If you are looking for some fantastic sweets, look no further!
This collection of 11 Belgian dessert recipes will make you think you’re in Europe.
With waffles and chocolate galore, there is something for every palate!
1. Oliebollen (Doughnuts)
Olie bollen oxen free! I get a kick out of saying the names of these donut-like treats.
Although often called Belgian doughnuts, they have much more in common with authentic New Orleans beignets.
These are deep-fried spheres of deliciousness coated in powdered sugar, similar to beignets, though the dough has some surprises.
As opposed to using only sugar, yeast, and flour, oliebollens also include Granny Smith apples, raisins, and currants in their batter for a tart and fruity flavor.
2. Belgian Waffles
No one does waffles like the Belgians; therefore, if you want the best waffle recipe, it must be Belgian. A Belgian waffle iron is a must; if not, there will not be enough space for the batter to rise and fluff correctly.
These waffles are light, airy, and perfectly crispy. The ingredients, including flour, baking powder, sugar, eggs, milk, butter, and salt, are straightforward. You can make the batter and cook the waffles in approximately 10 minutes.
The waffles are so deep, making them the perfect base for your favorite toppings; do not limit yourself to syrup and butter, but add berries, whipped cream, honey, chocolate chips, or whatever you’re in the mood for.
3. Belgian Hot Chocolate
Most folks like hot chocolate when the weather becomes cool, but Belgian hot chocolate is an unmatched experience! This genuine hot chocolate is made on the stovetop from milk, two different kinds of solid chocolate pieces, cinnamon, and a dash of salt.
You can mix it with a hand mixer or a whisk; just continue to whisk or mix until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. This treat can be served hot with whipped cream and chocolate curls or, for a summertime craving, pour over ice and top with a chocolate straw.
4. Apple Turnover (Appleflap)
These apple turnovers, warm, puffy, golden, and coated in a deliciously sweet glaze, are a near-constant sweet treat in my kitchen when fall rolls around. Because they’re simple to make and take only about half an hour, they’re great any time of year.
Store-bought puff pastry dough is the simplest way to make these treats, as it tastes just as good as homemade. All that is required is to make the filling and the glaze; for the filling, Granny Smith apples are key, as no other variety tastes as sweet and tart.
Vanilla, milk, and powdered sugar are all that’s needed for the glaze. As a bonus, the baking apples and cinnamon will make your kitchen smell amazing!
5. Liège Waffles
What people know as Belgian waffles in America are known as Brussels waffles in Belgium. However, most Belgian natives will tell you that the Liège waffle is a superior version. I tend to agree, as Liège waffles are made of a thick, brioche-like dough.
They’re also made with pearl sugar, which adds an exclusive flavor and texture, making these waffles browner, more flavorful, and simply lovely. Although they can be served with toppings, they are delicious enough on their own and can even be enjoyed cold.
6. Speculoos (Spice Cookies)
The total cooking time for this recipe is over 3 hours, which seems like a long time to make cookies, though that is the time it takes to cook multiple batches. A single batch of speculoos will take you less than half an hour.
They’re made from dark brown sugar, flour, and lots of spices, and the result is a spicy mix between shortbread and sugar cookies. The dough holds up well under cookie cutters, so you can form them into all sorts of shapes. This recipe is particularly fun if you have young kids, who will love rolling out the dough and choosing their favorite cookie cutters.
7. Belgian Chocolate Waffles
I started this list with Belgian waffles, so it feels right to end it with them, too. These Belgian waffles will make any chocolate lover swoon and only require about 30 minutes. These are prepared almost exactly like you’d make regular Belgian waffles, except this recipe calls for a half-cup of cocoa powder and a half-cup of coffee (although, if you don’t like the coffee flavor, you can just use more milk).
To start, mix the baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Then, beat your eggs and mix with the milk, coffee, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil before combining with the dry ingredients.
8. La Dame Blanche (Belgian Hot Fudge Sundae with Vanilla Ice Cream)
La dame blanche, which translates to “the white lady,” is a traditional Belgian dessert found in almost any restaurant. The only cooking this recipe calls for is making the hot fudge sauce, which doesn’t take long. To save time, store-bought hot fudge sauce can be used, though it won’t taste as rich.
To make the sauce, sweetened condensed milk, semi-sweet baker’s chocolate, and a teaspoon of vanilla are needed. Over medium-low heat, warm the chocolate and milk in a saucepan; when done, remove it and add the vanilla.
You can drizzle your sauce over your ice cream (vanilla is best) and add whipped cream and maraschino cherries. For a more homemade feel, opt for homemade vanilla ice cream, too.
9. Belgian Pancakes
While Belgium is most known for its waffles, Belgian chefs create wonderful pancakes, too. They’re unlike American pancakes, as they are much thinner.
The look and texture of these pancakes has more in common with crepes; however, their rich, buttery flavor is more reminiscent of pancakes. If it were up to me, I would call them pancrepes, but that’s just my take. Light, airy, and best when coated in your favorite berries and powdered sugar, these are a must-try.
10. Cinnamon Belgian Waffles
It comes as no surprise that a country famed for its waffles will offer many variations. As fluffy, light, airy, crispy, and tender as “regular” Belgian waffles, these also have cinnamon, apples, brown sugar, and nutmeg in the batter, giving them a flavor that we do not usually associate with waffles.
The recipe also provides directions for both a caramelized apple topping and a homemade bourbon maple syrup. Although I love the caramelized apples, I would still pick classic maple syrup over the bourbon variety.
11. Strawberries and Whipped Cream
Before my family realized it was a Belgian favorite, we had been devouring this dessert for years. I enjoy it because it tastes amazing and can be prepared in only 15 minutes! It is like a simple parfait.
To create this treat, combine the strawberries and sugar and let them sit for 15 minutes, letting the sugar melt into them. For the cream, combine the whipped cream, sugar, and vanilla extract.
All that’s left is to separate and layer the strawberries and cream in individual cups for a dessert that serves six. For a larger crowd, double the recipe and add honey or maple syrup.