Strawberry Cream Waffles

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2.5 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1.75 cups whole milk
• ¼ cup fresh buttermilk
• 2 whole large eggs
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1.5 pounds fresh strawberries
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. 1

   Start by preparing the strawberries while you wait for the waffle iron to preheat. Hull 1.5 pounds of fresh strawberries by removing the green leafy tops, then slice them vertically into 1/4-inch thick pieces — you want them thin enough to absorb the sugar and soften slightly. Place the sliced strawberries in a medium bowl, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, and toss gently. Set aside — the berries will release their juice and macerate as you make the waffles.

2. 2

   While the strawberries macerate, whisk together the dry ingredients for the waffle batter. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 2.5 teaspoons of baking powder, and 0.5 teaspoon of kosher salt. Whisk gently until evenly distributed — the baking powder specks should be uniform throughout. This ensures even rise when the batter hits the hot waffle iron.

3. 3

   In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. Crack 2 large eggs into a medium bowl, add 1.75 cups of whole milk, 0.25 cup of fresh buttermilk, 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds until the mixture is well combined and light — you should see some small bubbles on the surface.

4. 4

   Preheat your waffle iron to medium-high heat and lightly brush the top and bottom grids with melted butter to prevent sticking. While it heats, finish making the batter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold together with a spatula using about 10-12 strokes — stop as soon as you see no more dry flour streaks. Small lumps are fine; do not overmix, or the waffles will be tough and dense instead of tender and fluffy.

5. 5

   When the waffle iron is hot and a drop of water sizzles immediately on contact, ladle about 0.75 cup of batter (adjust based on your iron's size) into the center of the bottom grid. Close the lid gently and listen — you should hear a quiet sizzle for the first few seconds. Cook until the steam slows and stops trickling out from the sides, about 4-5 minutes. The waffle is done when it's deep golden brown and no longer steaming; if it's still pale or steaming heavily, give it another 30 seconds.

6. 6

   Carefully open the waffle iron and lift the waffle out with a fork or waffle fork, placing it directly on a serving plate. Repeat with the remaining batter, buttering the iron before each batch to maintain crispness. If you want to keep finished waffles warm while you cook the remaining batches, lay them on a wire rack in a 200°F oven instead of stacking them (stacking will make them steam and soften).

7. 7

   While the last waffles cook, make the whipped cream. Pour 1 cup of cold heavy whipping cream into a chilled medium bowl. Using an electric mixer or whisk, beat on medium speed until soft peaks form — the cream will double in volume and hold its shape loosely, about 2-3 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 0.5 teaspoon of vanilla extract, then beat for another 15-20 seconds on low speed until stiff peaks form. Do not overbeat, or you'll end up with grainy butter.

8. 8

   To plate, place one warm waffle on each serving plate. Top with a generous spoonful of fresh whipped cream, then spoon the macerated strawberries and all their juices over and around the cream. Serve immediately while the waffles are still warm and crispy — the heat will slightly soften the cream in a delicious way. If you have fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar on hand, use them for garnish.

Tools you’ll need

• waffle iron
• large bowl
• medium bowl
• whisk
• spatula
• liquid measuring cups
• dry measuring cups
• measuring spoons
• chef's knife
• cutting board
• waffle fork or fork
• electric mixer or whisk
• wire rack

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