Norwegian waffles (vafler)

Norwegian waffles are relatively thin, soft and gently sweet, with a wonderfully aromatic hint of cardamom. However you top them, they're sure to become a breakfast favorite.

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While midweek breakfasts can be a bit rushed in our house, we like to take our time a bit more at the weekends, when we can, and enjoy something a bit different. Often we'll have pancakes, like British pancakes or Scotch pancakes, but we also enjoy waffles and other options.

One of the things I enjoy about making waffles is you don't need to stand over them quite as much. You can make coffee as they cook, for example, which is a definite bonus in the morning. These Norwegian style waffles are a little different from your more typical American or Belgian style, but are equally delicious for breakfast. In fact, my eldest recently said he thinks he likes these better.

Hoe are Norwegian waffles different from other styles?

You might think waffles are waffles, but there are some slight differences. Belgian waffles are typically either the yeasted Liège-style, studded with pearl sugar, or thicker Brussels-style with toppings like fruit and cream. American waffles are also typically relatively thick and slightly crisp.

Norwegian waffles, meanwhile, are thinner and softer. Instead of yeast, they use baking powder as a leavener and the batter is pretty thin compared to other styles of waffle. And one other big difference is they are wonderfully aromatic with a touch of cardamom, and often some vanilla.

Waffles in Norway

Waffles, called "vafler" in Norwegian, have been a staple in Norway for a long time, with the first recipe appearing in the early 18th century. They hold a particular place in the cultural heart, being closely associated with the idea of "kos" meaning to have a good time, as well as tradition and hygge.

You'll find waffles sold in cafes as a treat to go with your coffee, as well as enjoyed for dessert. They're also popular to make at home, made for special occasions or just because. Being both easy to make and so tasty, it's easy to see why.

Tips for making these waffles

These are pretty easy to make, but a couple things to help them turn out well:

• Start by mixing the egg and sugar to help ensure the egg blends in well. After that, it comes together pretty easily so how you add is not so important, but I'd tend to add part of the milk, blend, then add the rest, to help it be smooth.
• The batter should be thin, so don't worry if it feels that way. Try not to overmix.
• Pour the batter into the middle to help ensure you fill out the full shape evenly - it should spread to just cover the base before you close.
• Check the instructions for your waffle maker, but I find around ½ cup (120ml) batter per waffle is about right, cooked on high to become slightly brown.

One of the main things that helps in making these is having the traditional heart-shaped waffle maker. It both gives them the traditional shape and means they come out thin. However you can still enjoy the tasty flavor and lightness with other waffle makers, you just might have to experiment on how much batter you need.

You can make the batter a bit ahead, if you like, and just store in the fridge for a few hours, or even make it the night before. You can also store leftover waffles in the fridge or freeze them and re-heat. Either warm in the heated waffle maker briefly, or toast them. Just watch closely so they don't get too brown - remember they're pretty thin.

Norwegian waffle toppings

You can get creative with how you top these, but a few things are pretty common and well worth trying. Adding fruit or jam is a popular choice, often with some sour cream or whipped cream. Some like to smear some butter on them and sprinkle with sugar or cinnamon sugar.

Another common topping is Norwegian brown cheese, brunost. It might sound unusual to pair sweet and savory, but the cheese is actually made with caramelized milk so has a slight sweet-savory flavor. My grandparents' neighbors were Norwegian and so I was introduced to this delicious cheese as a child, and always loved when they brought some back from visits. My kids have happily adopted it and love it with these, too.

Norwegian waffles can also be made into savory waffles by reducing the sugar by about half. They then can work well with savory toppings toppings like smoked salmon and/or cheese.

Unlike American waffles, you wouldn't typically add syrup to these, or eat them with a knife and fork. Instead, you use your hands and more fold the pieces up around the topping like a taco or pizza slice. But, of course, feel free to do as you prefer at home!

Norwegian waffles, vafler, are both pretty and delicious, with their gentle sweetness and aromatic cardamom flavor. They're easy to make, and make a fantastic breakfast, or dessert. Or really any excuse to enjoy.

Try these other treats that work as breakfast or dessert:

• Kaiserschmarrn - Austrian torn pancakes, that are light and fluffy and deliciously dusted with sugar.
• Apple crepes - light crepes filled with warmly spiced, tender apple slices. Perfectly autumnal but tasty any time.
• Swedish cardamom buns - maybe more snack than dessert, but it's worth finding any excuse for this tasty treat that is another great way to enjoy cardamom flavor.
• Plus get more Nordic recipes and breakfast recipes in the archives.

Traditionally you use a heart shaped waffle maker for these to give thin waffles in the shape you see here.

See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline's Cooking Amazon store. 

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