Strawberry waffles are a delicious breakfast treat that combine the sweet flavor of fresh strawberries with the crispy, golden exterior of waffles. But who actually makes these fruit-filled morning delights? There are a variety of brands and recipes for strawberry waffles, so let’s explore some of the top options.
Frozen Strawberry Waffles
Many major frozen breakfast brands produce frozen strawberry waffles that can be heated up quickly at home. These include:
- Eggo – Eggo is one of the most popular frozen waffle brands. They make strawberry waffles with strawberry flavored batter and include real strawberry pieces in the waffles.
- Kellogg’s – Kellogg’s frozen waffles come in a Strawberry Criss-Cross flavor that features sweet strawberry ribbons baked into crispy waffles.
- Kashi – Kashi GOLEAN waffles contain whole grains and are available in a strawberry flavor with icing on top.
- Van’s – Van’s frozen waffles include a Strawberry Banana flavor made with real fruit.
The main advantages of frozen strawberry waffles are convenience and consistency. Since they are pre-made, you can pop frozen waffles in the toaster for a quick breakfast. The waffles will taste the same each time and the brands above are available nationwide.
Fresh Bakery Strawberry Waffles
Grocery store bakeries are a great place to find fresh strawberry waffles. Many in-store bakeries make their own or sell pre-packaged fresh strawberry waffles options such as:
- Thomas’ – This brand is known for their English muffins but also makes a Strawberry Belgian Waffle.
- Pepperidge Farm – Pepperidge Farm bakeries have Strawberry Waffles available fresh or frozen in the bakery section.
- Labriola – This Chicago bakery ships their Strawberry Waffles nationwide and are made with wild strawberry butter inside.
The benefit of fresh bakery waffles is that they will typically taste closer to homemade. However, availability depends on the region and store.
Restaurant Strawberry Waffles
From small cafes to nationwide chains, many restaurants serve tasty strawberry waffles. Here are some top picks for places to try strawberry waffles:
- IHOP – IHOP has a Strawberry Banana Danish Fruit Crepe with strawberry topping.
- Waffle House – Get strawberry waffles with powdered sugar at this popular chain.
- Bruxie – This waffle sandwich shop has strawberry and custard filled Liege waffles.
- The Waffle – Food trucks around LA serve strawberry and Nutella waffles.
The advantage of getting strawberry waffles from a restaurant is that they will be freshly made. However, availability may be limited to breakfast hours only.
Homemade Strawberry Waffles
For the ultimate fresh strawberry waffle experience, many people prefer to make them at home from scratch. This gives you control over the ingredients and toppings. Here are some popular homemade strawberry waffle recipes:
- Strawberry Waffles – Buttermilk waffles with strawberry butter and sauce.
- Strawberry Waffles with Strawberry Butter – Double the strawberry flavor.
- Strawberry Lemonade Waffles – Tangy and sweet waffles.
Making your own strawberry waffles requires more effort but lets you tweak flavors to your taste. Consider topping them with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, fresh strawberry slices or your favorite breakfast syrup.
Best Strawberry Waffle Brands
While personal tastes will vary, some brands stand out for their exceptional strawberry waffles. Here are some of the top makers according to strawberry waffle reviews:
Brand | Highlights |
---|---|
Eggo | Tender frozen waffles with real strawberry pieces. |
Thomas’ | Fluffy bakery-style Belgian waffles with sweet strawberry flavor. |
Birch Benders | Organic frozen waffles made with quality ingredients. |
These brands score points for their authentic strawberry taste and balanced, pleasant texture.
Where to Buy Strawberry Waffles
Strawberry waffles can be purchased from the following locations:
- Grocery Store – Look in the frozen breakfast section or fresh bakery area.
- Online – Search for strawberry waffles on sites like Amazon or Walmart.com for home delivery.
- Warehouse Clubs – Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale often carry large packs of frozen strawberry waffles.
- Specialty Stores – Some doughnut shops like Krispy Kreme or bakeries sell fresh strawberry waffles seasonally.
The most convenient options are keeping frozen strawberry waffles on hand or stopping by a nearby bakery. But connecting directly with a favorite brand online can also work well.
Strawberry Waffle Nutrition Information
Here are some of the basic nutritional facts for strawberry waffles:
- Calories: 250-350 calories per waffle
- Carbohydrates: about 40-55g per waffle
- Protein: 5-8g per waffle
- Fat: 8-15g per waffle
- Sugar: 9-18g per waffle
Keep in mind nutrition data can vary considerably based on specific brands and recipes. Homemade versions also depend on what ingredients you use. In general strawberry waffles are a high carbohydrate food and moderately high in calories, but can fit into a balanced breakfast.
Strawberry Waffle Recipes Without Eggs or Dairy
For those with food allergies or dietary restrictions, finding egg and dairy-free strawberry waffles can be challenging. Here are some recipes to consider:
Eggless Strawberry Waffles
- Simple Eggless Waffles – Uses just flour, yogurt, oil, baking powder and vanilla
- Flax Vegan Waffles – Flax eggs provide binding without actual eggs
Dairy-Free Strawberry Waffles
- Simple Vegan Waffles – Substitutes plant-based milk and oil for buttermilk
- Cashew Vegan Waffles – Uses cashew cream instead of dairy
You can top either eggless or dairy-free base waffles with fresh strawberry slices, strawberry jam, or dairy-free whipped topping.
History of Strawberry Waffles
While waffles themselves have been around for centuries, strawberry waffles are a more recent innovation. Some key points in the history of strawberry waffles include:
- 1937 – Earliest known printed waffle recipe with strawberries appeared in The Los Angeles Times.
- 1953 – First frozen waffles introduced under the Eggo brand, though not specifically strawberry flavor.
- 1966 – Strawberry Shortcake brand launched with strawberry whipped cream on shortcake waffles.
- 1980s – Major brands began producing wider varieties of frozen waffles including strawberry.
- 21st century – Strawberry waffle popularity increases with trend of artisanal waffle shops and food trucks.
While yeasted Belgian waffles originated in Europe, American brands have played a large role in popularizing the strawberry flavor combination and convenience of frozen waffles.
Conclusion
With their sweet fruity taste and pleasing crunch, it’s no wonder strawberry waffles are a cherished breakfast choice by so many. Getting your hands on these treats is as easy as opening a freezer door or visiting your neighborhood bakery. And whipping up homemade strawberry waffles is very doable with the array of recipes available. So whether you opt for the convenience of store-bought or the taste of homemade, strawberry waffles are a morning meal that make your taste buds smile.