Cake Mix Waffles Recipe
If you’re looking for a playful breakfast or a whimsical dessert, Cake Mix Waffles are about to become your new obsession! These vibrant, sweet waffles bring all the nostalgia of birthday cake in a form that’s crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and absolutely irresistible. With endless flavor combinations—think chocolate, funfetti, or red velvet—plus endless ways to top and serve, Cake Mix Waffles turn any ordinary morning into a celebration. Whether you’re treating your family or surprising brunch guests, you’ll fall for the ease and magic of this simple delight.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cake Mix Waffles is how effortlessly the few ingredients come together, each one playing a key role in taste, texture, and golden color. These basic items offer a world of flavor possibilities, letting you put a creative spin on breakfast without extra fuss.
- Boxed Cake Mix (15.25 oz): Your foundation for flavor—choose chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, or even lemon for an instant upgrade.
- Eggs (2 large): Essential for binding and giving your waffles that pillowy, tender crumb.
- Milk (1 cup): Adds richness and moisture, making the batter luscious and smooth.
- Vegetable Oil (1/3 cup): Keeps your waffles soft inside but helps crisp the edges beautifully.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon, optional): A double-down on classic cake flavor, for extra warmth and aroma if you’re using white or yellow mixes.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray: Crucial for ensuring your Cake Mix Waffles lift right out, golden and intact every time.
How to Make Cake Mix Waffles
Step 1: Preheat the Waffle Iron
Start by switching on your waffle iron and letting it preheat according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Getting your iron hot and ready is a key step—high heat makes for those craveable crispy edges and soft centers every time you pour in your batter.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cake mix, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract (if you like a little extra flavor). Mix until the batter is completely smooth, with no dry streaks. Don’t overmix—just stir until all ingredients are evenly combined and luscious.
Step 3: Prep the Waffle Iron
Once preheated, generously spritz the waffle iron plates with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures the Cake Mix Waffles release easily and stay beautifully intact—nobody wants to lose a corner to sticking!
Step 4: Cook the Waffles
Pour the batter into the center of your hot waffle iron, using enough to fill but not overflow (the exact amount depends on your iron). Close the lid and let the waffle cook for 3 to 5 minutes. You’ll notice the sizzling aroma and watch for the color—when golden and cooked through, carefully lift it out onto a plate.
Step 5: Repeat and Serve
Continue with the rest of the batter, spraying the iron lightly before each new batch. Stack those gorgeous Cake Mix Waffles high, and get ready for the fun part—topping and devouring them while still warm!
How to Serve Cake Mix Waffles

Garnishes
This is where Cake Mix Waffles really shine! Think fluffy whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles, fresh fruit, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a dusting of powdered sugar. A scoop of ice cream turns them into a special dessert—don’t be afraid to mix and match toppers for maximum joy.
Side Dishes
Pair your waffles with savory contrasts like crispy bacon or sausage, or keep things light with a fruit salad on the side. For a truly indulgent brunch, serve with yogurt parfaits or a platter of mixed berries to complement the sweetness and add vibrant color.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut Cake Mix Waffles into sticks for dunking into chocolate sauce, or use them as a sandwich base with mascarpone and jam. For parties, create a DIY waffle bar: set out toppings and let everyone build their own masterpiece. Mini-waffles make adorable bite-sized treats for kids and adults alike!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Cake Mix Waffles, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay soft and tasty for up to three days—just right for a quick breakfast or snack later on.
Freezing
These waffles freeze beautifully! Stack them between sheets of parchment paper, tuck into a freezer bag, and freeze for up to two months. When you want one, simply take it out—no need to thaw first.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-iron crispness, pop cold or frozen Cake Mix Waffles into a toaster or toaster oven. In just a couple of minutes, they’ll be warm and ready, with edges as crunchy as day one.
FAQs
What cake mix flavors work best for Cake Mix Waffles?
Pretty much any flavor works! Chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, and funfetti are most popular, but you can get adventurous with lemon, spice, or even carrot cake mix. Each one brings its own personality to the table.
Can I make Cake Mix Waffles gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap regular cake mix for your favorite gluten-free variety and double check that all other ingredients are safe. You’ll get the same great results with no compromise on taste or texture.
How do I keep Cake Mix Waffles crispy?
For maximum crispiness, serve them hot right out of the iron, and if needed, let finished waffles rest on a wire rack (not stacked) while you cook more. You can also toast or bake briefly before serving to reactivate that irresistible crunch.
Can I make these without eggs or dairy?
Yes you can! Substitute the eggs with a commercial egg replacer or flax eggs, and use a plant-based milk of your choice. Many boxed cake mixes are already dairy-free, making Cake Mix Waffles easy to adapt for vegans.
Is it okay to prepare the batter ahead of time?
If you need to prep ahead, it’s best to mix the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients separately. Combine right before cooking for the fluffiest texture—batter left sitting can lose its lift if made too far in advance.
Final Thoughts
Adding Cake Mix Waffles to your breakfast or dessert rotation brings instant fun and flavor to any table. It’s a goof-proof recipe with endless room for creativity, so grab your favorite cake mix and go wild—your family and friends will thank you!
Print
Cake Mix Waffles Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 waffles 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cake Mix Waffles are a fun and easy breakfast idea that transforms a simple cake mix into deliciously sweet waffles. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these waffles are a delightful treat for any morning.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) cake mix (any flavor)
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Additional:
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cake mix, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Grease the Waffle Iron: Lightly grease the waffle iron with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook the Waffles: Pour the batter into the hot waffle iron, close the lid, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Serve: Carefully remove the waffle and repeat with the remaining batter. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- You can use any flavor of cake mix for variety.
- For crispier waffles, cook slightly longer and serve immediately.
- Leftover waffles can be frozen and toasted for a quick breakfast on busy mornings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg