This post is sponsored by Appletiser.
Delicious Cinnamon Waffles with Apple and Blackberry Compote: The Ultimate Brunch Recipe
When the weekend finally rolls around, what’s the first thing that springs to mind for a truly relaxing and indulgent meal? For many, it’s brunch – that glorious culinary bridge between breakfast and lunch. Brunch isn’t just about the food; it’s about the experience, the leisurely pace, and the joy of savoring delicious treats without the rush of a weekday morning. Among the myriad of delightful options, from fluffy pancakes to savory eggs Benedict, there’s one dish that consistently captures my heart and my appetite: waffles. They embody everything a perfect brunch should be – comforting, customizable, and just a little bit special.
While whipping up waffles might feel like a tad too much effort for a rushed breakfast (especially for those of us who aren’t early risers and prefer the simplicity of cereal!), they are absolutely ideal for a relaxed brunch. The extra time and care you put into making them from scratch transform them into a truly memorable meal, making them my go-to choice every single time. There’s something inherently satisfying about the aroma of freshly cooked waffles filling your kitchen, promising a delightful start to your day.
So, when Appletiser approached me with the exciting challenge of creating a recipe for a blissful, lazy Sunday brunch, my mind immediately gravitated towards waffles. The key, of course, was to develop a flavor profile that would beautifully complement the crisp, sparkling taste of Appletiser. What better pairing for the refreshing notes of apple than the warm, aromatic embrace of cinnamon? It’s a classic combination that evokes comfort and sweetness. To elevate this harmony further, I decided to incorporate blackberries, another timeless partner to apples, which thankfully were just beginning to grace us with their seasonal appearance. The result is a truly irresistible dish: tender cinnamon waffles crowned with a vibrant, sweet apple and blackberry compote.
This recipe for cinnamon waffles with apple and blackberry compote is tailor-made for those unhurried, relaxed brunch moments. Imagine a stack of golden waffles, warm compote cascading over them, all served alongside a chilled, sparkling glass of Appletiser. Even if the sun isn’t shining outside – a common occurrence in many places recently – these bright and flavorful waffles are guaranteed to infuse your morning with joy. For those who believe in taking indulgence to the next level, a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream nestled alongside the compote creates an absolutely divine dessert experience, transforming brunch into an unforgettable treat.
Crafting the Luscious Apple and Blackberry Compote
The apple and blackberry compote is the crown jewel of this dish, adding a burst of fresh, fruity flavor and a beautiful contrasting texture. Making it is a simple process, yet it yields incredible results. We start with crisp apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn, chosen for their ability to hold their shape slightly while cooking and provide a pleasant tartness that balances the sweetness of the blackberries and brown sugar. Diced finely and simmered gently with a splash of water and light brown sugar, the apples soften beautifully, releasing their fragrant juices.
Once the apples are tender, the fresh blackberries are introduced, cooking just long enough to soften them without turning them into a complete mush. This allows their vibrant color and slightly tart, juicy flavor to shine through. The beauty of this compote is its versatility and make-ahead convenience. You can prepare it up to two days in advance, store it in the fridge, and gently reheat it when you’re ready to serve. This little trick significantly cuts down on your brunch day prep time, allowing you to enjoy more of that lazy Sunday morning.
Whipping Up the Perfect Cinnamon Waffles
The waffles themselves are a testament to simple ingredients coming together to create something truly magical. The addition of ground cinnamon infuses the batter with a warm, comforting spice that perfectly complements the fruit compote. The process begins by whisking together the dry ingredients – plain flour for structure, light brown soft sugar for sweetness and moisture, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda for that essential lift, a generous amount of ground cinnamon for flavor, and a touch of salt to enhance all the other flavors. Combining these thoroughly ensures an even distribution throughout the waffles.
In a separate jug, the wet ingredients – milk, large eggs for richness and binding, and melted butter for tenderness and flavor – are whisked until well combined. The secret to light and fluffy waffles lies in gently incorporating the wet into the dry ingredients. Gradual mixing prevents lumps and, crucially, avoids overmixing, which can lead to tough waffles. A slightly lumpy batter is actually preferable to an overmixed one. Allowing the batter to rest for just five minutes while your waffle iron heats up allows the flour to fully hydrate and the leavening agents to begin their work, resulting in a superior texture.
Cooking the waffles is straightforward but requires a well-heated and generously oiled waffle iron. Every waffle iron is a bit different, so it’s best to follow your manufacturer’s instructions for optimal cooking times. Look for that beautiful golden-brown color and a crisp exterior. As each waffle cooks, transfer them to a baking sheet in a warm oven (around 140°C/275°F/gas mark 1) to keep them toasty while you finish the rest of the batch. Remember to re-grease the waffle iron between each waffle to prevent sticking and ensure consistent results.
The anticipation builds with each perfectly cooked waffle, making the final assembly all the more rewarding. The combination of warm, spiced waffles and the sweet-tart fruit compote is simply divine. And don’t forget that refreshing glass of Appletiser – its natural apple sparkle cuts through the richness, creating a wonderfully balanced and truly satisfying brunch experience. Whether you’re planning a special family gathering, a relaxed weekend treat, or even an indulgent dessert, these cinnamon waffles with apple and blackberry compote are sure to be a showstopper.
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Cinnamon Waffles With Apple And Blackberry Compote
Ingredients
Apple And Blackberry Compote:
- 4 apples such as granny smith or braeburn
- 100 ml (scant ½ cup) water plus extra as needed
- 2 Tbsp light brown soft sugar
- 200 g (7oz) blackberries
Cinnamon Waffles:
- 300 g (2 + ½ cups) plain flour
- 60 g (⅓ cup) light brown soft sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 400 ml (1 + ⅔ cup) milk
- 2 large eggs
- 80 g (⅓ cup) butter melted
Instructions
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To make the apple and blackberry compote, peel, core and finely dice the apples. Place them in a pan with the water and sugar and bring up to a simmer. Leave to cook, stirring every now and then, for about 10 minutes until softened; you may need to add a splash more water if it becomes too dry. Add the blackberries and cook for about 5 more minutes until soft but not mushy.
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To make the waffles, Heat the oven to 140C/275F/gas mark 1 and place a couple of baking sheets in there. Whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and salt in a large bowl. In a jug, whisk together the milk, eggs and melted butter.
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Gradually whisk the wet ingredients into the dry, adding a little at a time so the mixture doesn’t get lumpy. Set the batter aside for 5 minutes while you heat your waffle iron.
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Brush the waffle iron generously with oil then use a ladle to portion in the waffle batter. Cook the waffles according to the manufacturers instructions (all waffle irons vary), or until golden. Carefully transfer the cooked waffles to the baking tray in the oven to keep warm. Re-grease the waffle iron and repeat with the rest of the batter.
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Serve the waffles topped with the warm compote and maybe a scoop of ice cream.
Pro Tips for Waffle Perfection and Meal Prep
To ensure your brunch preparation is as relaxed as the meal itself, remember that the apple and blackberry compote can be a fantastic make-ahead component. Prepare it up to a couple of days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. A quick reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave will bring it back to its delicious, warm state, ready to adorn your freshly cooked waffles. This strategy not only saves time but also allows the flavors in the compote to deepen, making it even more delectable.
Another excellent tip for these cinnamon waffles is their freezer-friendly nature. If you find yourself with any leftovers (a rare but possible occurrence!), simply allow them to cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When a waffle craving strikes, you can easily warm them through in a toaster, toaster oven, or a regular oven until they’re crispy and heated through. This makes them a fantastic option for a quick, indulgent breakfast on a weekday or a spontaneous treat, extending the joy of your brunch creation.
We hope this recipe brings a touch of warmth, sweetness, and comfort to your home, whether you’re enjoying a sun-drenched brunch or simply brightening a cloudy morning. These cinnamon waffles with apple and blackberry compote are more than just a meal; they’re an experience, designed to be savored and shared.
This post is sponsored by Appletiser, thank you for supporting the brands that allow me to continue doing what I love – playing with food and making a mess of my kitchen.