8 Gaufre Varieties
Ranked From the Best To the Worst

Liège waffles are one of the two most popular waffle varieties in Belgium. These unevenly shaped, chewy treats are made with a thick, brioche-like dough which is sweetened with pearl sugar and baked in a specially-designed waffle pan. During the baking process, the pearl sugar melts and gives the waffles a unique caramel flavor. Although the origin of Liège waffles is somewhat vague, it is believed they were influenced by French culinary traditions and made famous by the skillful Liège bakers. In Liège, these waffles are usually enjoyed plain, but they can also be topped with powdered sugar, whipped cream, chocolate, or various fruits.Expand

These delicious Dutch cookies consist of a very thin layer of syrup, sugar, butter, and cinnamon that is sandwiched between two thin wafers. Stroopwafels were invented in the late 18th century in the city of Gouda, and many sources give credit to a baker named Gerard Kamphuisen as their inventor. In the Netherlands, stroopwafels are traditionally consumed with tea or coffee, and it is a custom to place a cookie on top of the cup and let it steam for a few minutes, so that the cookie is heated and the syrupy layer softens.Expand

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.Expand

Bergische waffles are traditional German waffles originating from the Bergisches Land area. They’re usually made with a combination of flour, sugar, butter, vanilla, eggs, baking powder, and milk. What differentiates these waffles is that they are always heart-shaped but also more crisp and less dense than their Belgian cousins. Traditional accompaniments include whipped cream and pitted sour cherries. Bergische waffles are usually not served for breakfast but as an afternoon treat, especially on Sundays, when they’re occasionally served with rice pudding. Expand

Lacquemant is a Belgian waffle originating from Liege. This thin waffle is made with wheat flour, cut horizontally in half, then filled and topped with sugar syrup flavored with orange blossom. The inventor of Lacquemant is Désiré Smidts, who first made it in 1903 and named it as a tribute to his former employer, Berthe Lacquemant. Nowadays, it is a popular treat at fairs in the Liege region.Expand

Våfflor are extremely popular Swedish waffles, consumed since the early 1600s, when they were shaped into squares. Today, the waffles are traditionally shaped into hearts and served with fruit jams, whipped cream, and ice cream. Because våfflor are made without yeast, they are much thinner than Belgian waffles, with a texture that is similar to pancakes. There are two popular waffle varieties - egg waffles and crispy waffles, the egg variety being more filling than the other one. Waffles are consumed throughout the year in Sweden, but they are at the peak of their popularity on March 25th, which is known as Waffle Day. Earlier, it was an important day because it marks the start of the crop-growing season, and with it, the increased availability of eggs and milk used in the production of waffles. Today, there is also a variety of salted, savory waffles that are served with various ingredients, from shrimps to cheese.Expand

Flemish waffle is a traditional product consisting of flour, yeast, butter, milk, eggs, salt, and vanilla sugar. Unlike Brussels and Liège waffle, the Flemish variety is usually consumed without any toppings after it has cooled down. It is recommended to prepare the waffles in large batches as they can be preserved for a few weeks if stored properly.Expand

Also known as Kempense galetten, these flavorful waffles are mostly popular in Belgium. They are characterized by a hard and crunchy texture. Upon consumption, the waffles become crumbly and buttery in the mouth. Despite their name, galettes campinoises should not be confused with the French galettes, which are essentially savory buckwheat pancakes.Expand