Final answer:
Liege waffles are made with a thick dough containing pearl sugar, resulting in a denser and chewier waffle. Belgian waffles, on the other hand, have a lighter, leavened batter that makes them crispy outside, fluffy inside, and suitable for toppings. They differ in batter composition, texture, and shape.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main difference between a Liege waffle and a standard Belgian waffle lies in their batter composition, texture, and shape. The Liege waffle is made with a thicker, brioche-like dough with pearl sugar mixed into it, which caramelizes on the outside as it cooks, creating a glistening, sweet exterior.
While both waffles originated in Belgium, they offer distinctive eating experiences. The Liege waffle, with its sweet, pearl sugar-infused dough, can be enjoyed plain or with minimal toppings, as it is flavorful on its own. The Belgian waffle, thanks to its airy and crispy texture, is often used as a breakfast or dessert item with generous toppings to enhance its relatively neutral taste.