Chocolate waffles

Absolutely flawless. These chocolate waffles, packed with chocolate chips, are crisp on the outside and wonderfully fluffy on the inside. They’re not overly crisp, but have that perfect balance between lightness and tenderness. They’re delicious served simply with a dusting of icing sugar (especially if you prefer a sweeter waffle), or topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit. The only modification I made to the original recipe was whipping the egg whites separately and folding them into the batter. I’d like to think it made the waffles even lighter and fluffier :).

Ingredients for chocolate waffles:

• 200 g plain flour
• 50 g caster sugar
• 40 g cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 eggs, separated
• 55 g butter, melted and cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 450 g buttermilk or kefir
• ½–¾ cup chocolate chips

All ingredients should be at room temperature.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, melted butter, vanilla extract and buttermilk until smooth. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix only until combined. Do not overmix. Leave the batter to rest for approximately 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks. Fold the whipped egg whites and chocolate chips gently into the batter using a spatula, taking care not to knock out too much air.

Preheat the waffle maker thoroughly and lightly grease it if necessary. Spoon portions of batter into the waffle maker and cook until the waffles are crisp and lightly golden. The waffles are ready when they release easily from the waffle plates.

Serve immediately while still warm, either on their own or with your favourite toppings such as fresh fruit, whipped cream, ice cream or chocolate sauce.

Enjoy!