There’s something magical about waking up to the smell of waffles, especially when they’re chocolate. A few years ago, I found myself staring down a box of chocolate cake mix and an empty fridge no eggs, no milk, no time for a full grocery run. It was a lazy Sunday, and my kids were hungry, the kind of hungry where cereal just wouldn’t cut it. So I improvised. I mixed that cake mix with what I had, poured it into the waffle iron, crossed my fingers and out came something that changed our weekend mornings forever: chocolate cake mix waffles.
They were crispy on the outside, tender inside, and had all the richness of a brownie, but in waffle form. And from that day on, these became our “just because” breakfast, the “yay, it’s Saturday” celebration, and sometimes even dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. When I shared them on my blog, folks loved how quick and satisfying they were. This recipe isn’t just a shortcut it’s a full-on kitchen hack that brings flavor without fuss.
Using chocolate cake mix for waffles might sound unconventional, but it’s pure genius. You get bold chocolate flavor without needing cocoa powder, sugar, or baking powder. The texture? Think crispy, tender, and totally dunkable in coffee or syrup. You can even freeze the extras if there are any. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never look at cake mix the same way again.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Cake Mix Waffles
- Quick and easy – You’ll be ready to serve in less than 30 minutes.
- Made with pantry staples – Cake mix does the heavy lifting.
- Customizable – Top with berries, whipped cream, syrup, or even a scoop of ice cream.
- Perfect for winter – Cozy, chocolatey, and totally comforting.
How to Make Chocolate Cake Mix Waffles (Step-by-Step)
Ingredients
Makes 6–8 waffles
- 1 box (about 15.25 oz) of chocolate cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/4 cups milk (whole milk preferred for richness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, but adds warmth)
- Non-stick spray or melted butter (for greasing the waffle iron)
Optional toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries)
- Chocolate syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Ice cream (because why not?)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chocolate Cake Mix Waffles
Step 1: Preheat Your Waffle Iron
Set your waffle iron to medium-high heat and let it warm up while you mix the batter.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- The chocolate cake mix
- Eggs
- Vegetable oil
- Milk
- Vanilla extract (if using)
Mix until smooth don’t overmix. A few small lumps are totally fine.
Tip: For even richer waffles, substitute half the milk with buttermilk or add 1/4 cup of sour cream.
Step 3: Grease & Pour
Spray or brush your waffle iron with non-stick spray or melted butter. Pour about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of batter (depending on the size of your waffle maker) and close the lid.
Step 4: Cook Until Crisp
Cook according to your waffle iron’s instructions, usually 3–5 minutes, until waffles are crisp on the outside and cooked through. They’ll be slightly softer than classic waffles due to the cake mix but oh, so fudgy and good.
Step 5: Serve & Top
Serve warm with your favorite toppings. For the full “dessert for breakfast” experience, go all out: whipped cream, syrup, berries, and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Make It Your Own
- Mocha Lovers: Stir in 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder for a coffee kick.
- Nutty Twist: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips or chopped hazelnuts to the batter.
- Holiday Vibes: Mix in crushed candy canes for a peppermint-chocolate twist at Christmas.
How to Serve Chocolate Cake Mix Waffles
Here’s the fun part dressing them up. I love serving these waffles with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of salted caramel when I want dessert-for-breakfast vibes. On weekends, I pair them with crispy bacon or chicken strips for a sweet-and-savory brunch twist that always impresses. For a kid-friendly take, top them with peanut butter, banana slices, and a sprinkle of mini marshmallows it’s basically campfire breakfast on a plate. If you’re hosting brunch, set up a DIY waffle bar with toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, crushed Oreos, and chocolate chips. These waffles also go beautifully with drinks like cold brew coffee or a berry smoothie. For more inspiration, check out my full brunch board setup and this quick whipped honey butter recipe that makes anything extra-special.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store: Let waffles cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Flash freeze on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Toast in a toaster or warm in a 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes.
Reader Tip:
“Try sandwiching two of these waffles with marshmallow fluff in between for a gooey dessert that’ll win hearts!” – Marta L.
Tips & Tricks
- Add sour cream or Greek yogurt for an extra moist texture, just like we do in this chocolate cake mix with sour cream recipe.
- If you want a festive twist, top them with sprinkles and pastel candies great for a brunch version of Easter cake mix cookie bars.
- Don’t have a waffle iron? Pour the batter into mini muffin tins and make waffle bites, similar to ideas in our cupcakes and mini muffins guide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about chocolate cake mix waffles
Can I use any type of chocolate cake mix?
Yes! This recipe works well with most boxed chocolate cake mixes devil’s food, dark chocolate, or triple chocolate all give delicious results. Just stick to a standard 15.25 oz box for the right ratios.
Can I make these waffles ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can make them in advance and store them in the fridge for 2–3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. Reheat in the toaster or oven to keep them crisp.
Do I need to add baking powder or soda?
Nope! The cake mix already contains leavening agents. The eggs and milk give it a perfect waffle texture without any extra rising ingredients.
Can I make this without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute each egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) or use a commercial egg replacer. Keep in mind the texture may be slightly different, but still delicious.
How can I make these waffles extra crispy?
For crispier waffles, reduce the milk slightly (start with 1 cup) and cook a little longer on a higher setting. You can also toast them after cooking to crisp them up even more.
Print
Chocolate Cake Mix Waffles
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 waffles 1x
Description
Chocolate Cake Mix Waffles are a fun twist on breakfast or dessert. They’re soft, fluffy, chocolaty, and perfect with whipped cream, syrup, or ice cream!
Ingredients
Waffle Batter
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (any brand)
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
Toppings
- whipped cream (for serving)
- chocolate syrup (optional drizzle)
- fresh berries (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the waffle maker and cook until waffles are done (usually 3–5 minutes, depending on the machine).
- Serve warm with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
Make it extra decadent by sandwiching ice cream between two waffles for a dessert waffle sandwich!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 26
- Sodium: 420
- Fat: 23
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 55
Keywords: Cake Mix Waffles, Easy Dessert
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the smell of warm, chocolatey waffles filling your kitchen on a cold morning. These chocolate cake mix waffles bring together ease, indulgence, and comfort in one unforgettable bite. Whether you’re making brunch for friends, surprising the kids, or just treating yourself on a quiet Sunday, this recipe is a simple way to turn ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.
Let it be your go-to winter brunch treat or even a dessert stand-in when you’re short on time but craving something sweet. Remember cooking should always bring joy, and this recipe? It’s joy on a plate.
