Recreate the Golden Dream: La Quinta’s Famous Malted Waffles at Home
For anyone who has spent time in Texas, or indeed across the United States, the name La Quinta Inn & Suites often brings to mind a very specific set of positive associations. Having grown up in Texas and lived in the vibrant city of San Antonio, I can confidently say I’ve experienced my fair share of stays at these hotels. And trust me, those experiences cultivated a deep appreciation for three key aspects that consistently stood out.
Firstly, La Quinta hotels are famously dog-friendly. As a pet owner, finding accommodations that genuinely welcome furry family members without exorbitant fees or restrictions is a true blessing. This commitment to hospitality for all guests, including the four-legged ones, always made our stays stress-free and enjoyable.
Secondly, without exception, every La Quinta I’ve had the pleasure of visiting has been impeccably clean. This might seem like a given for any hotel, but consistent cleanliness across various locations is a testament to their operational standards, making each stay comfortable and reassuring.
And thirdly, the undisputed star of their complimentary breakfast spread: the golden malted milk powder waffles. These aren’t just any waffles; they possess a distinct flavor and an irresistible golden crispness that left an indelible mark on my memory. They were, for many years, the highlight of any La Quinta stay, transforming a simple hotel breakfast into a comforting, delicious ritual. The aroma of freshly made waffles filling the dining area, the satisfying crunch, and the unique, sweet malt flavor – it was truly something special.
The Unforgettable Flavor of Malted Waffles
What exactly is it about malted waffles that makes them so uniquely appealing? It’s the malted milk powder, of course! This magical ingredient imparts a subtle, toasted, and slightly nutty sweetness that elevates the humble waffle to something extraordinary. Unlike standard waffles, which can sometimes be a blank canvas for toppings, malted waffles offer a more complex flavor profile even before the syrup hits. This distinctive taste is what I missed most after checking out of a La Quinta, and it’s what ultimately spurred my quest to replicate that beloved breakfast experience in my own kitchen. The crisp exterior coupled with a tender interior, infused with that unique malt essence, is a culinary delight that’s surprisingly easy to achieve at home.
Over the years, I’ve embarked on a delicious culinary journey, experimenting with various recipes in pursuit of that perfect golden malted waffle. Many attempts yielded good waffles, but none quite captured the essence of those La Quinta mornings. That is, until I discovered and adapted a recipe from the cookbook Baked Explorations. This particular adaptation finally hit all the right notes, becoming an instant favorite in our household. Because usually it’s just two of us enjoying these morning treats, my version is scaled down to make a smaller, more manageable batch, perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast without an abundance of leftovers. This recipe has been refined through many happy breakfast mornings to ensure it truly delivers that authentic La Quinta taste and texture.
From La Quinta Kitchen to Home: A Waffle Legacy
The influence of those La Quinta waffle makers extended beyond just inspiring a recipe; it became a cherished family memory and, surprisingly, even a career path! My daughter, “Fuzz,” practically grew up mastering the art of the perfect golden waffle using the do-it-yourself waffle machines prominently featured in La Quinta dining areas. Those simple, user-friendly machines provided her with a hands-on introduction to culinary skills, fostering a sense of accomplishment with each perfectly browned waffle she produced.
Here she is, pictured above, at home, diligently honing those very skills she first acquired during our hotel stays. It’s fascinating to look back and see how those early experiences, standing by a hotel waffle maker, might have subtly steered her path. As she grew older, she naturally gravitated towards a career in hospitality. It’s a whimsical thought, but perhaps La Quinta’s self-serve waffle station played a small, sweet part in cultivating her passion for welcoming and serving others. It truly all adds up now, creating a lovely full-circle story around a simple, delicious breakfast item. The joy she found in creating something delightful for herself and others at the hotel breakfast bar translated into a broader passion for service, making those early waffle-making lessons more impactful than we could have ever imagined.
Malted Waffles: Key Ingredient Notes and Insights
The magic in these malted waffles lies in the harmonious blend of malted milk powder, tangy buttermilk, and rich brown sugar. This trio creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and distinctive, setting these waffles apart from standard recipes. Let’s dive deeper into some of these essential components to understand their individual contributions to the perfect malted waffle.
Understanding Malted Milk Powder
For the malted milk powder, we consistently reach for the Carnation brand. It’s important to understand that this type of malted milk powder is different from the diastatic and non-diastatic malt powders sometimes used in bread baking. While those are primarily for enzymatic activity and flavor in doughs, Carnation malted milk powder contains actual milk powder along with malt extract. This combination is what gives it its characteristic flavor and texture-enhancing properties. Traditionally, it’s the key ingredient that gives malted milkshakes their signature flavor. You might find it in the ice cream aisle of your grocery store, but more frequently, it resides alongside other baking staples in the baking aisle.
The malt extract provides a unique depth of flavor – slightly earthy, sweet, and toasted – which is crucial for achieving that authentic La Quinta waffle taste. The milk powder, on the other hand, contributes to the tender crumb and slight richness of the waffles, adding to their overall appeal. Don’t skip this ingredient; it’s what makes these waffles truly “malted” and sets them apart from regular recipes. Its subtle complexity is what makes these waffles so memorable.
The Role of Buttermilk in Waffles
Buttermilk is another star player in this recipe, essential for both texture and flavor. Its acidity reacts with the baking soda, creating a light and airy texture by producing carbon dioxide bubbles that make the waffles fluffy. Beyond its leavening properties, buttermilk also tenderizes the batter by breaking down gluten strands, ensuring a soft interior. Furthermore, it imparts a subtle tang that beautifully balances the sweetness of the malt and brown sugar, adding a layer of complexity to the overall flavor profile. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then filling the rest of the cup with regular milk to make 1 ¼ cups total. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles, then use as directed. While a substitute works, real buttermilk provides the best results.
Brown Sugar vs. White Sugar
While many waffle recipes call for white granulated sugar, the choice of brown sugar here is intentional and crucial for the malted waffle’s distinct character. Brown sugar not only adds a deeper, more molasses-like sweetness that complements the malt flavor beautifully but also contributes to the beautiful golden-brown color and slightly crispier exterior of the waffles. Its moist texture also helps keep the waffles tender on the inside, preventing them from becoming dry. This subtle difference makes a significant impact on the final taste and appearance.
A Note on Leavening Agents: Baking Soda and Baking Powder
This recipe thoughtfully utilizes both baking soda and baking powder to achieve optimal rise and texture. Baking soda requires an acid (provided by the buttermilk) to activate, producing carbon dioxide bubbles that lighten the batter. Baking powder, on the other hand, is a complete leavening agent containing both an acid and a base, typically providing a second lift during baking, especially once heat is applied. The combination ensures your waffles are wonderfully fluffy, airy, and achieve a consistent rise, preventing them from being too dense. This dual action is key to their delightful texture.
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Recipe: La Quinta-Style Malted Waffles
Malted Waffles Like La Quinta
Anna
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (135 grams)
- ½ cup malted milk powder (75 grams)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoons brown sugar, tightly packed (30 grams)
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (melted)
- 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
Instructions
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In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, malted milk powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and tightly packed brown sugar until well combined. Make a well in the center of these dry ingredients.
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In a separate, second bowl, whisk the large egg until slightly frothy. Then, whisk in the melted unsalted butter and the buttermilk until thoroughly combined.
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Pour the wet liquid mixture into the well of the dry flour mixture. Stir gently with a whisk or spatula just until the ingredients are combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly normal and actually desirable for tender waffles. Overmixing can lead to tough waffles.
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Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s specific directions. Once hot, lightly brush the plates with a little oil or non-stick spray, if required by your model. Spoon or pour the waffle batter onto the hot waffle maker, using the amount recommended by your machine’s instructions. Cook until golden brown and crisp, following the technique provided by your waffle maker manufacturer.
Notes
Tips for Waffle Perfection at Home
Making delicious malted waffles is relatively straightforward, but a few key tips can elevate your homemade breakfast to truly exceptional levels, ensuring they come out perfectly golden and crisp every time:
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is a golden rule for many baked goods, and waffles are no exception. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough, chewy waffles instead of light and tender ones. Stir just until the ingredients are combined; a few lumps are perfectly fine and actually contribute to a tender texture.
- Preheat Your Waffle Iron Properly: A hot waffle iron is essential for achieving that desirable crispy exterior and preventing sticking. Most modern waffle irons have an indicator light that tells you when it’s ready. Don’t rush this step; patience here pays off in perfectly cooked waffles.
- Grease Lightly (If Needed): While many non-stick waffle irons don’t require greasing for every waffle, a light brush of oil or a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray before the first waffle, and possibly every few thereafter, can ensure a perfect release and a beautiful golden crust. This also helps in achieving that signature crispness.
- Don’t Peek: Resist the urge to open your waffle iron too early. This can disrupt the cooking process, causing the waffles to deflate, stick, or cook unevenly. Wait for the steam to significantly diminish or for your waffle iron’s indicator light to signal it’s done. Trust your machine!
- Serve Immediately: Waffles are best enjoyed fresh off the iron when they are at their absolute crispiest. If you’re cooking for a crowd and need to make several batches, you can keep finished waffles warm in a single layer on a wire rack in a preheated oven at a low temperature (around 200°F or 90°C) while you finish the rest.
- Keep Your Waffle Iron Clean: Regular cleaning of your waffle iron ensures consistent performance and taste. Refer to your manufacturer’s instructions for the best cleaning methods.
Beyond the Basic Waffle: Variations and Serving Suggestions
While these malted waffles are delightful on their own, a few additions and serving suggestions can make them even more special and allow for personal customization:
- Chocolate Chip Malted Waffles: Stir in a handful of your favorite chocolate chips (milk, dark, or even white chocolate) for an extra layer of sweetness and a delightful melted surprise in every bite.
- Fruit Additions: Fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, sliced strawberries) can be gently folded into the batter just before cooking, or simply served generously on top of the finished waffles. Sliced bananas also pair wonderfully with the distinct malt flavor.
- Spiced Waffles: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of cardamom can add warmth and complexity to the batter, creating an inviting aroma and a richer taste experience.
- Toppings Galore: Beyond classic maple syrup, consider a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert waffle, a luscious drizzle of chocolate sauce, a spoonful of fruit compote, or a simple sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
- Savory Twist: For an adventurous palate, try serving these slightly sweet malted waffles with fried chicken for a unique and incredibly satisfying chicken and waffle experience. The malt adds an unexpected, delicious dimension that beautifully complements the savory chicken.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for an extra layer of texture and a wholesome nutty flavor.
Why Homemade Malted Waffles Trump All
There’s an undeniable charm and satisfaction that comes with making waffles from scratch. Not only do you get to control the quality of the ingredients, ensuring a wholesome and delicious breakfast, but the aroma of freshly cooked waffles filling your home is an experience in itself. It transforms a regular morning into a special occasion, creating an inviting atmosphere that store-bought mixes simply can’t replicate. Plus, achieving that “La Quinta” taste at home means you don’t have to wait for your next hotel stay to indulge in this beloved breakfast. It’s a taste of nostalgia, comfort, and culinary achievement all rolled into one golden, crispy package.
Making these malted waffles allows you to customize them to your exact preference, whether it’s adjusting the sweetness, adding your favorite mix-ins, or experimenting with different toppings. It’s an act of love for your family and friends, offering a warm, satisfying start to any day. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your waffle iron, and prepare to embark on a delicious journey. These homemade malted waffles are more than just a breakfast item; they’re a tribute to cherished memories and a testament to the joy of simple, perfectly executed food. Enjoy recreating that golden dream right in your own kitchen, and savor every malty, crispy bite!