Gaufres de Bruxelles

Brussels waffle is one of the two Belgian waffle varieties, a delicious cake enjoying the status of Belgium's national dessert. The waffle is made from a thin, yeasted batter that is baked in a specially-designed appliance, giving the waffle an unusual, checkered pattern. The thin, runny batter helps in creating defined edges and a perfectly rectangular shape of the cake. However, the most important addition is the leavening agent, in this case, yeast, providing airiness and lightness. Although the waffle is light on the inside, it is crunchy and crispy on the outside, with an appealing golden-brown color. This traditional Belgian dessert is usually sold at bakeries and numerous food stands across Belgium. It is almost always eaten by hand and is rarely served in restaurants. Traditionally, it is served plain or dusted with powdered sugar. However, modern Brussels waffles are often topped with ingredients such as chocolate, whipped cream, caramel, or sliced fruits.