Description
Sweet Potato Waffles
Sweet potato waffles are a fantastic way to use those leftover holiday sweet potatoes, turning them into a crispy, fluffy delight. With warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, these waffles offer a cozy and rich flavor that’ll remind you of the festive season. Serve them sweet or savory—either way, they’re guaranteed to impress!
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
½ tsp cinnamon
2 egg yolks
2 egg whites
2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
¼ cup melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
¾ cup milk of choice
¼ cup brown sugar
Directions:
1. Mix dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine.
2. Fold in egg whites to create a fluffy batter.
3. Cook in a preheated waffle iron for 5 minutes or until golden.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Kcal: 169 per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: If you don’t have leftovers, roast or boil 2 medium sweet potatoes until tender. Peel and mash until completely smooth. Let cool slightly.
2. Separate the Eggs: Carefully separate the yolks from the whites. Place whites in a clean, dry bowl for whipping later.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks, mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, vanilla extract, milk, and brown sugar until smooth.
5. Form the Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined; a few lumps are okay. Do not overmix.
6. Whip Egg Whites: Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
7. Fold: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter in two additions. This creates the signature fluffy texture.
8. Cook: Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions. Lightly grease it. Pour batter onto the hot iron (amount varies by iron) and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
Serving Suggestions
For a sweet breakfast, top with maple syrup, toasted pecans, and a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt. For a savory twist, top with a fried egg, crispy bacon, and a drizzle of hot honey. These waffles also make excellent “bread” for a unique chicken and waffles dish.
How-to Summary
Create fluffy sweet potato waffles by mixing dry and wet ingredients separately, then combining. The key step is whipping egg whites to stiff peaks and folding them gently into the batter to incorporate air. Cook in a preheated, greased waffle iron until golden and crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the batter ahead of time? It’s best to cook immediately after folding in the egg whites, as the batter will deflate. You can, however, mix the dry and wet ingredients (excluding egg whites) separately the night before and combine in the morning.
Can I use canned sweet potato puree? Yes, ensure it’s plain puree, not pie filling. Drain any excess liquid and use an equal amount (2 cups).
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Let cooked waffles cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days or freezer for 2 months. Reheat in a toaster or oven for best crispness.
Can I make these gluten-free? Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for reliable results.
My waffles aren’t crispy. What went wrong? The most common cause is undercooking or a waffle iron that isn’t hot enough. Ensure the iron is fully preheated and don’t open it too early. Letting the cooked waffle sit on a cooling rack (not a plate) also prevents sogginess.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter, which develops gluten and leads to tough waffles.
- Not whipping the egg whites to stiff peaks, resulting in dense waffles.
- Adding hot sweet potato mash to the wet ingredients, which can cook the egg yolks.
- Opening the waffle iron too soon, causing the waffle to tear and lose steam.
- Stacking freshly cooked waffles, which traps steam and makes them soggy.
Conclusion
These sweet potato waffles are a versatile and delicious way to transform a classic ingredient into a special meal. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve a perfect balance of crispy exterior and fluffy, spiced interior. Whether served sweet for a cozy brunch or savory for a creative dinner, they are sure to become a cherished recipe in your kitchen.