Can I Use Butter Instead Of Oil For The Waffles Recipe? | Ask Nigella.com (2024)

Our answer

Nigella's recipe for Waffles (from AT MY TABLE has waffles that are golden on the outside and light and soft inside. Waffle batters contain a higher proportion of fat than pancake or crêpe batters, as the extra fat helps to keep the waffles soft. Nigella's recipe uses 125ml (1/2 cup) of vegetable oil.

Generally you can switch oil for melted butter in a waffle recipe. This gives a slightly richer waffle, erring towards a Belgian-style waffle. If you use melted butter then you need to make sure that the milk and eggs are at room temperature, as if they are cold when you add the melted butter then the fat in the butter can resolidify into small lumps and give a lumpy batter. Some people think that butter gives a slightly thicker batter, though it is not something we have noted ourselves. However, you may find that it slightly affects the cooking time of the waffles, so keep a closer eye on the first couple of batches until you are sure of the cooking time in your waffle maker.