Easy Buttermilk Waffles with Mixed Berry and Lemon Preserves

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Easy Buttermilk Waffles with Mixed Berry Preserves — These homemade buttermilk waffles are ready in minutes. They’re as fast and easy as using a boxed mix, but SO much better! They’re crispy on the outside, yet softer and fluffier in the interior! 

Easy Buttermilk Waffles with Mixed Berry Preserves — These homemade buttermilk waffles are ready in minutes. They’re as fast and easy as using a boxed mix, but SO much better!

Fluffy Buttermilk Waffles Recipe

I may never make another pancake after making these easy homemade waffles. They taste like pancake-house waffles, and are mindlessly easy to make.

I don’t know why I haven’t made waffles in ages, but I was doing some cupboard rearranging and noticed my very neglected waffle maker. So I dusted it off and made classic buttermilk waffles.

They’re crispy on the outside, yet softer and fluffier in the interior. As fast and easy as using boxed pancake mix, but so much better.

I prefer waffles to pancakes by a longshot, for so many reasons. Usually after a plate of pancakes, I feel like I have a 10-pound bowling ball in my stomach for most of the day, but don’t as much with waffles.

maple syrup being drizzled over two buttermilk waffles topped with berry preserves on a white plate

Even though pancake batter and waffle batter can be interchangeable many times, waffles seem lighter and fluffier to me. Bonus.

With pancakes, getting just the right amount of batter so they’re not paper thin, but not too thick or else they never really cook though, can be tricky. And I’m horrible at flipping them. I’ve been known to accidentally flip a pancake onto the neighboring pancakes, thereby mutilating a whole skillet of pancakes in one fell swoop.

With a waffle maker, you just close the lid. How nice.

close up of buttermilk waffles on white plate

They’re so easy to make. Dry ingredients in one bowl, wet in another, pour wet over dry, mix until just combined. Don’t overmix or you’ll have tough pancakes. Lumps are supposed to be present.

I made the berry preserves by combining a one-pound bag frozen mixed berries from Trader Joe’s, with sugar, and the juice of one lemon. The recipe makes 1 pint of preserves and whatever you don’t use on your waffles is perfect for anything you normally put jam or jelly on.

The sweet berries, contrasted with the very subtle tarter lemon, and will make you want to eat this straight from the jar. I did.

Or have another waffle just so you can have more preserves.

overhead view of two buttermilk waffles topped with berry preserves on a white plate

What’s in Buttermilk Waffles? 

To make this fluffy waffle recipe, you’ll need: 

  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking powder and baking soda
  • Cinnamon
  • Salt
  • Buttermilk
  • Egg
  • Canola oil
  • Vanilla extract

And for the mixed berry preserves, you’ll need: 

  • Frozen mixed berries
  • Granulated sugar
  • Lemon juice

close up of two buttermilk waffles topped with berry preserves on a white plate

How to Make Buttermilk Waffles

You’ll first need to make the mixed berry preserves so they have time to cool somewhat before being spooned over the easy homemade waffles. The preserves are simple to make — combine everything in a saucepan and let simmer, uncovered, for 30 to 45 minutes. 

Once the preserves have been set aside, start on the waffle batter. Whisk together the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet in another, then combine the two. 

When your waffle maker is hot, add the batter, leaving a bare margin of about 1/2-inch on all sides. Cook as manufacturer’s directions indicate, or until waffles are done, cooked through, and lightly golden.

Top the buttermilk waffles with the berry preserves, or your favorite waffle toppings. 

two buttermilk waffles topped with berry preserves on a white plate

More Waffle Topping Ideas to Try

These fluffy buttermilk waffles are the perfect base for so many waffle toppings! Here are a few more ideas in case you don’t want to make the preserves: 

Can I Freeze Waffles? 

Yes, you can easily freeze these fluffy buttermilk waffles. Let them cool completely, then place them on a baking tray and freeze. Once hardened, seal in a freezer bag. To reheat, toast in a toaster or gently reheat in the microwave. 

overhead view of jar of berry preserves

Can I Use a Buttermilk Substitute? 

If you don’t routinely keep buttermilk on hand, I highly recommend this Powdered Buttermilk. If you don’t use buttermilk much, but sometimes see a recipe that needs a half cup, but think you won’t use the rest of the jug before it goes bad, so you opt of trying the recipe, then the powder is for you. Shelf stable, keeps for ages.

Or make buttermilk by souring your own milk. Add about 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup milk, wait for 10 minutes for it to curdle, then use as indicated.

two buttermilk waffles topped with berry preserves on a white plate

Tips for the Best Buttermilk Waffles

Note that you don’t need to beat any egg whites for this easy homemade waffle recipe. As long as you don’t overmix the batter, these waffles should turn out perfectly fluffy. 

I kept the buttermilk waffle recipe small, but feel free to double, triple, as needed. It makes just 6 small square waffles in my waffle maker. Make a double batch and freeze some for busy weekday morning DIY toaster waffles. I prefer putting one of these into the toaster than an Eggo.

The berry preserves can be made up to a week in advance, so feel free to make a big batch at the start of the week to use on your waffles each morning. 

Easy Buttermilk Waffles with Mixed Berry Preserves — These homemade buttermilk waffles are ready in minutes. They’re as fast and easy as using a boxed mix, but SO much better!

Easy Buttermilk Waffles with Mixed Berry Preserves — These homemade buttermilk waffles are ready in minutes. They’re as fast and easy as using a boxed mix, but SO much better! They’re crispy on the outside, yet softer and fluffier in the interior! 

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5 from 1 vote

Easy Buttermilk Waffles with Mixed Berry and Lemon Preserves

By Averie Sunshine
These homemade buttermilk waffles are ready in minutes. They’re crispy on the outside, yet softer and fluffier in the interior! 
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6
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Ingredients  

Mixed Berry and Lemon Preserves

  • 16 ounces frozen mixed berries, or fresh, can be used frozen or thawed
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar, reduce to 1/2 cup if your berries are quite sweet, mine weren’t
  • juice of 1 lemon, reduce to half lemon, or to taste, if preferred

Waffles

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • pinch salt, optional and to taste
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup canola or vegetable oil, 1/4 cup unsalted melted butter may be substituted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions 

For the Mixed Berry and Lemon Preserves:

  • In a medium saucepan, combine berries, sugar, lemon , and heat uncovered over medium-high heat until mixture comes to a rolling boil. Stir frequently until sugar dissolves.
  • After mixture is boiling rapidly, turn heat down to low or medium-low, and allow mixture to simmer uncovered for about 30 to 45 minutes, or until the liquid volume has reduced by half and mixture has thickened some. The sauce doesn’t get ‘thick’ per se, but it does tighten up as the liquid volume reduces. I used frozen berries straight from the freezer without thawing fist, and needed to simmer for 45 minutes. If your fruit is already thawed, the simmering time will be reduced.
  • Transfer preserves to a glass jar with a lid, or heat-safe container; set aside.

For the Waffles:

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk to combine first 6 dry ingredients (through optional salt); set aside.
  • In a glass measuring cup or small bowl, whisk remaining 4 wet ingredients.
  • Pour wet mixture over dry, and stir gently until just combined; don’t overmix. Batter will be thick and with some lumps, don’t try to stir them smooth or waffles will be tough.
  • Preheat waffle maker to manufacturer’s directions, and spray grates with cooking spray.
  • When waffle maker is hot, add batter, leaving a bare margin of about 1/2-inch on all sides. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or as manufacturer’s directions indicate, or until waffles are done, cooked through, and lightly golden.
  • Carefully remove waffles, place on serving plate, and top with mixed berry preserves. Optionally, dust with confectioners’ sugar, serve with maple syrup, or with your favorite waffle topping.

Notes

  • Extra preserves will keep airtight at room temp for up to 1 week and up to 4 weeks in the refrigerator. I have not tried canning this with a water bath so cannot speak to processing times.

Nutrition

Serving: 1, Calories: 337kcal, Carbohydrates: 56g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g, Cholesterol: 33mg, Sodium: 299mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 36g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

More Easy Breakfast Recipes: 

ALL OF MY BREAKFAST RECIPES! 

Pumpkin Waffles— These pumpkin waffles are packed with pumpkin spice flavor! They’re super fluffy and are just begging to be drowned in maple syrup! 

Syrup being poured on Pumpkin Waffles

Thick and Fluffy Mini Buttermilk Pancakes — Your search for PERFECT buttermilk pancakes is over!! EASY, soft, fluffy, light, and the THICKEST pancakes I’ve ever made thanks to a special TRICK!!

Syrup being poured on Thick and Fluffy Mini Buttermilk Pancakes

Blueberry Dutch Baby Pancake — This oven-baked pancake has the chewiness of crepes with the thickness of clafoutis, and making it is as easy as making pancake batter.

Blueberry Dutch Baby Pancake - Easy Recipe at averiecooks.com

Overnight Syrup-On-The-Bottom French Toast – Assemble it the night before and wake up to AMAZING French toast the next morning!! An EASY homemade syrup layer on the bottom with super SOFT challah bread on top!

Overnight Syrup-On-The-Bottom French Toast in baking dish

Buttermilk Strawberry Pancakes — These homemade pancakes are studded with diced strawberries and sprinkles. If desired, top a stack of these babies with homemade vanilla maple butter before digging in! 

Strawberry and Sprinkles Buttermilk Pancakes averiecooks.com

Apple Pancakes with Vanilla Maple Syrup— These apple pancakes are packed with cinnamon and other fall spices. Slather with butter and dunk them in some homemade vanilla maple syrup! 

Apple Pie Pancakes with Vanilla Maple Syrup - Easy Recipe at averiecooks.com

Chocolate Pancakes with Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce — Chocolate and caramel is a match made in heaven and makes for a special breakfast treat. The soft, light, fluffy, moist buttermilk pancakes are the perfect sponges for the sweet and lightly salted caramel sauce.

Chocolate Buttermilk Pancakes with Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce - Recipe at averiecooks.com

About the Author

Welcome to AverieCooks! Here you’ll find fast and easy recipes that taste amazing and are geared for real life. Nothing fussy or complicated, just awesome tasting dishes everyone loves!

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Please note: I have only made the recipe as written, and cannot give advice or predict what will happen if you change something. If you have a question regarding changing, altering, or making substitutions to the recipe, please check out the FAQ page for more info.

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Comments

  1. I’m having family over in a few weeks for a Saturday brunch and am considering setting up my Belgian waffle maker with batter so people can make their own if they want one. Do you know if this batter holds well overnight? I’m hoping to prep as much as I can the night before. Thank you!

    1. I’ve never tried making the batter in advance so I cannot say whether that’s advisable or not.

      1. Thank you for the feedback. I think I’ll make a test batch and see what happens. Will let you know!

      2. Did a test batch and it worked wonderfully! I left the batter very lumpy, put a lid on my mixing bowl, and left it in the fridge for my husband the next morning. He gave it a good whisk and make his waffles. Definitely going to use this for my family brunch this weekend!

      3. Great field report and thank you for sharing! Wonderful to hear it works as a make-ahead batter!

  2. Thank you! this is the best waffle recipe ever! i tried it today and the waffles were so delicious! everybody loved them, what makes me even happier is that my brother hates sweet things and he ate all of them! I added sugar pearls which makes them 100 times better because this sugar melts while the waffles are in the machine. Also i tried your apple pie pancakes, another yummy thing hahah. So thank you for sharing your recipes, today i got tons of compliments!
    xx
    Melisa

    1. So happy to hear you loved the waffles and are calling the recipe the best ever! Thank you! And that even your bro ate them. Sugar pearls sound amazing here!

      And glad you are a fan of the apple pancakes, too!

  3. I don’t make waffles nearly as often as I should. For some reason, I find myself making them more during the summer months. I need to change that. Love berry-lemon preserves here!

  4. This is one of those times that I am reeeeaaally bummed that I got rid of my waffle maker. Actually, it was gross and broken so it wasn’t like I was heartless and just tossed it, but I have yet to replace it and it is times like this when its absence tugs at my heartstrings just so. These waffles — can’t even deal. And the mixed berry & lemon preserves looks wonderful. Call me crazy, but I kinda want that on a PB&J.

  5. This looks awesome Averie, I prefer waffles to pancakes in the morning too. But I don’t have a waffle maker!!! I asked for one for christmas but it was not in the cards, sadly. :(

    Pinning this one for sure and sharing, can’t wait to make especially that berry and lemon preserves YUM!

  6. Your photos are absolutely beautiful (as always)! Love the pouring shot, of course. But the vibrant berries, perfection

  7. These look UNBELIEVABLE. I just so happen to have a day off this coming weekend, and these seem like the perfect way to celebrate!

    1. I was on an 8 mile run earlier and guess what I was thinking about: your CAKE! I want to inhale that meringue. Seriously your must stunning work to date!

  8. Iv always had trouble getting my waffles crispy on the outside. iv tried a large variety of recipes but they would still come out soft and wimpy. Until one day I was reading tips for yet another recipe and it was recommended to cook at the highest heat on the wafflemaker. I was using a lower setting because I didnt want them to be too dark. Now that I think about it, higher heat makes sense. I havent tried this method yet but I will starting with your recipe. And I like the fact it doesnt call for the whipped egg whites… too much like work. Thanks for another opportunity to make great waffles!!!!

    1. I’ve always read with waffle makers to set them to high. Honestly I think mine only has 1 setting, on (which is ‘high’) but yes if you have a choice, I’d try high.

  9. These look fantastic. You are right. Waffles are so much easier than pancakes and yet I always go to pancakes first. Crazy?!?! I love the mixed berries on top too.

  10. Oh thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I got a waffle maker for my wedding and I have yet to use it because I refuse to make waffles from a box. Just. Can’t.

    I can’t wait to try these out! Pinned before I even got passed the first picture!

  11. Beautiful photography! Thank you for 2 recipes in one. The preserves smell divine and made the kitchen smell heavenly this morning.

    1. Thanks for trying the recipe this morning! When I posted it on a weekend, I was hoping someone would, but then realized it was Superbowl weekend. Thanks for trying it and glad you like the 2-for-1 deal :)

  12. You mastered the buttermilk recipe! A classic that is a craving! I BELIEVE those strawberries go really well!

  13. Your waffles look lovely. My mother always put a bit of lemon extract, you could use some grated lemon zest, in her waffles. I have also been known to put a generous amount of chopped Georgia pecans in the waffle batter. Delicious!

  14. I’m much more of a waffle girl myself probably also because pancake flipping is a mysterious and magical art that I’ve never managed to master haha. I love preserves or jam as a waffle topping since it feels so much lighter and healthier than drowning them in syrup.