American waffles are typically made with a batter leavened with baking powder and may be round, or square in shape. They are usually served as breakfast food, topped with butter and maple syrup, and other fruit syrups, honey, or powdered sugar. They are also found in some savory dishes, such as “fried chicken and waffles.” They may also be served as desserts, topped with ice cream and various other toppings.

In the North America, “Belgian” waffles are a type of waffle identified by its larger size, lighter batter and larger and deeper squares than standard American waffles. Despite its name, the “Belgian waffle” does not exist in Belgium. The Belgian waffle attributes its height to the use of yeast batter instead of a chemically-leavened batter. Toppings vary from whipped cream, confectioners sugar, soft fruit, chocolate spread, to syrup and butter or margarine. Alternatively, they are served with vanilla ice cream and fresh fruit as a dessert.