Pancakes & Waffles

Streusel Topped Waffles

Name: Streusel Topped Waffles
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup chopped walnuts; 2 tbsp brown sugar

By Opal Norwood · June 19, 2026 · Pancakes & Waffles

Prep20 min

Cook15 min

Total40 min

Serves8

Streusel Topped Waffles — Golden waffles with crunchy streusel topping

There's something special about a slow morning, when the only thing on the agenda is a delicious breakfast. For me, that often means making a batch of Streusel Topped Waffles, a recipe that's become a staple in our household. The combination of a crispy, buttery streusel topping and a fluffy waffle interior is absolute perfection.

I still remember the first time I made these waffles - it was a lazy Sunday morning, and I was looking for a recipe that would impress my family without requiring too much effort. The result was a huge success, and we've been making them ever since.

What I love about this recipe is that it's perfect for both slow mornings and quick weekday breakfasts. You can make the batter and streusel topping ahead of time, and then simply cook the waffles when you're ready. Plus, they're incredibly versatile - you can top them with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of syrup.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make the perfect Streusel Topped Waffles. From the ingredients and equipment you'll need, to the tips and tricks for getting the best results, I'll cover it all. So let's get started, and make some delicious waffles!

Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick and easy breakfast solution, or a foodie who loves to experiment with new recipes, this dish is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious taste of Streusel Topped Waffles!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make ahead of time, perfect for busy mornings
Versatile topping options, from fresh fruit to whipped cream
Crunchy streusel topping adds a delicious texture
Moist and fluffy waffle interior, thanks to the buttermilk and vanilla
Perfect for slow mornings and quick weekday breakfasts
Can be made in large batches, great for feeding a crowd

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Streusel Topped Waffles is in the layering of flavors and textures. The streusel topping, made with a combination of flour, sugar, and butter, adds a crunchy, sweet element to the dish. Meanwhile, the waffle batter, made with buttermilk and a touch of vanilla, provides a moist and fluffy base.

When you cook the waffles, the heat from the iron causes the butter in the streusel topping to melt and crisp up, creating a golden-brown crust. At the same time, the waffle batter cooks to a perfect doneness, with a tender interior and a crispy exterior.

The result is a dish that's both familiar and exciting, with a combination of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you're serving the waffles on their own or topping them with fresh fruit or whipped cream, they're sure to be a hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the Streusel Topped Waffles, you'll need a few key ingredients, including all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and unsalted butter. You'll also need some buttermilk and a touch of vanilla extract to give the waffles a moist and flavorful interior.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality items, such as real butter and pure vanilla extract. These will make a big difference in the final flavor and texture of the waffles.

2 cups all-purpose flourChoose a high-quality all-purpose flour, such as King Arthur or Bob's Red Mill, for the best results
1 cup granulated sugarGranulated sugar provides a nice balance of sweetness and texture to the streusel topping
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softenedUse high-quality, real butter for the best flavor and texture
1/2 cup buttermilkButtermilk adds a tangy flavor and moist texture to the waffles
2 large eggsFresh eggs will give the waffles a richer, more complex flavor
1 tsp vanilla extractPure vanilla extract provides a deep, creamy flavor to the waffles
1/2 tsp baking powderBaking powder helps the waffles to rise and gives them a light, airy texture
1/4 tsp saltA pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and adds depth to the waffles
1 cup chopped walnutsChopped walnuts add a nice crunch and flavor to the streusel topping
2 tbsp brown sugarBrown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the streusel topping

Equipment You’ll Need

Large mixing bowlWhiskRubber spatulaWaffle ironInstant-read thermometerNon-stick cooking spray

How to Make Streusel Topped Waffles

1
Preheat the waffle iron to medium-high heat, according to the manufacturer's instructions
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and baking powder
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract
4
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined
5
The batter should still be slightly lumpy - do not overmix
6
To make the streusel topping, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and chopped walnuts in a small bowl
7
Use your fingers or a pastry blender to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms a crumbly, streusel-like texture
8
Pour about 1/4 cup of the waffle batter onto the center of the waffle iron
9
Top the batter with about 1 tablespoon of the streusel topping
10
Close the waffle iron and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown and the streusel topping is crispy
11
Repeat with the remaining batter and streusel topping
12
Serve the waffles hot, topped with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of syrup

Expert Tips

Make sure to preheat the waffle iron to the correct temperature for the best results
Don't overmix the batter - this will result in tough, dense waffles
Use high-quality ingredients, such as real butter and pure vanilla extract, for the best flavor and texture
Experiment with different toppings, such as fresh fruit or whipped cream, to find your favorite
Consider making a double batch of the streusel topping and storing it in an airtight container for up to 3 days
For an extra crispy streusel topping, try broiling the waffles for an additional 1-2 minutes after cooking

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the batter, resulting in tough, dense waffles
Not preheating the waffle iron to the correct temperature
Using low-quality ingredients, such as artificial butter or vanilla extract
Not cooking the waffles for the full 3-5 minutes, resulting in undercooked or soggy waffles
Not storing the waffles properly, resulting in them becoming stale or dry
Not experimenting with different toppings and flavor combinations

Variations and Substitutions

Try using different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or turbinado sugar, in the streusel topping
Experiment with different types of nuts, such as pecans or hazelnuts, in the streusel topping
Add a pinch of salt to the streusel topping for a salty-sweet flavor combination
Use different types of milk, such as almond or soy milk, in the waffle batter
Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the waffle batter for a warm, spicy flavor
Try using different types of flour, such as whole wheat or oat flour, in the waffle batter

What to Serve With Streusel Topped Waffles

The Streusel Topped Waffles are perfect for serving with a variety of toppings, such as fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of syrup. You could also try serving them with a side of bacon or sausage for a hearty breakfast.

Some other ideas for serving the waffles include topping them with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of granola, or using them as the base for a breakfast sandwich. Whatever you choose, I hope you enjoy the Streusel Topped Waffles!

Fresh fruit, such as strawberries or blueberriesWhipped cream or yogurtA drizzle of syrup, such as maple or honeyA side of bacon or sausageA sprinkle of granola or chopped nuts

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store the waffles, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Alternatively, you can freeze the waffles for up to 2 months. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.

To reheat the waffles, simply toast them in a toaster or toaster oven until crispy and golden brown. You can also reheat them in the microwave by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and heating for 20-30 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of waffle iron should I use?

A non-stick waffle iron is best for making Streusel Topped Waffles, as it will prevent the waffles from sticking and make them easier to remove. You can also use a cast-iron waffle iron, but be sure to grease it well before adding the batter.

Can I make the streusel topping ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the streusel topping ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

What type of milk should I use in the waffle batter?

Buttermilk is the best type of milk to use in the waffle batter, as it will give the waffles a tangy flavor and a moist texture. If you don't have buttermilk, you can also use regular milk or a non-dairy milk alternative.

Can I freeze the waffles?

Yes, you can freeze the waffles for up to 2 months. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.

How do I reheat the waffles?

Can I make the waffles in a different flavor?

Yes, you can make the waffles in a different flavor by adding different ingredients to the batter. For example, you could add cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spicy flavor, or use different types of sugar or nuts in the streusel topping.

How do I store the waffles?

To store the waffles, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Can I make the waffles ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the waffles ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and reheat them when you're ready to serve.

The Full Recipe

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