Waffles. Just saying the word makes me smile.
They’re like a cozy blanket on a chilly morning, wrapping you in warmth and sweetness—well, Neapolitan waffles, anyway. Imagine this:
it’s a lazy Sunday morning, and the smell of fresh coffee mingles with the aroma of waffles wafting through the house. You take a sip of your favorite brew, and suddenly, the world feels a little bit brighter.
These aren’t just any waffles, though; they’re a trio of flavors that transport you to a happy place: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.
I mean, who doesn’t love a good Neapolitan ice cream? Now, picture that same delightful trio in waffle form—soft yet crispy, indulgent yet somehow light.
It’s like your taste buds are having a little dance party, and everyone’s invited. If you’re anything like me, you might end up eating them straight off the waffle iron, no syrup needed.
But hey, I wouldn’t judge if you wanted a little extra sweetness on top. Let’s get to it!
Steps
- Preheat your waffle maker according to its instructions. In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly into three separate bowls. In the first bowl, mix in vanilla extract. In the second bowl, stir in the melted chocolate until fully incorporated. In the third bowl, blend in the strawberry powder and add red food coloring if desired.
- Lightly coat the waffle iron with cooking spray. Pour a stripe of strawberry batter onto the waffle iron and spread evenly if necessary. Next, add a stripe of vanilla batter adjacent to the strawberry, and finally, a stripe of chocolate batter.
- Close the waffle iron and cook the waffles for 4-5 minutes or until cooked through, following the waffle iron’s instructions. Repeat this process with the remaining batter.
- Serve the freshly cooked waffles with a drizzle of chocolate sauce, a dollop of vanilla yogurt, and fresh strawberries for a delightful breakfast treat.
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted
- 2/3 cup freeze-dried strawberries, ground into a powder
- 2-3 drops red food coloring (optional)
- Chocolate sauce, vanilla yogurt, and fresh strawberries for serving
FAQ
- Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried strawberries for the waffle batter?
- While fresh strawberries can be used, the freeze-dried strawberries are recommended because they provide a concentrated flavor and a natural pink color without adding extra moisture to the batter, which could affect the waffle’s texture.
- Is it necessary to add red food coloring to the strawberry batter?
- Adding red food coloring is optional. The freeze-dried strawberry powder already imparts a pink hue to the batter, but a few drops of red food coloring can enhance the color contrast if desired.
- What are some alternative toppings for Neapolitan waffles besides chocolate sauce, vanilla yogurt, and fresh strawberries?
- You can experiment with various toppings like whipped cream, sliced bananas, or even a scoop of Neapolitan ice cream for a dessert twist. Maple syrup is also a simple and delicious option.
- Can these waffles be made ahead of time and reheated?
- Yes, you can make the waffles in advance and store them in an airtight container. To reheat, simply place them in a toaster or oven until warmed through and crispy.
- What should I do if the batters mix together in the waffle iron?
- Ensure that the batter is thick enough to hold its shape when poured. If it seems too runny, you may need to adjust the consistency. Carefully spoon the batters into the waffle iron to maintain separate stripes and prevent mixing.
Tips
- Maintain Thick Batter Consistency: To achieve distinct stripes in your waffles, ensure the batter is thick enough to prevent the colors from blending. This helps in maintaining clear separation between the strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate flavors.
- Enhance Natural Flavors: Use freeze-dried strawberries ground into a powder to add a natural pink color and authentic strawberry flavor. A few drops of red food coloring can be added for a more vibrant look if desired.
- Experiment with Toppings: While these waffles are delicious on their own, consider adding a drizzle of chocolate sauce, a dollop of vanilla yogurt, and fresh strawberries for a breakfast-friendly topping. Alternatively, for a more indulgent treat, top with Neapolitan ice cream for a dessert version.
- Respect Cooking Times: Adhere to your waffle iron’s instructions for cooking time to ensure your waffles are cooked through and stay fluffy. Typically, this recipe takes about 4-5 minutes per batch.
Equipment
- Waffle Iron – Essential for cooking the waffles.
- Food Processor – To grind the freeze-dried strawberries into a powder.
