Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Utilizes Leftovers: A fantastic way to repurpose leftover sweet potatoes from holiday meals, reducing food waste and creating something new and delicious.
- Balanced Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and ginger with sweet potatoes and brown sugar provides a harmonious blend of sweetness and warmth.
- Easy to Make: With common pantry ingredients and straightforward preparation, these waffles are simple to whip up for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 large egg whites
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- ¼ cup melted butter or neutral-tasting oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¾ cup milk of choice
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter or oil, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Beat Egg Whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add the brown sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in Egg Whites: Gently fold the egg white mixture into the batter until just incorporated.
- Preheat Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions and lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Cook Waffles: Pour the batter into the preheated waffle iron, close, and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the waffles and serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, depending on the size of your waffle iron.
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Vegan: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based milk and oil instead of butter.
- Spice Adjustments: Customize the spice blend to your preference by adjusting the amounts or adding spices like cardamom or ginger.
- Add-ins: Incorporate chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits into the batter for added texture and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the waffles to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Place cooled waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat refrigerated or frozen waffles in a toaster or oven until heated through and crisp.
FAQs
1. How do I make mashed sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Peel and chop sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes, then boil until tender. Mash until smooth, eliminating lumps for a better batter consistency.
2. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, canned sweet potatoes can be used. Ensure they are well-drained and mashed to achieve the desired consistency.
3. What toppings pair well with sweet potato waffles?
Whipped cream, maple syrup, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar complement these waffles nicely.
4. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the batter just before cooking to maintain leavening. However, you can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them when ready to cook.
5. How can I prevent the waffles from sticking to the iron?
Ensure the waffle iron is fully preheated and lightly greased with cooking spray before adding the batter.
6. Are these waffles suitable for freezing?
Yes, they freeze well. Cool completely, freeze in a single layer, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in a toaster or oven.
7. Can I substitute the brown sugar with another sweetener?
Yes, alternatives like coconut sugar or maple syrup can be used, though it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
8. What type of milk works best in this recipe?
Any milk, including dairy and plant-based options like almond or soy milk, can be used based on your preference.
9. How do I make the waffles crispier?
For crispier waffles, cook them a bit longer until they reach a deep golden brown, and avoid stacking them immediately after cooking to prevent steam from softening them.
10. Can I add protein powder to the batter?
Yes, you can add a scoop of protein powder. You may need to adjust the liquid ingredients to maintain the right batter consistency.
Conclusion
Sweet potato waffles offer a delicious and versatile option for any meal of the day. With their delightful flavor and texture, along with the nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes, they are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Sweet potato waffles
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet potato waffles are a flavorful twist on classic breakfast waffles, combining mashed sweet potatoes with warm spices like cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice for a perfectly balanced, crisp, and fluffy treat. Perfect for using up leftovers, these waffles are an easy and delightful option for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 large egg whites
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- ¼ cup melted butter or neutral-tasting oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¾ cup milk of choice
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, mashed sweet potatoes, butter/oil, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Combine: Pour wet ingredients into dry, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Beat Egg Whites: In another bowl, beat egg whites to soft peaks. Gradually add brown sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Fold In: Gently fold egg whites into the batter.
- Preheat & Grease Waffle Iron: Preheat according to manufacturer instructions and lightly grease.
- Cook: Pour batter into waffle iron and cook for ~5 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with toppings of choice.
Notes
- Spices: Adjust spice levels to taste by adding cardamom or more cinnamon.
- Add-ins: Incorporate nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for extra texture.
- Leftovers: Waffles freeze well and can be reheated in a toaster for a quick meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: American