Pandan Waffles Recipe

If you’re ready to embark on a vibrant and delicious breakfast adventure, Pandan Waffles are here to steal the show. These enchanting green waffles bring together the tropical aroma of pandan leaves with the creamy richness of coconut milk, creating a unique flavor that will brighten your morning. Light and fluffy with just the right hint of sweetness, Pandan Waffles are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, making every bite feel like a joyous celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Pandan Waffle recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building the perfect texture, flavor, and that iconic green hue, ensuring your waffles come out irresistibly soft and fragrant.

• 1 large egg: Acts as the binding agent and helps the waffles rise to a fluffy perfection.
• 4 tablespoons sugar: Adds just the right level of sweetness to complement pandan’s delicate floral notes.
• 1 cup coconut milk: Imparts a luscious creaminess and authentic tropical flavor that makes these waffles truly special.
• 1 teaspoon coconut pandan extract: The star ingredient that gives the waffles their vibrant color and irresistible aroma.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides richness and moisture, ensuring every bite is tender and satisfying.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the batter, giving the waffles structure without sacrificing softness.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps leaven the batter so your Pandan Waffles rise beautifully with a light texture.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Adds extra crispness to the waffles’ surface while keeping the inside tender.

How to Make Pandan Waffles

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Start by cracking the egg into a medium-sized bowl and whisk together with the sugar. Whisking until pale and smooth is key because it incorporates air, helping the final waffles to be light and fluffy. Next, stir in the melted butter, coconut pandan extract, and creamy coconut milk. These wet ingredients bring together the essential richness and that unmistakable pandan flavor.

Step 2: Add and Sift the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and cornstarch to ensure even distribution. Slowly add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to avoid lumps. This step is important for achieving a smooth batter that cooks evenly, guaranteeing your Pandan Waffles have a perfect tender crumb.

Step 3: Preheat the Waffle Iron

Turn on your waffle iron and give it a quick spray on both sides with a non-stick cooking spray. Waiting until the indicator light signals readiness ensures your waffles start cooking immediately upon contact with the iron, helping form that golden, crispy exterior.

Step 4: Cook the Waffles

Pour about 1/2 cup of batter onto the center of the hot waffle iron. Close the lid and press gently, cooking for approximately 5 minutes. Resist the urge to peek early—this is when that gorgeous green color and tantalizing aroma develop, culminating in perfectly cooked Pandan Waffles that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Once cooked, carefully remove the waffles and serve immediately while warm. The blend of pandan and coconut will have your taste buds dancing, ensuring these waffles become an instant favorite morning ritual.

How to Serve Pandan Waffles

Garnishes

Pandan Waffles are a feast for the eyes, and adding the right garnishes elevates the experience even further. Fresh tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, or kiwi pair beautifully, adding bright color and natural sweetness. A drizzle of coconut cream or a touch of maple syrup works wonders for a rich, luscious finish. For those who love a bit of crunch, crushed toasted coconut or chopped nuts offer delightful texture contrasts.

Side Dishes

Complement your Pandan Waffles with sides that balance sweetness with savory notes. Crispy bacon or sausage links provide that satisfying salty crunch, while a light salad of citrus segments and mint adds freshness to the plate. If you’re feeling indulgent, a scoop of coconut ice cream on the side transforms the meal into a tropical dessert feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation makes the meal memorable! Stack your Pandan Waffles high and intersperse layers with whipped coconut cream and fresh berries for a stunning layered look. Alternatively, use cookie cutters to create fun shapes before cooking. Finally, sprinkle powdered sugar or edible flowers on top for that extra wow factor when hosting brunch with friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which might be rare!), store your Pandan Waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to two days without losing too much moisture or flavor. To maintain their crispness, avoid stacking them directly on top of each other without some parchment paper between.

Freezing

Pandan Waffles freeze beautifully, making them a fantastic option for quick breakfasts later on. Let the waffles cool completely, then layer them between sheets of parchment paper and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to a month in the freezer without compromising taste or texture.

Reheating

The best way to bring leftover or frozen Pandan Waffles back to life is by toasting them in a toaster or oven rather than microwaving. This approach revives their crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender. A quick few minutes at 350°F (175°C) in the oven usually does the trick perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pandan leaves instead of extract?

Absolutely! If you have fresh pandan leaves, you can blend them with coconut milk and strain the mixture to use as a substitute. This method gives an extra authentic flavor, though it might be a bit less concentrated than using extract.

Are Pandan Waffles gluten-free?

The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends to make a gluten-free version, though the texture may vary slightly.

Can I make these waffles vegan?

For a vegan twist, replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg, use plant-based butter, and ensure your pandan extract is free from animal products. This will keep your waffles just as delicious and plant-friendly.

What does pandan flavor taste like?

Pandan flavor is often described as a sweet, grassy, and slightly floral aroma with hints of vanilla and coconut, which makes it a fantastic flavor enhancer for many desserts and baked goods, including these waffles.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! The recipe scales well, so feel free to double or even triple the ingredients if you’re feeding a crowd or want plenty of leftovers for the week ahead.

Final Thoughts

Giving Pandan Waffles a try is like inviting a little tropical sunshine into your kitchen. Their delightful aroma, vibrant color, and irresistibly soft texture make them so much more than just breakfast—they’re an experience to savor. Whether you’re serving them up for a special weekend brunch or a cozy weekday treat, these waffles are guaranteed to impress and leave you happily planning your next batch.

Print