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Top view of stacked waffles topped with red jam and sour cream, with thin slices of Norwegian brown cheese (brunost) being shaved over the top.

Norwegian Waffles - A Classic Scandinavian Waffle Recipe

Breakfast
Time25 min
DifficultyEasy
Servings10

Contains: Milk, Eggs, Wheat/Gluten

About allergens

Norwegian waffles (vafler) are thin, tender, and beautifully scented with ground cardamom. Unlike thick, Belgian-style waffles, these classic heart-shaped treats feature a velvety batter that rests before hit on the iron, creating a delicate texture that pairs perfectly with sweet and savory toppings.

Whether enjoyed as an afternoon treat or weekend breakfast, these waffles are traditional, comforting, and best served warm straight from the iron with generous spoonful of full-fat sour cream, sweet strawberry jam, and slices of caramel-like brunost (brown cheese).

Why You’ll Love These Norwegian Waffles

  • Aromatic Cardamom Flavor - infused with warm, cozy spices for that authentic Scandinavian taste.
  • Simple Pantry Ingredients - quick to whip up using everyday staples.
  • Resting Technique - allowing the batter to rest for half an hour hydrates the flour and yields a light, tender texture.
  • Versatile Topping Canvas - delicious with classic brown cheese and jam or any sweet or savory favorite.

Tips for the Best Norwegian Waffles

  • Don't Skip the Resting Time. Letting the batter sit for at least half an hour allows the flour to absorb the liquids, thickens the batter, and relaxes the gluten so your waffles stay soft and tender.
  • Preheat the Iron Well. Make sure your waffle iron is completely preheated before adding batter to ensure proper browning and crisp edges without sticking.
  • Use Ground Cardamom. Freshly ground or good-quality ground cardamom is essential to give the waffles their distinct, authentic flavor profile.
  • The Norwegian Topping Trio. For the true classic experience, serve with cool, full-fat sour cream, bright strawberry jam, and thin slices of sweet-salty brunost (brown cheese).

Common questions

Why does the waffle batter need to rest?

Resting the batter for at least half an hour gives the flour time to absorb the liquids, which thickens the batter into the perfect consistency. It also allows the gluten formed during mixing to relax, ensuring your vafler turn out soft, tender, and light rather than tough or rubbery.

Can I make the waffle batter ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the batter, cover it tightly, and keep it in the refrigerator overnight. If the batter thickens too much after sitting in the fridge, simply whisk in a splash of milk to loosen it back up to a pourable consistency before baking.

What is brunost (brown cheese) and where can I find it?

Brunost is a traditional Norwegian cheese made by slowly boiling down whey, milk, and cream until the natural sugars caramelize. This gives it a unique fudge-like texture and a sweet, tangy, and savory flavor. You can find brunost at specialty Scandinavian shops, large international supermarkets, or online.

Can I freeze leftover waffles and reheat them later?

Absolutely. Allow cooked waffles to cool completely on a wire rack, then stack them with parchment paper between each waffle and seal in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat them directly from frozen in a toaster or a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes until warmed through and crisp.

What type of waffle iron works best for vafler?

A traditional heart-shaped waffle iron with shallow grids gives you that authentic thin, soft Scandinavian texture. You can also use another waffle iron. The cooking time and amount of batter may vary.

Recipe

Norwegian Waffles - A Classic Scandinavian Waffle Recipe

10mPreparation
15mCooking
25mTotal
Servings
10

Ingredients

Ingredient Substitutes
  • 80 g (6½ tbsp) Erythritol + 65 g Stevia baking blend + 0 g Pure stevia powder
Ingredient Substitutes
  • 1 g (¼ tsp) Cinnamon + 1 g (½ tsp) Nutmeg

Instructions

  1. 1

    Whisk the eggs

    In a small bowl, whisk the eggs until blended and set aside.

  2. 2

    Combine dry ingredients

    In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, ground cardamom, and salt.

  3. 3

    Whisk in the milk

    Gradually pour the milk into the dry ingredients, whisking continuously until smooth and lump-free.

  4. 4

    Mix in eggs & butter

    Stir in the whisked eggs and melted butter until completely integrated into a smooth batter.

  5. 5

    Rest the batter

    Cover the bowl and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This hydrates the flour, thickens the batter, and relaxes the gluten for lighter waffles.

  6. 6

    Preheat the waffle iron

    Preheat your waffle iron before cooking.

  7. 7

    Cook the waffles

    Pour the batter into the center of the iron (do not overfill), close the lid, and cook until golden brown and crisp. Repeat with the remaining batter.

  8. 8

    Serve

    Enjoy warm with generous spoonful of full-fat sour cream, strawberry jam, and sliced brunost (brown cheese) for a classic Norwegian-style treat, or use your favorite sweet or savory toppings.

Nutrition Facts

per 100 g
Calories
223
kcal
Fat
10.8g
Saturated
6.4g
Carbs
24.8g
Fiber
1.0g
Sugar
7.9g
Protein
6.7g
Salts
0.1g

Nutritional values are approximate estimates intended for informational purposes only. If you have dietary restrictions or medical conditions, please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet.

Glycemic Estimate

per serving
Glycemic Index
74
LowMediumHigh
Glycemic Load
19.7
LowMediumHigh
Blood Sugar Response
LowMediumHigh

Peak rise expected around 1h after eating

This is an estimated glycemic response and may vary based on individual metabolism and ingredient preparation. Learn more about GI and GL.

Storage & Reheating

  • 1

    Storage: Allow leftover waffles to cool completely on a wire cooling rack to prevent them from becoming soggy from trapped steam. Store cooled waffles in an airtight container or a sealed zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • 2

    Freezing: Stack cooled waffles separated by layers of parchment paper (to prevent sticking) and place them in a heavy-duty freezer bag or airtight freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.

    Note: Store the cooked waffles plain, do not freeze them with toppings like sour cream or jam already applied.

  • 3

    Reheating:

    • Toaster (Recommended) - From Fridge/Frozen: Pop a waffle directly into your toaster on a medium setting for 1 to 2 minutes. This is the fastest method to restore the crisp edges while keeping the inside tender.
    • Oven or Air Fryer - From Frozen: Preheat your oven or air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Arrange waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet and heat for 3 to 5 minutes until hot and crisp.
    • Waffle Iron - From Fridge: Reheat in a preheated waffle iron for 30 - 60 seconds to revive that fresh-out-of-the-iron texture. Avoid leaving them in too long, as they can dry out quickly.

Equipment

  • WWhisk
  • LLadle
  • MMixing Bowl
  • WWaffle maker

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