If you are searching for a breakfast that feels like a sunny spring morning on a plate, then look no further than these vibrant Lemon Raspberry Buttermilk Waffles. Bursting with tangy lemon zest and pockets of juicy raspberries, every bite is light and fluffy with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. The buttermilk adds a subtle richness and perfect acidity that balances out the sweetness, making these waffles irresistibly memorable. Whether you’re cooking for a leisurely weekend brunch or a special occasion, these waffles bring together freshness, sweetness, and zest in the most delightful way.

Lemon Raspberry Buttermilk Waffles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple, but each plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and color for your Lemon Raspberry Buttermilk Waffles. From the buttermilk that keeps the batter tender to the fresh raspberries that inject sweet bursts throughout, every element counts.

Unbleached all-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for soft yet crisp waffles.
Baking powder and baking soda: Both are essential for that fluffy rise and light texture.
Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to enhance the berries and lemon.
Coarse salt: Balances flavors and helps bring out the natural sweetness.
Lemon zest: Gives a bright citrus punch that wakes up every bite.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes the waffles while adding a subtle tang for complexity.
Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and a silky texture to the batter.
Egg yolk: Helps bind ingredients and contributes to a tender crumb.
Egg whites: Whipped to stiff peaks to create lift and airiness.
Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm sweetness that balances citrus and berry flavors.
Fresh raspberries: Packed with juicy freshness and natural sweetness.
Powdered sugar: For a light, elegant dusting that adds a hint of sweetness at the end.

How to Make Lemon Raspberry Buttermilk Waffles

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Waffle Iron

Start by heating your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Giving it a little spray of cooking oil or butter will ensure your waffles come out crisp and clean without sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and lemon zest. This combination creates the flavorful base with just the right boost of lift and a tempting citrus aroma.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, gently whisk the egg yolk, buttermilk, softened butter, and vanilla extract until well blended. This mixture brings moisture and richness to the waffles, balancing the tangy lemon zest.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir with a spatula until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which keeps the waffles light and tender.

Step 5: Whip and Fold Egg Whites

Whisk the egg whites in a clean bowl until they reach stiff peaks. Carefully fold these fluffy whites into the batter using a gentle hand — this is the secret to those airy, cloud-like waffles that practically melt in your mouth.

Step 6: Fold in Fresh Raspberries

Gently fold in the fresh raspberries. The berries add vibrant color and juicy bursts of flavor throughout the batter, making every bite vibrant and fresh.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of batter into each section of your preheated waffle iron. Close and cook according to the manufacturer’s directions, usually 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 8: Finish with a Dusting

Carefully remove the waffles and keep warm while you finish the batch. When ready to serve, dust with powdered sugar and add a pat of butter or your favorite syrup for that final touch.

How to Serve Lemon Raspberry Buttermilk Waffles

Garnishes

For a simple but elegant presentation, dust your warm waffles with powdered sugar and top them with a few extra fresh raspberries and a light sprinkle of lemon zest. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup takes it to the next level, adding luscious texture and sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair these waffles with crispy bacon or fluffy scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast spread. Fresh fruit salads or citrusy yogurt parfaits complement the zesty flavors beautifully and balance indulgence with freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these waffles into a stunning dessert by layering them with lemon curd and raspberry compote, then topping with whipped cream and toasted almonds. Or stack them with vanilla ice cream and drizzle with chocolate sauce for a fun twist that delights both eyes and palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheating them carefully ensures you still get that beautiful crispness on the outside while keeping the fluffy inside.

Freezing

Lemon Raspberry Buttermilk Waffles freeze wonderfully. Let them cool completely, then layer with parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can keep fresh for up to 1 month, making them a super convenient option for quick breakfasts.

Reheating

To revive your waffles, toast them in a toaster or toaster oven on medium heat until warm and crisp. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that original texture, but it works in a pinch for a quick and tasty snack.

FAQs

Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen raspberries can be used but drain them well to avoid adding extra moisture to the batter which could make the waffles soggy. Gently fold them in while still frozen and bake promptly for best results.

What if I don’t have buttermilk? Can I substitute it?

Absolutely! You can make a simple buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.

Why do I need to beat the egg whites separately?

Whipping the egg whites adds air to the batter, creating lighter and fluffier waffles. It helps give your Lemon Raspberry Buttermilk Waffles that delicate texture that feels like a treat with every forkful.

Can I prepare the batter in advance?

While you can mix the dry and wet ingredients a few hours ahead, it’s best to whip the egg whites just before cooking and fold them in last minute to maintain maximum fluffiness.

How do I prevent the raspberries from sinking to the bottom?

To help raspberries stay suspended in the batter, toss them lightly in a teaspoon of flour before folding them in. This gives them a bit of grip and keeps them evenly distributed throughout your waffles.

Final Thoughts

These Lemon Raspberry Buttermilk Waffles have become a personal favorite because they strike that perfect balance between bright citrus, fresh berries, and tender, fluffy texture. They bring a little sunshine to any morning and a smile to every breakfast table. Once you try them, I have no doubt they’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe collection just like they are in mine.

Lemon Raspberry Buttermilk Waffles Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 7 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6–8 waffles 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delight in these light and fluffy Lemon Raspberry Buttermilk Waffles, perfectly balanced with tangy lemon zest and fresh raspberries. These waffles are elevated by the richness of buttermilk and the light texture achieved by folding in whipped egg whites, making them a fantastic breakfast or brunch treat. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and complemented by butter or syrup, they are sure to brighten up any morning.

Instructions

Preheat Waffle Iron: Begin by preheating your waffle iron and lightly prepare it by spraying with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, coarse salt, granulated sugar, and lemon zest. Stir to evenly distribute all the components.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, buttermilk, softened butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
Mix Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the batter light.
Whip Egg Whites: In a clean medium bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. This will add airiness to the waffles.
Fold in Egg Whites and Raspberries: Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the batter until just combined, then gently fold in the fresh raspberries making sure not to break them up too much.
Cook Waffles: Pour approximately 1/4 to 1/3 cup of batter into each section of the preheated waffle iron. Cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions, usually about 4-5 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
Serve: Keep the waffles warm until ready to serve. Dust them generously with powdered sugar and serve with butter and your favorite syrup for a delicious breakfast treat.

Notes

For best results, do not overmix the batter to maintain lightness.
Fresh raspberries can be substituted with frozen raspberries, but fresh is preferred for texture and flavor.
Ensure egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks for maximum fluffiness in the waffles.
If you do not have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 2 cups of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
These waffles freeze well; reheat in a toaster or oven for a quick breakfast option.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Waffle Iron
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 waffle
Calories: 280
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: lemon waffles, raspberry waffles, buttermilk waffles, breakfast waffles, fluffy waffles, fruit waffles