Belgium brought us waffles and chocolate, so you already know their desserts are next level. I’ve rounded up 11 authentic Belgian sweets I can’t stop thinking about, from cloud-like waffles to the dreamiest hot fudge sundae. These are recipes you’ll want to make again and again.
1. Belgian Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate is a cold weather favorite, but Belgian hot chocolate is in its own universe. This is the real deal, made right on the stovetop with milk, two kinds of solid chocolate, a hint of cinnamon, and a tiny whisper of salt. Whip it up with a whisk or a hand mixer and brace yourself for the richest mug of your life.
2. Belgian Waffles
Nobody does waffles like the Belgians, so a classic Belgian waffle recipe is the only way to go. You really do need a Belgian waffle iron; without it the batter just can’t rise and puff properly.
The payoff? Light, airy, perfectly crispy waffles that shatter just right.
3. Belgian Chocolate Waffles
I kicked off this list with waffles, so it feels right to end with them too. These Belgian chocolate waffles are an absolute dream for any chocolate lover. You’ll make them in about thirty minutes, following almost the exact same method as regular Belgian waffles, but with a half cup of cocoa powder and a half cup of coffee stirred into the batter.
4. Liège Waffles
When Americans think of Belgian waffles, we usually picture what Belgians call Brussels waffles. Ask most locals, though, and they’ll tell you the Liège waffle is far superior. I have to agree with them.
5. Cinnamon Belgian Waffles
A country famous for waffles is bound to have endless delicious variations. These are just as fluffy, airy, and crispy as the classic, but the batter gets a warm spin with cinnamon, apples, brown sugar, and nutmeg.
For me, the apple and cinnamon really sing. It’s a cozy flavor you don’t usually link with waffles.
6. Apple Turnover (Appleflap)
Golden, puffy, and draped in a sweet glaze, these apple turnovers are basically autumn on a plate. They’re a constant in my kitchen once the leaves turn.
But because they’re so easy and ready in about thirty minutes, I make them all year long. Grab some store bought puff pastry. It’s the simplest way, and it tastes just as incredible as making your own dough.
7. La Dame Blanche (Belgian Hot Fudge Sundae with Vanilla Ice Cream)
La dame blanche translates to “the white lady,” and it’s a traditional Belgian dessert you’ll spot on nearly every restaurant menu over there. The only real cooking you’ll do is making a quick hot fudge sauce from scratch. You can absolutely use a store bought jar if you’re short on time, but homemade tastes so much better.
8. Speculoos (Spice Cookies)
The total time on this recipe says over three hours, which sounds like a cookie marathon. That’s just for baking multiple batches, like when you want enough for a pumpkin pie crust.
A single batch of these spiced beauties takes less than thirty minutes. You’ll stir together dark brown sugar, flour, and a cozy mix of warm spices.
9. Strawberries and Whipped Cream
My family devoured this simple dessert for years before we ever learned it’s a favorite in Belgium. I adore it because it tastes incredible and I can pull it together in fifteen minutes flat.
Think of it as a gloriously lazy parfait. All you do is mix your strawberries with sugar and let them do their thing.
10. Belgian Pancakes
Belgium may be most famous for its waffles, but the pancakes are absolutely killer too. These look nothing like the thick, fluffy American stack. They’re much thinner, more like crepes in look and texture, but with a rich, buttery flavor that screams pancake.
11. Oliebollen (Doughnuts)
Olie bollen oxen free! I love saying the name, it’s just fun.
People call them Belgian doughnuts, but they remind me way more of true New Orleans beignets. Picture deep fried puffs of joy blanketed in powdered sugar, with a few sneaky extras hiding in the batter.
