How to Make the Perfect Happy Lemon Bubble Waffle Recipe

Published: 13 Jan 2026

If you’re craving a fun and delicious treat, the Happy Lemon bubble waffle recipe is a must-try! This iconic snack, originating from Hong Kong, features a crispy yet chewy texture, making it a favorite for waffle lovers. With its unique shape and the ability to be filled with various toppings like ice cream, fruit, or chocolate, it’s a versatile dessert perfect for any occasion.

The key to making perfect bubble waffles lies in the right batter, and using a special bubble waffle pan. Whether you’re making them for a family treat or impressing friends at a gathering, this recipe is sure to become a hit. So, let’s dive into making these fun, crispy waffles at home!For an unforgettable dessert experience, try the Chocolate Stampede recipe:

Table of Content

What is a Happy Lemon Bubble Waffle?

A Happy Lemon Bubble Waffle is a popular and fun snack that originated from Hong Kong. It is a unique type of waffle that has a puffy, bubble-like texture, which makes it different from regular waffles. The waffle is typically made from a batter that includes ingredients like flour, eggs, and sugar. Happy Lemon is a well-known brand that introduced these bubble waffles in the U.S., offering a variety of toppings and fillings to enjoy. These waffles are often served as a sweet treat, perfect for sharing with friends or family.

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

When comparing bubble waffles to regular waffles, the key difference lies in their shape and texture. Bubble waffles have fun little pockets that make each bite exciting, with a crispy exterior and a soft interior, offering a mix of textures. Regular waffles, on the other hand, are flat with square patterns, and although tasty, they lack the playful fun of bubble waffles.

Bubble waffles also have a distinct chew thanks to the tapioca starch, giving them a unique bounce. Their flavor is egg-forward, enhanced by custard powder and vanilla, making them sweeter and richer than regular waffles. Plus, they’re more versatile, easily filled with ice cream or other goodies—you can even roll and fill them as you please.

Getting to Know Your Bubble Waffle Pan

Using a bubble waffle pan is essential for creating the perfect waffles, with deep round molds that form the iconic signature bubbles. I learned the hard way to grease the pan lightly with oil using a brush—avoid spray oil—and heat it on medium-low for optimal crispiness.

Testing the heat with a few water droplets is a great trick to ensure it’s just right before adding your ingredients, whether eggs, lemons, or chocolate. Adjusting the temperature and balancing sugar is key to making these waffles deliciously sweet and crispy.

Ingredients You Will Need

To make the perfect bubble waffles, you’ll need a few essential ingredients that come together to create the fluffy, crispy texture and delicious flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Flour – 1 ½ cups
Sugar – 2 tablespoons
Baking Powder – 1 ½ teaspoons
Salt – ¼ teaspoon
Eggs – 2 large
Milk – 1 cup (whole milk or dairy-free alternative)
Butter – 2 tablespoons (melted)
Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
Tapioca Starch – 1 tablespoon

ingredients-of-happy-lemon-bubble-waffle

Tools Needed

When it comes to making the perfect bubble waffles, having the right tools is essential. Here are the must-have tools you’ll need to create these delicious treats:

Bubble waffle pan
Waffle maker
Whisk
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups
Spatula
Ladle
Cooling rack
Parchment paper
Non-stick spray

Substitutions & Variations

If you’re looking to make the Happy Lemon bubble waffle recipe but don’t have all the ingredients on hand, don’t worry! Here are some easy substitutions and variations to help you create a delicious batch with what you have available.

Flour: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour if you’re looking for a gluten-free option.
Tapioca Starch: Substitute cornstarch for tapioca starch if it’s what you have in your pantry.
Milk: Swap whole milk for a dairy-free alternative like almond milk.
Sugar: Replace granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor.
Eggs: If you’re vegan, use egg substitutes like flax eggs or chia eggs for the perfect texture.

How To Make Happy Lemon’s Bubble Waffle

Making Happy Lemon’s Bubble Waffle is easier than you think and it’s a fun treat for any occasion! This simple recipe will help you recreate the crispy yet chewy waffles just like the ones from the famous Happy Lemon chain.

Step 1 | Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, custard powder, and tapioca starch. Stir well and set aside to keep the dry ingredients separate for the next steps.

Step 2 | Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until smooth. Then add evaporated milk, water, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until it’s well combined and smooth.

Step 3 | Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture while whisking gently. Stir until the batter is smooth and lump-free, making sure everything is fully mixed.

Step 4 | Let the Batter Rest

Cover the bowl and let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. This helps to develop the right texture and consistency for the waffles.

Step 5 | Preheat the Bubble Waffle Maker

Lightly grease the bubble waffle maker with oil and preheat it. This ensures that the waffles cook evenly and get that perfect crispy exterior.

Step 6 | Cook the Waffle

Pour a ladle of batter into the waffle maker, close the lid, and cook for about 3-5 minutes or until the waffle is golden brown. Be patient for the crispy and chewy results!

Step 7 | Remove and Cool

Carefully remove the waffle from the maker and let it cool slightly. This allows the texture to set before serving.

Step 8 | Serve and Enjoy

Once the waffle is warm but easy to handle, fold it into a cone. Fill it with vanilla ice cream, drizzle with chocolate sauce, and top with fresh strawberries for the perfect sweet treat. The combination of the crispy waffle and melting ice cream will delight your taste buds!

Tips for Perfect Bubble Waffles

Making the perfect happy lemon bubble waffle requires a few key tips to get that ideal crispy, chewy texture and flavor. Here are some useful tips to ensure your waffles turn out just like you’d expect from Happy Lemon:

Use the right temperature: Make sure your bubble waffle maker is preheated properly to get the right crispiness.
Don’t overfill the batter: Use just enough batter to cover the waffle mold, but avoid overfilling to allow the waffles to cook evenly.
Let the batter rest: Let your batter sit for 30 minutes in the fridge to ensure the texture improves.
Grease the waffle maker lightly: Lightly grease your waffle maker to prevent the waffle from sticking but avoid using too much oil.
Adjust cooking time: Cook the waffle for 3-5 minutes to achieve a perfect golden brown color and crispy texture. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Serve immediately: For the best experience, serve your waffle while it’s still warm, fresh from the waffle maker.

Additional Toppings

When it comes to enhancing the flavor of your happy lemon bubble waffles, adding the right toppings can take your treat to the next level. Here are some great options to make each bite even more delicious:

Ice cream (vanilla or chocolate)
Fresh berries, bananas, or kiwi for a fruity burst
Rich chocolate sauce or syrup for a sweet finish
Whipped cream to add a fluffy, creamy texture
Candy pieces, sprinkles, or marshmallows for extra fun and texture

What to Serve With Bubble Waffles

Bubble waffles are a delightful treat on their own, but they can be even better when paired with the right accompaniments. Here are some great ideas for what to serve with your happy lemon bubble waffles:

Milkshakes – A rich, creamy milkshake pairs wonderfully with the crispiness of bubble waffles.
Coffee or hot chocolate – Warm drinks are perfect for dipping and balancing out the sweetness.
Tea – Light and refreshing, tea complements the flavors of bubble waffles without overpowering them.
Fruit salad – A mix of fresh fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the waffles.
Ice cream – For an indulgent treat, serve your bubble waffles with a scoop of your favorite ice cream.

How to store leftover bubble waffles?

Storing leftover happy lemon bubble waffles properly helps maintain their crispiness and delicious texture for later enjoyment. Here’s how you can keep them fresh:

Cool completely: Allow waffles to cool on a wire rack to prevent condensation from making them soggy.
Use a zip-top bag or airtight container: Store waffles with a paper towel between each one to absorb excess moisture.
Refrigerate for short-term storage: Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days, but be aware they may lose some crispiness.
Freeze for long-term storage: Wrap each waffle in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing and label the bag with the date. They’ll last for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheat properly: For refrigerated waffles, heat in a toaster on low for 1-2 minutes or in a toaster oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes. For frozen waffles, heat directly in a toaster oven at 300°F for 5-6 minutes or in a regular oven at 300°F for 6-8 minutes.

Conclusion

So, we’ve covered everything about the Happy Lemon bubble waffle recipe, from storing leftover waffles to reheating them for that perfect crispy texture. Whether you choose to keep them in the fridge for a few days or freeze them for longer storage, knowing how to properly store and heat your waffles is key to keeping them delicious.

My personal recommendation? Always make sure to cool your waffles properly and use airtight containers to maintain their crispiness. Trust me, it makes all the difference! So, guys, keep enjoying those tasty waffles and stay tuned for more fun kitchen tips!

FAQs about Happy Lemon Bubble Waffle Recipe

Here are most common asked questions about Happy Lemon Bubble Waffle:

What is a Happy Lemon bubble waffle recipe?

A Happy Lemon bubble waffle recipe is a set of steps and ingredients to make the crispy, chewy Hong Kong‑style bubble waffles you get at Happy Lemon shops at home. It usually uses a special batter with flour, eggs, milk, and tapioca starch for texture. You cook it in a bubble waffle maker until golden and puffy. People often fold it and add toppings like ice cream.

Do I need a special waffle maker for this recipe?

Yes, you need a bubble waffle maker or pan to get the signature round bubbles and texture. A regular waffle iron won’t give you the same bubble shape or texture. If you use a normal waffle iron, the batter will still cook but won’t look or feel like the real thing.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Happy Lemon bubble waffle batter ahead of making the waffles. Store it in the fridge for up to about 24 hours. Just give it a stir before using and add a bit of water if it thickened too much.

Why are my bubble waffles not crispy outside?

Your waffles might not be crispy if the waffle maker is not hot enough or if the batter is too wet. Make sure the iron is fully preheated before pouring in the batter. Also don’t open the waffle maker too early while it’s cooking.

What makes Happy Lemon bubble waffles different from regular waffles?

Happy Lemon bubble waffle have a light, crispy outside with soft, chewy bubbles inside, unlike flat, square‑patterned regular waffles. This is from using ingredients like tapioca starch and cooking them in a bubble waffle pan. You can also roll them up and add fun fillings.