Light, golden buttermilk waffles infused with a vibrant homemade strawberry swirl, these Strawberry Swirl Buttermilk Waffles are as beautiful as they are delicious. The fruity marbling adds a fresh, tangy-sweet twist to classic waffles, making them the perfect centerpiece for a brunch table or weekend breakfast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These waffles are light and fluffy on the inside, crisp on the outside, and filled with pockets of rich, fruity flavor from the strawberry purée. The striking swirl pattern gives them a homemade, artisanal touch that looks impressive but is simple to achieve. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, customize, and serve for guests or as a family treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the waffles:
all-purpose flour
granulated sugar
baking powder
baking soda
salt
large eggs
buttermilk
unsalted butter, melted
vanilla extract
For the strawberry swirl:
fresh or frozen strawberries
lemon juice
sugar
For topping (optional):
powdered sugar
extra strawberry purée or syrup
Directions
- In a small saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, until the berries are soft and begin to break down.
- Use an immersion blender or regular blender to purée the mixture until smooth. Let the purée cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs, then whisk in the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the waffles light and airy.
- Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with oil or non-stick spray.
- Pour a portion of the batter into the preheated waffle iron. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of the cooled strawberry purée over the top, then use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the purée into the batter to create a marbled effect.
- Close the waffle iron and cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions until the waffle is golden brown and crisp.
- Repeat with the remaining batter and strawberry purée.
- Serve the waffles warm, dusted with powdered sugar and topped with extra strawberry purée or syrup if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4–6 standard waffles, depending on your waffle iron size.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Berry Blend: Use a combination of raspberries and strawberries for a more complex berry swirl.
- Chocolate Swirl: Add a tablespoon of chocolate hazelnut spread in place of strawberry for a dessert-style waffle.
- Citrus Twist: Add orange or lemon zest to the batter for extra brightness.
- Whipped Cream Topping: Serve with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a more decadent presentation.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.
storage/reheating
Leftover waffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them with parchment paper between each waffle for up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crisp—avoid the microwave, which softens the texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the swirl?
Yes, just thaw them first and cook as directed for the purée.
Do I need a Belgian waffle maker for this recipe?
No, any standard waffle maker will work. Just adjust cooking times based on the thickness.
How can I avoid soggy waffles?
Serve them immediately, or keep them warm in an oven at 200°F (95°C) on a wire rack while cooking the rest.
Can I use store-bought strawberry sauce?
Yes, but homemade purée gives better texture and flavor for swirling.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best used fresh, but you can prepare the dry and wet components separately and combine just before cooking.
Is buttermilk necessary?
Buttermilk adds flavor and lightness. You can substitute with milk and lemon juice or vinegar (1 tbsp per cup).
What toppings go well with these waffles?
Whipped cream, yogurt, vanilla ice cream, maple syrup, or even crushed nuts complement the strawberry swirl.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, a neutral oil like canola can be substituted, though butter adds more flavor.
How do I get a strong swirl effect?
Make sure the purée is thick and not too runny. Swirl gently and avoid overmixing into the batter.
Are these waffles suitable for kids?
Absolutely. The fruity flavor and fun swirl make them very kid-friendly.
Conclusion
Strawberry Swirl Buttermilk Waffles bring together the freshness of strawberries and the warmth of classic waffles in one delightful dish. Their marbled look and rich taste make them a perfect recipe for special mornings, spring brunches, or anytime you want to elevate your breakfast with minimal effort. Serve them warm and watch them disappear.
Print
Strawberry Swirl Buttermilk Waffles
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 waffles 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fluffy buttermilk waffles swirled with fresh strawberry purée, creating a marbled berry effect, then topped with powdered sugar and extra sauce for a stunning breakfast or brunch treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Extra strawberry purée or syrup (optional)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until soft. Blend into a smooth purée and let cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, then whisk in buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients just until incorporated—do not overmix.
- Preheat waffle iron and lightly grease.
- Pour a portion of batter into the iron, then drizzle and swirl in a tablespoon of strawberry purée using a toothpick or knife to create marbled patterns.
- Close and cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions until golden and crisp.
- Repeat with remaining batter and swirl. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and extra strawberry sauce if desired.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure light and fluffy waffles.
- Let the strawberry purée cool slightly before swirling into batter to avoid thinning it.
- Use a piping bag or squeeze bottle for more controlled swirl patterns.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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