White Sauce for Waffles

Many people from a certain generation grew up eating homemade waffles served with a custard sauce called “white sauce.” If you want to try this delicious comfort food, we’ve got a traditional White Sauce for Waffles recipe for you!

White sauce adds rich creaminess and subtle sweetness to your waffles. It’s made with simple yet decadent ingredients like cream, butter, and a touch of vanilla. Adding egg yolks makes for an ultra-smooth silkiness to the texture of the sauce. The flavour is almost like a rich cup of vanilla pudding!

The beauty of white sauce lies in its versatility. Classic white sauce can be used as a canvas for creative additions. For example, add a hint of cinnamon for warmth, or a dash of citrus for a refreshing twist. In addition, white sauce doesn’t have to just be for waffles. White sauce is commonly added to fruit and referred to as “fruit sauce”, and it can also be added to slices of angel food cake or pound cake.

Whether you're serving up classic buttermilk waffles or experimenting with unique flavour combinations, this white sauce is the finishing touch that will make your waffles restaurant-worthy. So, next time you're eating waffles, consider drizzling them with white sauce for waffles!

White Sauce for Waffles Recipe

Makes 2 1/2 cups (625 mL) 

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (125 mL) granulated sugar
  • 2 1/2 tbsp (37 mL) cornstarch
  • 2 cups (500 mL) milk
  • 2 egg yolks 
  • 2 tsp (10 mL) vanilla 

Instructions:

  1. In a microwave-safe 2L measuring cup, stir together sugar and cornstarch. (This sauce will boil up a little when you cook it so be sure to use a large bowl or measuring cup so you don't have a mess to clean up in the microwave.) 
  1. In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks, then whisk in milk. 
  1. Whisk milk and egg yolk mixture into the sugar mixture. 
  1. Cook in the microwave on High for 2 minutes; remove and stir with a whisk. Continue cooking, whisking at one-minute intervals until the mixture boils (this will probably take another 3 to 4 minutes). Whisk in vanilla. 
  1. Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and let cool until serving time, stirring occasionally. If you won't be serving the sauce for a while, store it in the refrigerator. 

FAQs

What do you dip waffles in?

While maple syrup is a classic choice, homemade white sauce for waffles is a great alternative. It’s a rich, creamy concoction made with milk, sugar, and vanilla, and can be dressed up with additional flavours like cinnamon, citrus, cocoa and more. With its versatility, there is bound to be a white sauce flavour combination for you!

What syrup to eat with waffles?

Traditionally, maple syrup and pancake syrup are popular options for waffles. However, for a unique twist, consider trying a flavourful homemade fruit sauce or the decadent white sauce like the one above!

What can I put on waffles if I don't like syrup?

If syrup isn’t your preference, experiment with alternatives like a fruit compote, powdered sugar, or homemade white sauce. Each provides various levels of sweetness and its own distinct flavour that will complement your waffles

How to make waffles tastier?

To enhance the flavour of your waffles, try adding various toppings like some of the ideas listed above. Toppings like white sauce infuse a subtle sweetness and depth to the waffles. Additionally, exploring various waffle recipes with creative ingredients like cinnamon, chocolate chips, blueberries or citrus zest can elevate the taste of your waffles.