The Dad Joke Warning
I’m going to start this post with a warning. I am a Dad. I am tired. And therefore, I am legally required to make this joke.
“I could waffle on for ages about these things.”
There. I said it. I’m not sorry.
Waffles are one of those breakfasts that seem incredibly fancy. When you pull the waffle iron out of the deep, dark cupboard where it lives for 360 days of the year, the kids look at you like you are a magician.
The 10-Minute Win
There is a “proper” way to make waffles using yeast, which takes about an hour to rise. They are delicious, but let’s be real: When my kids wake up on a Sunday morning, they are not interested in “artisanal waiting times.” They want food, and they want it now.
So, this is my Speedy Waffle recipe.
It uses Self-Raising flour (so no yeast required) and a secret pinch of cinnamon that makes the kitchen smell like a bakery. You can go from “Dad, I’m hungry” to “Dad, these are awesome” in about 15 minutes.
💡 Tired Dad Tips
- The Cinnamon Secret: Don’t skip the cinnamon. It doesn’t make them taste spicy, but it adds a warmth that makes them taste way more “premium” than just plain batter.
- The “Toaster” Life Hack: These freeze amazingly well. I usually make a double batch. Freeze the leftovers, and then on a busy Tuesday school morning, pop them straight in the toaster. Instant hot waffles.
- Spray the Iron: Even if your waffle iron says “Non-Stick,” don’t trust it. Give it a quick spray with oil. Scrubbing burnt dough out of those little squares is not how you want to spend your Sunday.
- Re-use the Measuring Jug: Put all the wet ingredients in a measuring jug – measure out the milk, add the eggs, vanilla and whisk. Then once mixed with the dry ingredients, pour back into the jug – Easy to pour and one less thing to wash up.
Quick Sunday Waffles (I Could Waffle On About These…)
Equipment
- 1 Waffle Iron
- 1 Measuring Jug
Ingredients
- 250 g Self-Raising Flour This gives the fluffiness without the wait.
- 2 Eggs.
- 350 ml Milk.
- 100 g Butter melted.
- 1 tbsp Sugar.
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract.
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon The secret ingredient.
- Pinch of Salt.
Instructions
- The Dry Stuff: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- The Wet Stuff: In a jug, whisk the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla.
- The Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry bowl. Whisk it until smooth.
- Dad Note: Because we are using Self-Raising flour, it will bubble up slightly straight away. That's the magic happening.
- The Cook: Preheat your waffle iron. Give it a spray with oil (essential!). Ladle the batter in—don't overfill it, as these will puff up quite a bit!
- The Patience: Close the lid and cook according to your machine (usually 4–5 minutes) until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Serve hot immediately.
Notes
The Topping Station
A waffle is only as good as what you put on top of it. Here are the favourites in our house:- The Classic: A mountain of fresh berries (strawberries/blueberries), a dollop of whipped cream, and enough Maple Syrup to worry a dentist.
- The “Nutella” Drizzle: Put a spoonful of Nutella in a mug and microwave it for 20 seconds. It turns runny and is perfect for drizzling over bananas and waffles. (The kids go nuts for this).
- The “Dad Special” (Sweet & Salty): Streaky bacon, fried until crispy, then drenched in Maple Syrup. Do not knock it until you try it. The saltiness of the bacon cuts through the sweet syrup perfectly.
- The “Chicken Dinner” Twist: Want waffles for dinner? Top them with a crispy breaded chicken fillet (the ones from the freezer aisle work fine!), crispy bacon, and syrup. It’s a Southern American classic, and it works surprisingly well.
- The “Pretend Healthy”: Greek Yoghurt, Honey, and some chopped nuts. (For when you feel guilty about the bacon).
- The Banoffee: Sliced banana and caramel sauce (or tinned caramel).
Tried the Quick Version? Did the cinnamon trick work for you? Tag me on Instagram @tireddadcooksuk or come and say hi on X @tireddadcooks.