Most fun snack you’ve ever eaten
I’m not exaggerating when I say that bubble waffles are the most fun snack I’ve ever eaten. You deserve the same warning I gave my colleague, Lauren, when she told me she was trying these bubble waffles: You’re not going to be able to stop eating them. You’ll want to keep going back for one more bubble. (Spoiler: It will not be just one more bite.)
With soft and spongy, cake-like spheres and a crispy, crunchy web that just might remind you of a cookie, bubble waffles are totally irresistible and incredibly fun to eat. Also known as egg waffles, egg puffs and puffles, bubble waffles are a popular street food snack that originated in Hong Kong in the 1950s.
They’re commonly rolled into a cone and filled with colorful ice cream or whipped cream, but they’re also really delicious (and still totally impressive) served flat with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh fruit. Or you can just pop them in your mouth one by one. There’s no wrong way to eat them.
What are bubble waffles?
The specific origin of bubble waffles, or gai daan jai, is unclear, but what we do know is that they were first made in Hong Kong after the war, most likely by a thrifty vendor trying to make the most of cracked or broken eggs by turning them into a humble pastry.
These days, there are shops and stands around the world selling bubble waffles, and you can even make them in your own kitchen.
Do bubble waffles require special equipment?
Yes, you’ll need a bubble waffle maker to make bubble waffles. There are electric and stovetop bubble waffle makers. We’re partial to the electric version, as it’s easier to control the temperature.
Bubble waffles versus regular waffles
There are a few differences that set bubble waffles apart from
American or Belgian-style waffles.
Bubble waffles look like a web of spheres that resemble mini eggs or bubble wrap, and have a taste that is sweeter and eggier. Regular waffles have a grid-like appearance with deep wells, and a taste that’s subtly sweet.
Bubble waffle toppings
The toppings are a huge part of what makes bubble waffles so much fun to eat. Serve them flat, piled with your favorite toppings, or fold the waffle into a cone and fill it up. The waffles are softest and most pliable when they’re hot, and firm Makes: 4 to 5 waffles up as they cool. So, if you 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour plan to fold them into a ¾ cup granulated sugar cone, be sure to fold the 2 teaspoons cornstarch warm waffle over a rolling 2 teaspoons baking powder pin or glass as soon as ½ teaspoon kosher salt it comes out of the waffle 2 large eggs maker. ½ cup milk
As for toppings, the sky’s ½ cup water the limit. Here are a few of 3 tablespoons canola or the most popular toppings, vegetable oil as well as our favorites: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ice cream Nonstick cooking spray
Whipped cream For serving (optional):
Coconut whipped cream Whipped cream
Sliced berries, fresh fruit Ice cream
Candy Sliced strawberries
Sprinkles Fresh raspberries or
Cookies blueberries
Chocolate sauce Powdered sugar
Powdered sugar Nutella
Bubble waffles
Chocolate sauce
1. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 200 degrees.
2. Place 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, 2 teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon kosher salt in a large bowl and whisk to combine. If you have one, use a spouted bowl.
3. Lightly beat 2 large eggs in a medium bowl. Add
½ cup milk, ½ cup water, 3 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and whisk to combine. Pour into the flour mixture and whisk until smooth and no streaks of flour remain.
4. Heat the bubble waffle maker according to the manufacturer instructions. Spray both sides of the waffle maker with cooking spray.
5. If not using a spouted bowl, transfer batter to large, spouted measuring cup. Pour batter into waffle maker, filling each well all the way. Do not worry so much about the space between the wells; if you try to cover the whole surface, you will overfill the waffle maker.
6. Cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions, or for 2 minutes, then flip the waffle maker over and cook until golden brown all over, 2 minutes more. Do not open the waffle maker until the cook time is up. (You will need ⅔ to ¾ cup batter per waffle. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for each model for specific guidelines.)
7. Transfer cooked waffles to a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven. If you plan to fold and fill the bubble waffle, drape over a rolling pin or glass immediately after it comes out of the waffle maker, when it is soft and easily pliable. The waffle will firm up as it cools.
Note: Although we recommend serving these right away, cooked and cooled waffles can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.