Happy Lemon’s Bubble Waffle Recipe

Bubble waffles are the most fun snack I’ve ever had! But my kids love them even more, so I make them all the time. They are a favorite treat in our house!

If you’ve never tried a bubble waffle, you’re missing out on something delicious. These waffles first appeared in Hong Kong in the 1950s and have been a popular street snack ever since.

If you live in the U.S., you don’t have to go to Hong Kong to try them—you can visit Happy Lemon! They were one of the first to bring real bubble waffles and tea culture from Hong Kong and China to the U.S. I tried my first one at Happy Lemon, and I loved it!

But the good news? You don’t have to visit a restaurant to enjoy them! I’m sharing a copycat Happy Lemon bubble waffle recipe that you can easily make in your kitchen. Let’s get started!

Bubble Waffles vs. Regular Waffles: Which One’s Better?

Bubble waffles have those fun little pockets that make each bite exciting. My kids call them “bubble wrap waffles” because they look like edible bubble wrap! These pockets get crispy on the outside but stay soft inside – it’s the perfect mix of textures.

Regular waffles are flat and have those square patterns. They’re good, but not as fun to eat.

Bubble waffles have a better chew to them because of the tapioca starch in the mix. This gives them that bounce that regular waffles just don’t have.

The taste is different too. Bubble waffles have a more egg-forward flavor with hints of vanilla from the custard powder. They’re sweeter and richer than regular waffles.

Plus, the way you can roll them up and fill them with ice cream or other goodies makes them way more versatile.

Getting to Know Your Bubble Waffle Pan

When I bought my first bubble waffle pan, I nearly burned the kitchen down. Here’s what I learned: these pans have deep round molds that create the signature bubbles.

Always grease both sides lightly with oil using a brush—spray oil doesn’t stick well. Heat the pan on medium-low first, then adjust.

Too hot? The outside burns before bubbles form. Too cool? The batter sticks.

I test the heat by sprinkling water droplets—if they sizzle gently, it’s ready.

Ingredients You Will Need

• All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The base of the waffle that gives it structure.
• Baking Powder (2 tsp): Helps the waffle puff up and become airy.
• Custard Powder (2 tbsp): Adds a slight vanilla flavor and smooth texture.
• Tapioca Starch (6 tbsp): Helps create the chewy, bouncy texture.
• Granulated Sugar (¾ cup): Adds sweetness to the waffles.
• Eggs (3 large): Gives the waffle its signature rich, eggy flavor.
• Evaporated Milk (⅓ cup): Makes the batter smooth and creamy.
• Water (1 cup): Helps loosen the batter for easy pouring.
• Vegetable Oil (¼ cup): Keeps the waffle moist and crispy.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Adds a warm, sweet flavor.

Substitutions & Variations

Can’t find all the ingredients? No problem! Over the years, I’ve tried many substitutions and created fun variations of Happy Lemon’s Bubble Waffle Recipe.

• Flour: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free all-purpose flour.
• Tapioca Starch: You can substitute cornstarch for tapioca starch if that’s what you have in your pantry.
• Milk: Use whole milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk if you prefer.
• Sugar: You can substitute the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor.
• Eggs: If you’re vegan, you can use egg substitutes like flax eggs or chia eggs.

Tools You Can’t Skip

• Bubble waffle pan
• Whisk for smooth batter
• Ladle with a spout for pouring
• Pastry brush for greasing

How To Make Happy Lemon’s Bubble Waffle

Step 1 | Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, custard powder, and tapioca starch. Stir well and set aside.

Step 2 | Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until smooth. Add evaporated milk, water, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Step 3 | Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture while whisking. Keep stirring until the batter is smooth and lump-free.

Step 4 | Let the Batter Rest

Cover and let it rest for at least 1 hour in the fridge. This helps develop the texture.

Step 5 | Preheat the Bubble Waffle Maker

Lightly grease the waffle maker with oil and heat it up.

Step 6 | Cook the Waffle

Pour a ladle of batter into the waffle maker, close the lid, and cook for about 3-5 minutes until golden brown.

Step 7 | Remove and Cool

Carefully take out the waffle and let it cool slightly.

Step 8 | Serve and Enjoy

While the waffle is warm but easy to handle, fold it into a cone. Fill with vanilla ice cream, drizzle with chocolate sauce, and top with fresh strawberries. The crispy outside and chewy inside pair perfectly with the melting ice cream.

Enjoy your homemade bubble waffle.

Tips for Perfect Bubble Waffles

• Batter Thickness: It should be like pancake batter. Too thick? Add 1 tbsp water.
• Don’t Overcook: They burn fast! Set a timer.
• Serve Warm: They get chewy if left out too long.
• No Peeking: Resist opening the pan early—it’ll rip the waffle.

Additional Toppings

Bubble waffles are so much fun because you can top them however you like. Here are a few ideas to take your waffle to the next level:

1. Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or your favorite flavor.
2. Fruit: Fresh berries, bananas, or kiwi make a refreshing topping.
3. Chocolate Drizzle: A rich chocolate sauce or syrup for a sweet finish.
4. Whipped Cream: Light, fluffy whipped cream adds a creamy texture.
5. Candy: Add some sprinkles, marshmallows, or candy pieces for extra fun!

What to Serve With Bubble Waffles

Pair your waffle with:

1. Milk Tea: Just like Happy Lemon!
2. Coffee: Dunk pieces into a latte.
3. Fresh Juice: Orange or pineapple for a tropical vibe.
4. Yogurt Parfait: For a lighter breakfast.

How to store leftover bubble waffles?

I rarely have leftover bubble waffles because my family devours them quickly, but when I do, here’s how I store them properly to maintain their amazing texture as much as possible.

Refrigerator Storage

Let your bubble waffles cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents condensation from making them soggy. Once cooled, place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container with a paper towel between each waffle to absorb moisture.

They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture won’t be quite the same as fresh, but they’ll still taste good!

Freezer Storage

For longer storage, freezing works surprisingly well! After cooling completely, I wrap each waffle individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing.

Label with the date – they’ll keep for up to 2 months in the freezer. Freezing actually preserves the texture better than refrigerating for longer periods.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat refrigerated bubble waffles, I pop them in the toaster on a low setting for 1-2 minutes. You can also use a toaster oven at 300°F for about 3-4 minutes. This helps restore some of the crispiness.

For frozen waffles, I don’t thaw them first. I put them directly into a toaster oven at 300°F for about 5-6 minutes. You can also use a regular oven – place them on a baking sheet and heat at 300°F for 6-8 minutes.

The microwave works in a pinch, but be warned – you’ll lose all the crispiness. Heat for 20-30 seconds for refrigerated waffles or 45-60 seconds for frozen ones.

Tips: Never reheat bubble waffles in the waffle maker – they’ll likely stick and create a mess!

Happy Lemon’s Bubble Waffle Recipe FAQs

1. Can I make these without a bubble waffle maker?

Sadly, no. The pan’s unique shape creates the bubbles.

2. Can I make bubble waffle batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Refrigerate the batter for up to 24 hours. Stir before using and add water if needed to thin it.

3. Why are my bubble waffles not crispy on the outside?

Ensure the waffle maker is fully preheated, don’t open it too early, check the batter’s consistency, and use the right amount of oil.

4. How do I prevent my bubble waffles from sticking to the pan?

Preheat the waffle maker, season it well, and use a light coating of oil before each waffle.

5. Why do my bubble waffles deflate after cooking?

This can happen from undermixing, using old baking powder, opening the maker too soon, or undercooking.

6. How can I make my bubble waffles more chewy like Happy Lemon’s?

Use 6 tablespoons of tapioca starch and don’t overcook them. Rest the batter to improve texture.

Conclusion

I hope you give Happy Lemon’s Bubble Waffle Recipe a try and have as much fun making them as I did! These waffles are crispy, chewy, and absolutely delicious—perfect for a snack or dessert.

Don’t forget to add your favorite toppings and enjoy every bite! Be sure to share your experience with us, and follow us on Pinterest for more tasty recipes and ideas.