Homemade Tres Leches Waffles with Easy Syrup

Tres leches waffles are the best waffles you’ll ever try and the perfect way to start your day. They’re light and fluffy like traditional waffles, but the sauce has an added richness from three kinds of milk that make them extra delicious. You won’t be able to get enough of these tasty treats!

With just a few ingredients and about 20 minutes, you can enjoy this sweet treat any time of day. If you want to add some extra flavor or sweetness, try topping them with fresh fruit or whipped cream before serving! It doesn’t get much better than this amazing recipe.

These are great served with our oven-baked bacon and these easy tater tot crispy waffle sticks or this unique accordion waffle potatoes!

round white plate with triangle waffles topped with berries and syrup

Ingredients

For waffles

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
3 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ cups whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil

For Tres Leches Syrup

½ cup whole milk
½ cup evaporated milk
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

glass bowl of flour next to small bowls of spices and oils on table by carton of eggs

Handy Kitchen Tools

cream plate of waffles with berries on top

How to Make Waffles

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, sugar, and ground cinnamon.

flour in glass bowl with whisk on table beside

Add in the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract.

waffle mix with liquid ingredients in well of dry

Stir to combine until mostly smooth.

Heat the waffle maker according to manufacturer directions and spray with non-stick spray.

Add approximately ½ cup waffle mix to the hot waffle maker and cook as directed by the manufacturer until golden brown and cooked through.

How to Make Tres Leches Syrup

While the waffles are cooking, whisk together the whole milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk until well-combined.

glass measuring cup with milk next to two cans of milk

If you prefer a warm syrup, heat gently over medium heat, stirring regularly until the desired temperature.

Drizzle over hot buttered waffles before serving.

You may add additional toppings such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or caramel syrup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Difference Between a Waffle and a Belgian Waffle?

Belgian waffles tend to rise more than regular waffles. That is why a Belgian waffle maker makes waffles with deeper indentations than American-style waffles. Because of the way the waffles are made and the type of batter that is used, these waffles are crispier on the outside as well as fluffier on the inside.

What Does Tres Leches Mean?

Tres leches is a Spanish term that means “three milks.” This recipe gets its name from the three kinds of milk that are used in making the syrup: evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk. The combination of these three kinds of milk makes for a delicious and creamy waffle syrup that is hard to resist.

Can I Make This With a Packaged Waffle Mix Instead?

While I feel that the best waffles are made using a homemade waffle mix, I also know that isn't always possible, whether because of not having the ingredients or simply not having the time. You can absolutely use a packaged waffle mix instead.

Make the waffle batter according to the directions and cook. Then you will pick back up using the recipe. While there will be a slight difference because of the type of waffle used, the tres leches sauce takes these waffles over the top and you will never know the difference.

What Can I Serve with Tres Leches Waffles?

These waffles are delicious on their own, but if you want to add a little extra something, try serving them with fresh fruit or whipped cream.

When you are serving the tres leches waffles for breakfast, you can also serve it with other breakfast items. A side of fruit or a side of breakfast meat, like bacon, sausage, or ham, is always a hit. Everyone loves a nice salty side of bacon with their waffles.

You can also serve these waffles with eggs. Scrambled or fried are the simplest, however, you can also serve an omelet or frittata with the tres leches waffles.

waffles on round white plate topped with syrup and berries

What's the Best Waffle Maker to Use?

There are a variety of great waffle makers from traditional to Belgian all the way to mini waffles. Below are some great options that are sure to be perfect for your needs. With a variety of budget options included, you have plenty to choose from!

More Easy Breakfast Recipes

Breakfast is the most important part of the day, at least for most of us. That means that a great breakfast is a must. Part of that is having a variety of ideas to make and enjoy. Below are some of my personal favorites that are easy, delicious, and ideal for making and sharing with your family. Make sure to bookmark the recipes, pin the recipes to a favorite Pinterest board, or print them out and tuck them into your recipe book for later!

📖 Recipe

Yield: 4