Fluffy Blueberry Buttermilk Waffles with Lemon Zest

Crisp outside and cloud-soft within, buttermilk waffles became a weekend staple across American kitchens. Blueberries burst through the batter while lemon zest lifts the sweetness for a bright, freezer-friendly brunch.

Serves 4 · 15 min prep · 20 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 520 cal
• 13g protein
• 68g carbs
• 22g fat
• 4g fiber

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Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 Tbsp lemon zest
• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• as needed cooking spray or extra butter for iron
• 1/2 cup maple syrup, for serving
• 4 Tbsp softened butter, for serving

Instructions

1. 1In a large bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined and no lumps of baking powder remain.
2. 2In a separate medium bowl whisk the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and lemon zest until smooth and the eggs are fully incorporated.
3. 3Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a rubber spatula just until no dry flour streaks remain; a few small lumps are fine and keep the waffles tender. Do not overmix.
4. 4Fold in blueberries carefully so they don’t burst and turn the batter purple. Let the batter rest 5 minutes while you preheat the waffle iron.
5. 5Preheat a Belgian or standard waffle iron to medium-high (about 375°F if your model has a temperature setting) and lightly coat both plates with cooking spray or a thin swipe of butter.
6. 6Scoop about 1/2 to batter (depending on iron size) onto the center of the hot iron, spreading slightly if needed. Close the lid and cook until steam slows dramatically and the waffle is deep golden and crisp on the outside, 4 to 6 minutes.
7. 7Transfer finished waffles to a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a 200°F oven to stay warm and crisp while you cook the remaining batter. Re-spray the iron between batches as needed.
8. 8Serve two waffles per person stacked high, topped with softened butter, the remaining fresh blueberries, and a generous pour of warm maple syrup. The lemon zest brightens every bite.