Baked Strawberry Waffles: A Decadent Overnight Breakfast Treat
There are some mornings when you just crave something truly special, something beyond the everyday cereal or toast. This was one of those mornings, and I wanted to create a breakfast experience that would truly delight. What better choice than a lavish dish combining the comforting warmth of waffles with the vibrant sweetness of strawberries?
Our family shares a deep love for both waffles and fresh strawberries, so the idea of merging these two favorites into one spectacular dish felt like a guaranteed success. The occasion was made even more special by the return of our eldest daughter from college for the weekend. I knew a delicious, home-cooked breakfast would be the perfect way to welcome her home and send her back to school with a heart (and stomach) full of warmth.
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My journey to these exquisite Baked Strawberry Waffles began with an inspiring find at Real Mom Kitchen. Laura’s version used frozen waffles, toasted to perfection in the oven. While her method offers a fantastic shortcut, I, your host Lynne, decided to elevate the experience by crafting my own buttermilk waffles from scratch. For this, I turned to a beloved recipe from the Food Network, famously known as “Waffles of Insane Greatness.” And let me tell you, embarking on this homemade waffle adventure was one of the best culinary decisions I’ve made! It not only provided the ideal foundation for this baked masterpiece but also introduced me to a new staple waffle recipe that I’ll cherish for years to come.
Seriously, these waffles are a game-changer. Even if you’re not making the full baked strawberry dish, I implore you to try this buttermilk waffle recipe on its own. They are truly magnificent, delivering a fluffy, tender interior and a wonderfully crisp exterior that will impress everyone you serve them to. Treat your loved ones – and yourself – to these incredible homemade waffles!
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Baked Strawberry Waffles
Ingredients
- 12 buttermilk waffles
- 6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
- 1 ½ cup milk
- 6 eggs
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- ¾ cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter
- Fresh strawberries slice for garnish
Instructions
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Begin by preparing your buttermilk waffles. Whether you use your favorite homemade recipe or a high-quality store-bought option, ensure you have 12 ready to go.
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Prepare a 9 x 13-inch baking dish by lightly spraying it with cooking spray. This will prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
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Take your softened cream cheese and divide it into 6 equal cubes. Spread one cube of cream cheese evenly onto the top of one waffle. Place this waffle, cream cheese side up, in a single layer at the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
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Repeat this process with the remaining cream cheese and 5 more waffles, ensuring each waffle is well-coated and laid out in a single layer.
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Next, place the remaining 6 waffles directly on top of the cream cheese-covered waffles. This creates six delightful “waffle sandwiches” in your baking dish.
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In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten. Gradually add the milk and maple syrup, mixing thoroughly until all ingredients are fully combined. This forms the luscious custard base.
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Using a ladle, carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the waffle sandwiches in the baking dish. Make sure each waffle is generously coated and absorbs the liquid.
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Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This initial chill allows the waffles to begin soaking up the custard.
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After 30 minutes, remove the dish from the fridge. Using a metal spatula, carefully flip each waffle sandwich over to ensure even saturation. Replace the plastic wrap and return the dish to the refrigerator to chill overnight. This overnight soak is crucial for tender, flavorful waffles.
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In the morning, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). While the oven is warming, combine the butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan.
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Heat the butter and brown sugar mixture over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is completely melted and the sugar has fully dissolved, creating a rich caramel-like sauce. Pour this warm mixture evenly over the waffles in the baking dish.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the middle of the waffles is set and golden brown. Once baked, allow the waffles to stand for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the dish set further and makes it easier to serve. Garnish generously with fresh sliced strawberries for a burst of color and flavor.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 242g |
Protein: 56g |
Fat: 239g |
Saturated Fat: 139g |
Cholesterol: 1587mg |
Sodium: 2398mg |
Potassium: 1525mg |
Sugar: 233g |
Vitamin A: 8740IU |
Calcium: 995mg |
Iron: 6.4mg
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I typically rate all my baked creations on a scale of 1-4, with 4 being the pinnacle of perfection. These Baked Strawberry Waffles achieved a commendable 3.5 rolling pins! Every member of the family who enjoyed these this morning unanimously agreed on this rating, which speaks volumes about their deliciousness. The combination of tender waffles, sweet cream cheese, and a rich brown sugar-butter topping is simply heavenly!
These waffles were absolutely delicious, truly a treat for the taste buds! The only minor point of feedback, and one I wholeheartedly agree with Mr. 365 on, was that the texture was just a tad too soft and mushy in some spots. We felt it might have reached a perfect 4-star rating if some of the original crispiness of the waffles had been retained. Imagine that delightful crunch coupled with the creamy interior, perhaps topped with a cloud of homemade whipped cream… *sigh* a dream!
Achieving that perfect crispiness in an overnight baked dish can be a bit of a culinary puzzle. One thought was to briefly pop the waffles under the broiler just before serving, but that carries the risk of burning the delicate brown sugar mixture. Perhaps a slightly shorter soak time, or a different waffle iron setting for the initial homemade waffles, could help maintain that desired texture. Despite this, the overall flavor profile and decadent feel of the dish were outstanding.
Interestingly, we found that additional maple syrup wasn’t necessary at all; the waffles were perfectly sweet and rich on their own. The fresh strawberries, however, added a wonderful tart counterpoint and a vibrant freshness that beautifully complemented the baked elements. I actually preferred the taste of the crisp, fresh strawberries to the softer, baked-in ones.
In need of some fantastic recipes to complete your meal? Or searching for a special dish for an upcoming celebration? Here are a few household favorites from the 365 Days of Baking and More kitchen:
Loaded Huevos Rancheros
For a hearty and flavorful savory breakfast or brunch, our Loaded Huevos Rancheros are an absolute must-try. These vibrant tortillas are piled high with creamy refried beans, savory Potatoes O’Brien, zesty salsa, perfectly cooked eggs, and a generous sprinkle of cheese. It’s a complete meal in itself, guaranteed to keep you full and satisfied throughout the morning. The blend of textures and bold Mexican-inspired flavors makes it a fantastic alternative to sweet dishes.
Stabilized Whipped Cream
No special breakfast is complete without a dollop of perfectly whipped cream. Our Stabilized Whipped Cream recipe is a revelation! Instead of gelatin, it uses cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar to achieve a wonderfully stable, pipeable, and long-lasting texture. This makes it an ideal replacement for store-bought whipped toppings and perfect for garnishing everything from these baked waffles to fruit tarts and hot cocoa. It holds its shape beautifully, making your desserts look and taste professionally made.
3-Ingredient Strawberry Sauce
If you’re looking to enhance the strawberry flavor even further, or simply need a versatile topping for various treats, our 3-Ingredient Strawberry Sauce is incredibly simple yet profoundly delicious. This vibrant, fruity sauce is perfect over ice cream, pancakes, crepes, or, of course, these very baked waffles. It captures the essence of fresh strawberries in a silky, sweet consistency, adding another layer of indulgence to any dish.
These Baked Strawberry Waffles are undoubtedly destined for a repeat performance in my kitchen. I can already envision them gracing our table again when the family gathers for our daughter’s graduation celebrations. This dish truly shines as a centerpiece for a festive brunch or a heartwarming family gathering, offering both ease of preparation (especially with the overnight chilling) and an impressive presentation. I’m confident that when you prepare this recipe, you too will be met with enthusiastic praise and rave reviews from everyone lucky enough to try a bite.
Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy every delicious mouthful!