A Liege waffle is a rich, sweet Belgian waffle made with yeast-based brioche dough, not thin batter. Unlike regular waffles, this dough is thick and soft, which gives it a chewy inside and crispy outside texture. What makes a Belgian Liege waffle truly special is pearl sugar. These sugar chunks melt and caramelize while cooking, creating golden, crunchy pockets throughout the waffle.
If you’ve ever tried Waffle Love Liege waffles, you know they taste buttery, slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying. This is why so many people search for a copycat Waffle Love Liege waffle recipe to recreate that authentic flavor at home. The result is not just a waffle, it’s a caramelized, bakery-style treat that feels both indulgent and homemade.
What Makes Waffle Love Liege Waffles So Special
Waffle Love Liege waffles became famous through their popular food trucks, where people often line up for that warm, freshly pressed waffle. Their success is not just about branding, it’s about texture and flavor. Unlike regular waffles, they use a thick, yeasted dough that feels more like brioche than batter. This gives each waffle a rich, soft center with a slightly chewy bite.
Another reason they stand out is the crispy caramelized sugar crust. The pearl sugar melts and forms golden, crunchy edges that make every bite irresistible. Then come the signature toppings fresh strawberries, whipped cream, Nutella, Biscoff, and more. This balance of buttery dough and sweet crunch is why so many people search for a trusted Waffle Love copycat recipe to recreate the experience at home.
Liege Waffle vs Belgian Waffle
Many people confuse these two, but there is a clear difference between Liege and Belgian waffles. The biggest difference starts with the base. A Liege waffle is made from thick yeast dough, similar to brioche bread. A traditional Belgian waffle uses a pourable batter made with baking powder.
Because Liege waffles use yeast instead of baking powder, they rise slowly and develop a deeper, richer flavor. Belgian waffles are lighter and more airy.
The texture is also different. Liege waffles are dense, chewy, and slightly crisp on the outside, thanks to caramelized pearl sugar. Belgian waffles are fluffy and soft, with deep pockets for syrup.
Finally, sweetness sets them apart. Liege waffles are naturally sweeter because of the sugar baked inside, while Belgian waffles rely more on toppings for flavor.
Ingredients for Copycat Waffle Love Liege Waffles
To make an authentic copycat Waffle Love Liege waffle, you need simple but important ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating that rich, bakery-style texture.
- Flour – Gives structure and helps form the soft, brioche-like dough.
- Yeast – Essential for a true Liege waffle recipe. It creates a light rise and deep flavor.
- Butter – Adds richness and keeps the inside tender.
- Eggs – Provide structure and softness.
- Milk – Helps activate the yeast and keeps the dough moist.
- Pearl sugar – The secret ingredient. These sugar chunks melt and caramelize, creating that famous crispy crust in Waffle Love Liege waffles.
Best Pearl Sugar Brands
Look for Belgian pearl sugar (like Lars or imported Belgian brands) for the best caramelization.
Can You Make It Without Pearl Sugar
Yes, but the texture changes. You can crush sugar cubes as a substitute, though the authentic crunch may be slightly different.
Why Pearl Sugar Is the Secret
The magic behind a true copycat Waffle Love Liege waffle is pearl sugar. Unlike regular granulated sugar, pearl sugar comes in large, compact chunks. When the waffle cooks, these chunks slowly melt instead of dissolving instantly.
Sugar begins to caramelize at around 320°F (160°C). At this temperature, it turns golden brown and develops a deep, slightly toasted flavor. Because pearl sugar melts slowly, it forms crispy caramelized pockets throughout the waffle. That’s what gives Liege waffles their signature crunchy bites.
Regular sugar fails because it dissolves too quickly into the dough. Instead of creating texture, it simply sweetens the batter. Without pearl sugar, you lose the crisp edges and caramel crunch that make Waffle Love Liege waffles truly special.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Liege Waffles at Home
If you’re wondering how to make Liege waffles just like the food truck version, follow these simple steps. This yeast waffle recipe uses dough instead of batter, which gives that rich, chewy texture.
Activate the Yeast
Warm the milk slightly (not hot), then mix it with yeast and a little sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This ensures a good rise.
Make the Brioche Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, eggs, butter, and the activated yeast mixture. Knead until smooth and slightly sticky.
First Rise
Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Fold in Pearl Sugar
Gently mix in the pearl sugar after the rise so it doesn’t melt too early.
Resting Time
Let the dough rest for 15–20 minutes.
Cook in Waffle Iron
Place a dough ball in a preheated waffle iron. Cook until golden brown and caramelized.
Pro Tips for Perfect Texture Every Time
- Keep your waffle iron at medium-high heat to avoid burning the pearl sugar. If the iron is too hot, the sugar can caramelize too quickly and turn bitter instead of golden and crisp.
- Make sure your Liege waffle dough is soft and slightly sticky, but not runny. A dough that is too dry will make dense waffles, while overly wet dough can spread too much and lose structure.
- If the dough feels too sticky, lightly oil your hands instead of adding extra flour. Adding too much flour can make your copycat Waffle Love Liege waffle tough instead of tender.
- Always preheat the waffle iron fully. A hot iron helps seal the outside quickly, creating that classic crispy caramelized crust.
- Fold in the pearl sugar gently and avoid pressing down too hard while cooking. This helps prevent melted sugar from leaking out and burning.
Best Waffle Love Toppings (Sweet & Savory)
One reason people love Waffle Love Liege waffles is the wide variety of toppings. The rich, buttery base pairs perfectly with both sweet and savory flavors, making it ideal for a fun brunch waffle recipe or even dessert.
- Nutella – A warm waffle topped with Nutella creates a smooth, chocolate-hazelnut finish that melts into the crispy edges.
- Biscoff spread – This adds a deep caramel flavor that matches the waffle’s sugary crunch.
- Strawberries & whipped cream – A classic choice inspired by popular Waffle Love toppings. Fresh berries balance the sweetness beautifully.
- Ice cream – Turn your waffle into a dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream.
- Savory chicken & waffles – For a bold twist, top your Liege waffle with crispy fried chicken and a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet-and-savory combo.
Can You Make Liege Waffles Without Pearl Sugar
Yes, you can make Liege waffles without pearl sugar, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different. Pearl sugar is what gives a true copycat Waffle Love Liege waffle its signature caramelized crunch. Without it, you’ll still get a soft waffle, but you may miss those crispy sugar pockets.
One simple substitute is crushed sugar cubes. Lightly break them into small chunks and fold them into the dough after the first rise. They won’t be exactly the same as Belgian pearl sugar, but they create a similar caramel effect.
You can also try a quick DIY pearl sugar method by compressing slightly damp granulated sugar into small clumps and letting them dry before mixing into the dough.
Keep in mind, without proper pearl sugar, the waffle may be less crispy and more evenly sweet rather than crunchy in spots.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide
One of the best things about a copycat Waffle Love Liege waffle is that you can make it ahead and enjoy it later without losing flavor.
If you’re wondering how to freeze Liege waffles, let them cool completely first. Then wrap each waffle tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer without losing quality.
To reheat Liege waffles without losing crispiness, avoid the microwave. Instead, place them in a toaster, air fryer, or oven at 350°F for a few minutes. This brings back the crispy caramelized edges while keeping the inside soft.
Stored in the fridge, they stay fresh for about 3–4 days.
For convenience, you can also prepare the dough and let it rest overnight in the refrigerator. This slow rise improves flavor and makes morning cooking easier.
Calories & Nutrition Breakdown
A traditional copycat Waffle Love Liege waffle is rich and indulgent, so it’s naturally higher in calories than a regular breakfast waffle. On average, one plain Liege waffle contains about 350–400 calories, depending on size and toppings.
Because this recipe uses butter, eggs, and pearl sugar, it has more fat and sugar than a typical Belgian waffle made from batter. A single waffle may contain around 18–22 grams of fat and 20–30 grams of sugar, especially due to the caramelized sugar pockets.
So, is it healthier than Belgian waffles? Not necessarily. Belgian waffles are usually lighter and lower in sugar inside the batter, but they often rely on sweet toppings. Liege waffles are sweeter on their own, meaning you may need fewer toppings overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a regular waffle maker?
Yes, you can use a regular waffle maker to cook a copycat Waffle Love Liege waffle. However, because the dough is thicker than batter, avoid overfilling. Cook until deeply golden so the pearl sugar caramelizes properly.
Why are my waffles too dense?
Dense Liege waffles usually mean the dough didn’t rise enough. Make sure your yeast is active and allow enough proofing time. Proper rising creates a lighter, softer inside.
Why is my dough sticky?
A sticky dough is normal for a yeast waffle recipe. Instead of adding too much flour, lightly oil your hands while shaping the dough to keep the texture tender.
Why are Liege waffles expensive?
They use rich ingredients like butter and Belgian pearl sugar, and they require yeast rising time. This makes them more premium than regular waffles.
Can I make them without yeast?
You can, but it won’t be authentic. Yeast gives Liege waffle dough its signature chewy texture and deep flavor.
Conclusion
This copycat Waffle Love Liege waffle recipe gives you everything people love about the famous food truck version but with more control, better freshness, and customizable flavor. You get the same crispy caramelized sugar crust, the same soft, buttery center, and the same rich sweetness all made in your own kitchen.
The difference is, you can adjust the sugar level, experiment with toppings, and even prepare the dough overnight for deeper flavor. You also know exactly what ingredients are going into your waffles.
Instead of waiting in line, you can enjoy warm, homemade Liege waffles anytime for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Now it’s your turn. Try this recipe, add your favorite toppings, and experience why this homemade version might just taste even better than the original.
Recipe Card Summary
Recipe Name: Copycat Waffle Love Liege Waffle Recipe
Cuisine: Belgian
Category: Breakfast / Brunch / Dessert
Yield: 8–10 Liege waffles
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1–1½ hours
Cook Time: 3–5 minutes per waffle
Total Time: About 2 hours
Ingredients
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Belgian pearl sugar
Instructions
- Activate yeast in warm milk with a little sugar. Let it foam.
- Mix flour, eggs, butter, sugar, and yeast mixture to form soft Liege waffle dough.
- Let dough rise until doubled.
- Fold in pearl sugar gently.
- Divide into balls and cook in a preheated waffle iron until golden and caramelized.
Serve warm with your favorite Waffle Love toppings.
