Liege waffle is a Belgian street-food specialty popularized in Cincinnati by Taste of Belgium: dense, caramelized waffle with pearl sugar fused into the dough, sold from a counter window.

Jean-Francois Flechet, a Belgian native, opened the first Taste of Belgium stall at Findlay Market in 2007, importing Belgian pearl-sugar Liege waffles to Cincinnati. The dough is yeast-leavened (not batter) and the pearl sugar caramelizes on the iron, giving the signature crunch-and-tender texture. Cincinnati now has multiple Taste of Belgium locations, the OTR flagship the largest.

Where to eat Liege waffle in Cincinnati

1 editor pick for Liege waffle in Cincinnati, ranked by editorial score. All Cincinnati signature dishes · Liege waffle across every city.

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Make it at home

Serves 82 hr 30 minIntermediate

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warm
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups Belgian pearl sugar (available from baking suppliers)

Method

  1. Bloom the yeast in warm milk with the sugar for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, butter and vanilla. Knead 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough will be soft and a little sticky.
  3. Cover and rise at room temperature for 90 minutes until doubled.
  4. Fold in the pearl sugar gently, distributing evenly.
  5. Divide the dough into 8 portions. Roll into balls and let rest 15 minutes.
  6. Heat a Belgian waffle iron and lightly oil. Place a dough ball in each section and close. Cook 4 to 5 minutes until deeply golden, the sugar caramelized on the surface.
  7. Serve warm. Liege waffles need no syrup; the pearl sugar provides the sweet.

Editor tip. Real pearl sugar is essential. American coarse sugar dissolves; Belgian pearl sugar holds shape and caramelizes for the trademark crunch-and-tender.

Common allergens: Gluten, Dairy, Eggs.