If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to irresistibly light, crisp, and flavorful waffles, this Overnight Yeast Waffles Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a simple, fuss-free way to create waffles with that perfect balance of airy softness and golden crunch, all thanks to an overnight rest that lets the yeast work its magic. These waffles have a subtle depth of flavor you just don’t get from instant batter, making breakfast feel like a special occasion any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, everyday ingredients is the first step toward creating waffles that are fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and bursting with rich taste and warm vanilla aroma. Each element plays its part to bring an unforgettable texture and flavor to your plate.
- Whole milk (2 cups, lukewarm 100°F): Provides creaminess and moisture that tenderize the batter and activate the yeast perfectly.
- Water (½ cup, lukewarm): Helps balance the batter’s consistency and aids yeast fermentation.
- Butter (8 tablespoons, melted and cooled): Adds a luscious buttery flavor and a crispy finish to your waffles.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Gives a warm, inviting aroma and subtle sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The backbone of the batter, delivering structure and bite.
- Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons): Feeds the yeast and sweetens the waffle lightly.
- Instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): The secret behind fluffy waffles with a slight tang and depth.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Large eggs (2): Add richness, stability, and a tender crumb.
- Baking soda (¼ teaspoon): Reacts with the eggs to give an extra lift and perfect rise.
How to Make Overnight Yeast Waffles Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Start by whisking together your lukewarm milk, water, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. This warm mixture is key to activating the yeast gently and infusing flavor throughout your batter. Taking this careful first step sets the stage for waffles that taste as good as they look.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and kosher salt. Keeping these dry ingredients separate until this point ensures the yeast doesn’t activate too quickly, giving your waffles a perfect overnight rise. Once combined, stir these dry ingredients into the wet until everything is just blended—don’t worry about lumps, they add character!
Step 3: Refrigerate Overnight
Cover your batter and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, or overnight. This slow fermentation is the heart of the Overnight Yeast Waffles Recipe, creating bubbles and flavors that simply cannot be rushed. You’ll notice the batter rising and filling with little bubbles—this means you’re on track for waffle heaven.
Step 4: Prepare to Cook
When morning comes, preheat your waffle iron to medium heat. At the same time, heat your oven to 200°F and place a cooling rack on a sheet pan inside—this warm spot will be perfect for keeping your waffles crisp and warm as you cook the rest. Meanwhile, beat the eggs with the baking soda until frothy, then whisk this into the chilled batter. This final touch guarantees a light, airy waffle with a golden crust.
Step 5: Cook the Waffles
Ladle just enough batter onto your preheated waffle iron to cover the grids. Close the iron and cook until the waffles turn a gorgeous golden brown and release easily. Each waffle will have that delightful yeast-raised texture coupled with a perfect crispy finish. Transfer cooked waffles to your oven rack to stay warm and crisp while you finish the batch, then repeat until all batter is used.
How to Serve Overnight Yeast Waffles Recipe
Garnishes
Overnight yeast waffles are truly a canvas for your favorite toppings. Fresh berries bring brightness and a pop of color, while a drizzle of pure maple syrup adds classic sweetness. For an indulgent treat, add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar that melts into every nook and cranny. Nuts or a smear of fruit jam make fantastic options too.
Side Dishes
To round out your waffle feast, think savory or fresh. Crispy bacon or sausage pairs beautifully with yeast waffles, balancing sweet and salty. A side of scrambled eggs or a light fruit salad provides freshness and variety, creating a well-loved brunch experience that everyone will rave about.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your waffle breakfast into an event by stacking waffles with layers of yogurt and fruit between, creating a waffle parfait. Or cut waffles into sticks and serve with assorted dips like chocolate, caramel, or berry compote for a fun finger-food twist. You can even use leftovers for breakfast sandwiches with eggs and cheese the next morning—the possibilities are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover waffles (though that’s rare!), store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to one day. After that, their delightful crispness begins to fade, so plan to enjoy them quickly for the best texture.
Freezing
Waffles freeze wonderfully and keep their quality for up to 2 months. Lay them flat on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together and makes it easy to toast a few at a time whenever you crave that yeasty goodness.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your saved waffles is in a toaster or a toaster oven. This method restores their signature crispiness without drying them out. If you prefer the oven, reheat at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it will make waffles soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Why do you refrigerate the batter overnight?
Refrigerating the batter allows the yeast to ferment slowly, developing complex flavors and a lighter texture. This slow rise creates the unique airy fluffiness of the Overnight Yeast Waffles Recipe that you can’t get with quick batters.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
While instant yeast is preferred for its quick activation without proofing, you can use active dry yeast if you proof it first in the lukewarm water. Adjust quantities based on your yeast package recommendations for best results.
Do I need to add baking soda if I’m using yeast?
Yes, baking soda reacts with the beaten eggs to give an extra lift and better rise right when cooking starts, complementing the slower yeast fermentation for perfect texture and lightness.
Can I make the batter in the morning and cook immediately?
The magic of this recipe is in the overnight fermentation, so while you can, your waffles won’t develop the same airy texture or rich flavor. For best results, plan to let the batter rest in the fridge overnight.
How do I know when waffles are cooked perfectly?
They should be golden brown with crisp edges and easily release from the waffle iron. The interior will be tender and airy with small air pockets created by the yeast fermentation.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Overnight Yeast Waffles Recipe will absolutely transform your breakfast routine. It’s a little bit of planning with a lot of payoff—giving you waffles so light, fluffy, and packed with flavor that every bite feels like a warm hug. Trust me, once you experience the joy of these yeast-raised waffles, your kitchen will be buzzing with happy mornings for weeks to come.
Print
Overnight Yeast Waffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Overnight Yeast Waffles are perfectly light and airy thanks to an overnight refrigeration that allows the yeast to develop flavor and texture. With a rich batter made from whole milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, these waffles come out golden and crisp on the outside while tender on the inside. Ideal for a leisurely weekend breakfast, they stay warm in the oven while you cook up the rest and pair wonderfully with your favorite syrup or toppings.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk, lukewarm (100°F)
- ½ cup water, lukewarm
- 8 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the lukewarm whole milk, lukewarm water, melted and cooled butter, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and kosher salt, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Cover the batter and refrigerate it overnight to allow the yeast to ferment and develop flavor.
- Preheat Appliances: When ready to cook, preheat your waffle maker to medium heat. Also preheat your oven to 200°F, placing a cooling rack inside a sheet pan to keep the waffles warm after cooking.
- Prepare Batter: Beat the two large eggs and baking soda together thoroughly, then whisk this mixture into the refrigerated waffle batter to activate the baking soda and create a fluffy texture.
- Cook Waffles: Once the waffle maker is fully heated, ladle enough batter to cover the grids and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crisp, typically 3-5 minutes depending on your waffle maker.
- Keep Warm: Transfer cooked waffles to the cooled rack inside the warm oven to keep them crisp and warm while you finish cooking the rest of the batter.
Notes
- Use lukewarm liquids to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Overnight fermentation enhances flavor and creates lighter waffles.
- Keep waffles warm on a cooling rack in a low oven to maintain crispness.
- You can add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for extra flavor.
- Recipe yields 6 servings, approximately 6 medium-sized waffles.
