11 Authentic Belgian Desserts

Belgian desserts are a treat, and it’s easy to see why. I mean, when a country is famous for waffles and chocolate, you know they’ve got the dessert game down pat!

1.Belgian Waffles

When it comes to waffles, Belgium knows best! For the ultimate Belgian waffle experience, you’ll need a Belgian waffle iron – it’s essential for that perfect rise and fluffy texture.

These waffles are light, airy, and crisply golden, made with simple ingredients like flour, baking powder, sugar, eggs, milk, butter, and salt. Ready in about 10 minutes, they’re a quick and delicious breakfast option.

The deep pockets of these waffles are perfect for loading up your favorite toppings – think beyond syrup and butter!

Try adding fresh berries, whipped cream, honey, chocolate chips, or even crispy bacon for a twist. Whatever you choose, these Belgian waffles are sure to hit the spot!

2.Belgian Chocolate Waffles

End your day on a sweet note with these decadent Belgian waffles, a chocolate lover’s paradise. Ready in just 30 minutes, these treats are perfect for a quick indulgence.

A mocha twist comes from adding cocoa powder and coffee, creating a rich flavor profile. If coffee isn’t your thing, swap it with milk for a creamier taste.

Simply mix the dry ingredients, combine with the wet, and cook in your waffle iron. The result? Fluffy, chocolatey goodness that’s sure to satisfy any craving.

3.Belgian Hot Chocolate

Cozy up with the ultimate Belgian hot chocolate experience!

This rich, authentic treat is crafted on the stovetop using milk, two types of solid chocolate for depth of flavor, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a touch of salt.

Whether you whisk it by hand or use a hand mixer, keep going until every bit of chocolate is melted and the mixture is velvety smooth.

Serve it hot, topped with whipped cream and chocolate curls for extra indulgence. Craving it in the summer?

Pour it over ice and add a chocolate straw for a cool, creamy twist that’s just as delicious.

4.Apple Turnover (Appleflap)

These apple turnovers are the perfect sweet treat–warm, puffy, and golden, all wrapped up in a deliciously sweet glaze. Best of all?

They’re a breeze to make and ready in just 30 minutes, so you can enjoy them any time of year, not just in the fall. To keep things simple, you can use store-bought puff pastry dough.

It’s easy and tastes just as good as homemade. All you need to make from scratch is the filling and the glaze. For the filling, Granny Smith apples are the way to go.

They strike the perfect balance of sweet and tart that other varieties just can’t match. The glaze is a simple mix of vanilla, milk, and powdered sugar–easy peasy.

And as an added bonus, the aroma of baked apples and cinnamon will make your kitchen smell amazing!

5.Cinnamon Belgian Waffles

When it comes to waffles, this country knows how to mix things up in the most delicious ways. These waffles are everything you love about Belgian waffles–fluffy, light, airy, crispy, and tender–but with a twist.

The batter is packed with cinnamon, apples, brown sugar, and nutmeg, giving them a whole new dimension of flavor.

For me, the apples and cinnamon really shine through, adding a taste we don’t usually get to enjoy in waffles.

The recipe also includes a caramelized apple topping and a homemade bourbon maple syrup for serving. Don’t get me wrong, the caramelized apples are amazing, but I’ll stick with good old-fashioned maple syrup any day!

6.Oliebollen (Doughnuts)

Olie bollen oxen free! These treats are a blast to say out loud and even more fun to eat. While they’re often called Belgian doughnuts, they’re actually closer to New Orleans-style beignets.

Imagine deep-fried balls of goodness dusted in powdered sugar. But here’s the twist: unlike traditional beignets, these babies pack extra flavor.

The batter includes Granny Smith apples, raisins, and currants, adding fruity and slightly tart notes that take them to the next level. They’re a delicious surprise in every bite!

7.Strawberries and Whipped Cream

Discover the secret to a quick and delicious dessert that’s won hearts in Belgium and beyond! This easy recipe takes just 15 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion.

The magic starts with fresh strawberries and a touch of sugar. Let them sit for 15 minutes–this allows the sugar to melt into the fruit, creating a sweet and juicy treat.

While that’s happening, whip up your cream by mixing whipped cream, a bit of sugar, and a hint of vanilla extract. Now, it’s time to layer!

Alternate spoonfuls of those sweet strawberries with creamy dollops in individual cups. This recipe makes enough for six servings, but feel free to double it if you’re feeding a crowd.

Each cup gets two layers of strawberries and two layers of cream for the perfect balance.

For an extra touch, drizzle a little honey or maple syrup into the mix and chill everything in the fridge for about an hour before serving. The result?

A light, refreshing dessert that’s as easy as it is impressive!

8.Liège Waffles

Ever wondered what makes Belgian waffles truly special? Let me let you in on a little secret: what Americans call Belgian waffles are actually what Belgians refer to as Brussels waffles.

But if you ask most Belgians, the real star of the show is the Liège waffle–and I couldn’t agree more.

Liège waffles are made with a thick, almost brioche-like dough that puts Brussels waffles to shame.

The magic really happens with the addition of pearl sugar, which adds a unique flavor and texture you just won’t find in regular waffles. The result?

Waffles that are richer, darker, and way more flavorful than their Brussels counterparts. The best part? These waffles are so good, you don’t even need toppings.

But hey, if you want to get fancy, go for it! Plus, unlike Brussels waffles, Liège waffles stay delicious even after they’ve cooled down.

It’s the perfect treat to enjoy anytime, whether you’re grabbing one on the go or savoring it with a cup of coffee.

9.Speculoos (Spice Cookies)

Sure, this recipe has a total cook time of over 3 hours, but don’t let that scare you–that’s just for making multiple batches of cookies (perfect for things like pumpkin pie crusts).

A single batch of these speculoos cookies takes less than 30 minutes to make. Made with dark brown sugar, flour, and a blend of spices, these cookies strike the perfect balance between shortbread and sugar cookies.

The dough is easy to work with and holds up great to cookie cutters, so you can get creative with shapes.

Plus, if you’ve got kids at home, they’ll have a blast rolling out the dough and picking their favorite cutters. It’s a fun and tasty activity for the whole family!

10.Belgian Pancakes

Belgium might be famous for its waffles, but don’t sleep on their pancakes! These aren’t your typical fluffy American-style pancakes–they’re much thinner, almost like crepes. The texture is light and airy, but the flavor?

Pure buttery goodness. Imagine a mix between a pancake and a crepe, and you’re close. They’re perfect for piling high with fresh berries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Simple, delicious, and ready to become your new breakfast favorite!

11.La Dame Blanche (Belgian Hot Fudge Sundae with Vanilla Ice Cream)

Meet La Dame Blanche, a classic Belgian dessert that’s as elegant as it is delicious.

Translating to ‘The White Lady,’ this treat is a staple in Belgian restaurants and is surprisingly easy to make at home. The only real cooking required?

A quick hot fudge sauce that’s worth every minute. While store-bought works in a pinch, homemade is where it’s at for that rich, velvety flavor.

To make it, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients: sweetened condensed milk, semi-sweet baker’s chocolate, and a hint of vanilla.

Warm the chocolate and milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat until smooth, then stir in the vanilla.

Pour this decadent sauce over a scoop of vanilla ice cream (or your favorite flavor), and top it off with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry.

For an extra-special touch, try pairing it with homemade vanilla ice cream. Pure perfection!