There are waffles, and then there are Liège waffles. If you have never had the pleasure of sinking your teeth into one, let us introduce you to the caramelized glory. Belgian waffles are light, airy, and commonly found in diners, while Liège waffles are made from a rich, brioche-like dough packed with pearl sugar. When cooked, this sugar caramelizes, creating a crisp, golden exterior while keeping the inside irresistibly chewy and buttery. The trick is that this sugar caramelizes as it cooks, creating a golden, crisp exterior shell while the inside stays chewy and buttery, not to mention utterly delicious.
At Taste of Belgium (ToB), we shake up the classic Liège waffles with a revolutionary twist. We combine the best of Belgian cuisine with bold, American-influenced flavors. While a Liège waffle is incredible on its own, the toppings can take this flavor goodness into another world.
From nostalgic favorites to gourmet indulgences, there’s a topping for every craving. Let’s dive into the most delicious ways to dress up a Liège waffle!
Why Toppings Matter
Liege waffles are a fantastic treat, but we want to push all the limits. Toppings bring texture, flavor, and over-the-top luxury to enhance this traditional treat from tasty to absolutely unforgettable. If you’re in the mood for fresh fruit, dark chocolate, or maybe something a little more unexpected, Taste of Belgium has it all!
Toppings make each mouthful a different experience, as if casting a spell upon it. A drizzle of maple syrup or a whipped cream dollop can heighten the waffle’s natural caramelized crunch, while fresh fruits add a delightful contrast to the buttery richness. If you’re feeling a little more decadent, melted chocolate, nutty spreads, or just a sprinkle of sea salt will enhance an ideal sweet-salty balance.
Beyond taste, toppings also add a playful, sensory element to the waffle experience. The crunch of toasted nuts, the smoothness of Nutella, the tart burst of fresh berries—each ingredient brings something special, creating a layered and indulgent bite every time.
At Taste of Belgium, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all waffles. That’s why we offer a variety of toppings, from comforting, time-honored pairings to bold and innovative combinations. Whether you prefer to keep it simple or go all-in on a gourmet adventure, there’s a Liège waffle creation to match every mood and craving.
Think of your waffle as a blank canvas, waiting to be transformed into the perfect bite. The only question is: How will you top yours? Here are some of our favorite ways to dress up a Liège waffle, from the classic to the adventurous.
Classic Sweet Toppings for Liège Waffles
Belgian waffles are the ultimate breakfast staple in many places, including Cincinnati. Traditional toppings, in their ways, play perfectly into showing off the natural richness of a Liège waffle while throwing in that home-spirited touch.
Strawberries & Cream
Some flavor combinations are timeless, and strawberries with cream are one of the best. This classic pairing takes the natural sweetness of ripe, juicy strawberries and pairs well with the airy, cloud-like texture of freshly whipped cream. They both complement the caramelized crunch of a Liège waffle to perfection.
The strawberries are fresh, flavorful, and cut to perfection to provide the ideal balance of fruitiness in every bite. Just a hint of tartness contrasts with the deep buttery flavor of the waffle, while our freshly whipped cream adds a smooth lightness that makes every forkful feel both extravagant and comforting.
A drizzle of vanilla-infused syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar takes this classic pairing to the next level. And should you ever feel like exploring outside your comfort zone, try adding a handful of blueberries or drizzling balsamic glaze on top for gourmet flair? Perfect for a carefree indulgence: a lovely fresh, fruity dessert that’s creamy and refreshing at the same time.
Banana & Nutella
Some pairings are simply meant to be—like bananas and Nutella. The combination of warm, golden Liège waffles, creamy Nutella, and, of course, naturally sweet bananas creates a sumptuous, melt-in-the-mouth experience that no chocolate lover will ever be able to resist.
Taste of Belgium lets the heat from the waffle work its magic, melting the Nutella just enough to coat each banana slice in smooth, chocolatey goodness. The bananas add a soft, creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the rich hazelnut spread, creating a harmony of flavors that is both comforting and indulgent. Perfect for anyone who craves a chocolate indulgence with a touch of fruity and nutty crunch.
Maple-Ricotta Whipped Cream
For the more sophisticated palate, maple-ricotta whipped cream is the topping you didn’t even know you needed. This opulent mix provides the perfect balance of rich, creamy, and slightly tangy flavors that accentuate an already indulgent Liège waffle.
At Taste of Belgium, we whip fresh ricotta until it’s impossibly smooth and blend in just the right amount of maple syrup, creating a rich topping that melts perfectly into the waffle’s caramelized surface. The earthy sweetness of maple meets ricotta’s subtle tang, elegantly delightful and homey.
And finally, we perch this waffle with a light dusting of cinnamon–a cozy touch that turns every bite into a dessert hug. If you’re feeling overly decadent, you can crush some candied pecans on top, or even drizzle with honey, for an additional layer of texture and sweetness.
Perfect for: Those who enjoy rich and buttery flavors with just a hint of sweetness from nature.
Unique & Gourmet Toppings for a Twist
These gourmet toppings add an unexpected and adventurous twist for those who dare to stray from the classic Liège waffle.
Lemon Curd & Lavender Sugar
Tart, citrusy delight with bright, floral fragrance. The sour notes of the lemon curd bounce off the sweetness of the waffle with an energized zest, while lavender sugar adds an aromatic lift for a fresh taste. A little drizzle of honey ties up the flavor with its natural sweetness. Perfect for those who enjoy gentle tartness mixed with some aromatic undertones.
S’mores Style
A fun and nostalgic treat: It has melted chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and crumbled graham crackers. The combination of the gooey marshmallow with the crispy waffles creates a bite that’s hard to resist. A drizzle of caramel sauce makes it even more worth it. It is perfect for anyone who loves their campfire memories with a Belgian cuisine flair.
Black Pepper Nuts
It is a strong contrast between sweet and spicy. Caramelized nuts add crunch and a buttery richness. The sweetness is lifted with a hint of black pepper for subtle warmth. Sea salt finishes the experience for perfect sweet and savory. It is perfect for foodie types who love the mixture of sweet and savory desserts.
The Ultimate Berry Lovers’ Toppings
Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) are naturally sweet and slightly tart, allowing them to balance out the flavors of caramelized sugar within the Liège waffles. They pair beautifully with:
- Lemon curd for that bright citrusy flavor.
- Light, fluffy whipped cream for contrast.
- Maple-ricotta whipped cream for something denser and creamier.
- Dark chocolate shavings for rich hints.
Perfect treats for those who enjoy refreshing desserts with strong fruity characteristics.
Picked Your Favorite Topping?
At Taste of Belgium, we think Liège waffles are the best canvas for topping creativity, whether you’re in the mood for something classic or craving something gourmet. The menu should cater to everyone’s palate, and we love to evolve based on what best suits our community. We also offer prepacked waffles to enjoy at your home.
What are you waiting for? Your perfect Liège waffle is calling—come discover your new favorite topping while the waffle iron is hot!
