern waffle as we know it today originated in medieval Europe. Initially, waffles were made with yeast as a leavening agent, producing a light and fluffy texture. The use of yeast was instrumental in creating the characteristic crispiness of waffles. Over time, waffle recipes evolved, and different regions developed their own variations with unique ingredients and toppings. Today, waffles are commonly made using baking soda or baking powder to make them quick and easy. Waffles made with baking powder are quicker to prepare, as they require no rising time. They typically have a more straightforward and neutral taste, with a denser texture. But this sacrifices the taste and crispiness of a waffle made with yeast. Waffles made from yeast tend to have a lighter and fluffier texture, with a crispy exterior and a tender interior.
But making waffles with yeast can be just as easy and even more convenient. The batter is made the night before and refrigerated, so there is the added convenience of being ready to go in the morning.
We created this recipe using yeast, to give the waffles that crispy exterior and creamy center, and let them rise overnight to make them convenient. We used a scale to measure the ingredients, which is easier and more accurate. Then we used sustainable ingredients to give them a low carbon footprint, and this made them healthier and more flavorful as well. We ended up with the best yeast waffle recipe. Better tasting, healthier, easier, more convenient, and a lower carbon footprint. What’s not to like?
This Recipe was made using our Master Holiday Bread Recipe with a few changes.
For this recipe, we used our Master Holiday Bread Recipe, but with more water and oil. We also used Kernza flour for half the flour.
Breakfast at the Historic Green Mountain Inn in Stowe Vermont
We had an unforgettable breakfast experience at the charming Green Mountain Inn in Stowe, Vermont. The day started on a delightfully sweet note with their signature French toast crafted from mouth-watering homemade oat bread. Each slice with a golden crust that gives way to a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth center. What truly sets this breakfast apart is the locally sourced maple syrup that generously drizzles over the French toast. Bursting with robust flavor, this amber liquid is a testament to the rich heritage of Vermont’s maple syrup production. The fragrant oat bread and velvety maple syrup creates an unforgettable sensory experience. The elegance of the Green Mountain Inn and the perfect Vermont breakfast that celebrates the finest local ingredients, left us feeling nourished and ready to explore all that this idyllic Vermont town had to offer.
Back home, we were reminded of the French toast at the Green Mountain Inn when we tried baking with Kernza flour for the first time. We thought the sweet, oat taste of the flour would add the perfect flavor to waffles. So we created this waffle recipe using the Kernza flour and maple syrup. Then we went even further, and made a recipe that used only sustainable ingredients.
The Sustainable Ingredients for Making the Best Waffles
We wanted to see just how many sustainable ingredients we could substitute for the commonly used ingredients and still have something that we would want to eat. We found that we could make waffles that had a very small carbon footprint and actually tasted better.
Waffles are the perfect thing to make using sustainable ingredients. They are easy, versatile and forgiving, and go well with a variety of ingredients. We chose ingredients that were not just better for the environment, but were healthier and tasted better as well. Some of these ingredients may be so new that you may not have heard of them, so we included an introduction.
Instead of sugar, we used maple syrup, a sustainable product that adds flavor that naturally goes with waffles, and reminded us of Vermont. The flour we used is from Kernza, which has a flavor that is a little like oats, and reminded us of the oat bread French toast we had at the inn in Vermont. Instead of butter, we used a La Tourangelle nut oil, which added flavor without adding to our carbon footprint. The recipe can be varied just by changing the type of nut oil.
Maple sugar is renowned for its sustainability and low carbon footprint. One of the key reasons behind this is the minimal environmental impact maple sugaring has on the surrounding ecosystem. Unlike other forms of sugar production, maple sugaring does not require large amounts of land, excessive water usage, or the use of chemicals or pesticides. It relies solely on the natural process of tapping maple trees and collecting sap, which is then boiled down to produce the flavorful and versatile maple sugar. Additionally, the carbon footprint of maple sugaring is significantly lower compared to other sugar production methods. The process is energy-efficient as it primarily utilizes wood-burning evaporators, which release fewer emissions than fossil fuels. Moreover, maple trees, as living organisms, absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making the production cycle even more sustainable and contributing positively to the environment. Overall, maple sugar is a great choice for those seeking a sustainable and environmentally friendly sweetener option.
Kernza, also known as intermediate wheatgrass, is a perennial grain crop that holds great promise for sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. When it comes to taste, Kernza has a sweet, nutty flavor with hints of earthiness. As a deep-rooted perennial, it requires less water, fertilizer, and pesticides compared to annual crops like wheat. This reduces soil erosion, enhances soil health, and improves water quality by preventing runoff. Kernza’s extensive root system also sequesters carbon, making it a valuable tool in combating climate change. Moreover, its long growing season provides continuous ground cover, minimizing weed growth and providing habitat for beneficial insects. Kernza’s sustainable cultivation practices make it a promising alternative to conventional grains, aligning with the goals of promoting biodiversity, conserving natural resources, and preserving a healthy environment for future generations.
La Tourangelle Nut oil is a delightful addition to any culinary enthusiast’s pantry, as it not only imparts a rich and distinct flavor to dishes but also offers a more sustainable alternative to butter. With its unique nutty taste, nut oils, like walnut or hazelnut oil, elevate a wide range of recipes, from salad dressings to baked goods. What sets nut oil apart from butter is its sustainability. While butter production requires vast amounts of land, water, and feed for cows, nut oils are sourced from abundant and renewable nut crops. This makes nut oil a more environmentally friendly choice, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preserving valuable natural resources. In addition to enhancing the taste of meals, incorporating nut oil into our cooking practices contributes to a more sustainable and responsible approach to food consumption.
These sustainable ingredients give this waffle recipe a low carbon footprint, and makes them healthier and more flavorful as well. It is seriously the best yeast waffle recipe. Like we said – better tasting, healthier, easier, more convenient, and a lower carbon footprint. We hope you try this recipe and see just how easy it is to make something better.
No Affiliates Statement
We call this our “no affiliates” statement because we accept no advertising, have no affiliates and accept no payment. We are not paid to mention brands – we just love buying the best, sharing that information and saving the planet at the same time. The effort put into writing and photographing the blog is solely based on our dedication to the cause.
RECIPE
Equipment
- waffle iron
CHOOSING BRANDS:
For certain products, the choice of brand will make a big difference in the outcome of the recipe and in your carbon footprint. So, for those products, we have listed the brand. We are not paid to mention a brand and have no affiliates.
Ingredients
- 150 grams King Arthur unbleached all-purpose flour
- 150 Grams Perennial Pantry Kernza flour
- 2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon Red SAF instant yeast
- 300 grams filtered water
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup Dark
- 80 grams La Tourangelle walnut oil
- 2 eggs
- 2 Tbsp walnuts toasted and chopped, optional
Instructions
- Using a scale, measure the flours, salt and yeast into a large mixing bowl and whisk together.
- Measure in the water, maple syrup, and oil, and whisk together until the batter is smooth. Add the eggs and whisk just until incorporated.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (12-14 hours).
- After the 12 to 14 hours of rising, the dough should have doubled in size and have bubbles on the surface. Heat the waffle iron, add nuts to the batter and whisk to combine. Spoon it into the waffle iron. Bake the waffles according to manufacturer’s instructions. Serve waffles immediately.
Nutrition
WHY THIS RECIPE IS A GAME CHANGER:
This recipe is a total game-changer — crafted with the finest [brand name] ingredients, simplified using a master recipe with pro-tested techniques from top chefs and bakers, and designed for deliciously sustainable cooking made easy.”
More Bread Recipes from our Master Holiday Bread Method
True to The Master Pantry philosophy, this recipe combines the best seasonal ingredients and quality brands with homemade methods to maximize both flavor and sustainability. It was inspired by our travels and works well as a holiday recipe.
Photography by Tony Fitzgerald Photography
Recipes created by Lisa LeCoump — Food Photographer, Agricultural Expert, and Home Baker. Sharing master recipes, chef secrets, and sustainable baking for every kitchen. Featured on various publications.