Chocolate Cake Mix Waffles — Hack That Feels Like Dessert

There’s a certain kind of kitchen magic that happens when you dare to think outside the box—or in this case, when you dare to think outside the cake pan. That’s exactly what chocolate cake mix waffles represent to me: the delightful rebellion of turning a dessert mix into breakfast food that somehow feels both indulgent and perfectly acceptable for morning hours.

My mom always said, “The best recipes come from happy accidents.” These waffles were definitely my happy accident—born on a Sunday morning when I wanted to make something special for breakfast but realized I was out of waffle mix. That box of chocolate cake mix sitting in the pantry caught my eye, and a family favorite was born.

Why You’ll Love Cake Mix Waffles

• Just 3 base ingredients (that’s even simpler than regular waffles!)
• Takes 5 minutes to mix up (perfect for sleepy weekend mornings)
• Crispy exterior, fluffy interior (everything a good waffle should be)
• Endless topping possibilities (I’ll share my family’s favorites)
• Makes breakfast feel like a celebration (without much more effort than regular waffles)

I first tried this recipe when my kids were younger and getting increasingly picky about breakfast. The morning I served these “chocolate waffles,” you would have thought I’d performed a miracle based on their reactions. Sometimes the simplest kitchen hacks earn the biggest smiles.

Let’s Gather Our Ingredients

For the basic Chocolate Cake Mix Waffles:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water (slightly less than called for on the box)

Optional Mix-ins:

• ½ cup mini chocolate chips
• ¼ cup finely chopped nuts
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Let’s Make Some Breakfast Magic

1. Preheat your waffle iron to medium-high heat. Lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Mix everything together. In a large bowl, combine the dry cake mix, eggs, oil, and water. Stir until most lumps are gone, but don’t overmix. The batter should be thicker than regular cake batter but still pourable.
3. Fold in any mix-ins you’re using.
4. Cook to perfection. Pour approximately ⅓ cup of batter (or the amount recommended for your waffle iron) into the center of the preheated iron. Close and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until steam stops coming out and the waffle is crisp on the outside. Cooking time may vary based on your waffle iron.
5. Keep them warm. If making multiple waffles, keep the finished ones warm in a 200°F oven on a baking sheet while you finish the batch.

Stuffani’s Notes From Years Of Waffle Experiments

For crispier waffles: Add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to the dry cake mix before adding the wet ingredients.

For fluffier waffles: Separate the eggs, mix yolks with the batter, then beat the whites until stiff peaks form and fold them into the batter last.

Key to success: Don’t open the waffle iron too early! Wait until the steam significantly reduces or your waffles might tear.

Storage secrets: These freeze beautifully! Let cool completely, freeze in a single layer, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the toaster for a quick breakfast.

Make it a meal: While these may seem like a dessert, pairing them with yogurt, fresh fruit, and a sprinkle of nuts adds protein and nutrients that make them a more balanced breakfast option.

Our 5 Favorite Topping Combinations

Classic Strawberries & Cream

Fresh sliced strawberries, a dollop of whipped cream, and a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Banana Split Inspired

Sliced bananas, a small scoop of vanilla Greek yogurt (or ice cream for special occasions), a drizzle of chocolate syrup, and chopped nuts.

Peanut Butter Dream

A spread of natural peanut butter, sliced bananas, and a light drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

Cherry Chocolate Delight

Warmed cherry pie filling, a dollop of whipped cream, and chocolate shavings.

Maple Bacon Surprise

A drizzle of real maple syrup and crumbled bacon bits—the sweet and savory combination is unexpectedly perfect with chocolate waffles!

Why Cake Mix Works in Waffle Irons

You might wonder what makes cake mix suitable for waffle irons when it’s designed for, well, cake. The science is actually quite simple:

Both cake batter and waffle batter contain similar base ingredients—flour, sugar, leavening agents, and fat. The main difference is the ratio of these ingredients. By reducing the water in the cake mix from what’s called for on the box, we create a thicker batter that works perfectly in a waffle iron.

The high heat of the waffle iron creates a Maillard reaction (that’s the scientific term for the chemical reaction that creates the delicious browning on foods), giving you a crispy exterior while the inside stays tender and cake-like.

When These Waffles Save The Day

These magical waffles have been my solution for:

• Weekend breakfast when we’re tired of the same old options
• “Breakfast for dinner” nights that delight the whole family
• Sleepovers when I want to impress the kids’ friends
• Hurried mornings (just grab one from the freezer and reheat!)
• When cake cravings hit but I don’t want to commit to baking a whole cake
• Quick dessert bases for ice cream sundaes

Fun Variations To Keep It Interesting

Red Velvet Waffles: Use red velvet cake mix instead of chocolate, and top with cream cheese glaze.

German Chocolate: Use German chocolate cake mix and top with coconut pecan frosting (slightly warmed for easier drizzling).

Chocolate Mint: Add ¼ teaspoon of mint extract to the batter and top with crushed peppermint candies.

Double Chocolate: Use chocolate cake mix with mini chocolate chips folded into the batter.

Mocha: Dissolve 1 tablespoon of instant coffee in the water before adding to the batter.

A Final Thought On Breakfast Creativity

Cooking doesn’t need to be fancy—it just needs heart. And sometimes, it needs to break the rules a little bit to bring unexpected joy to an ordinary morning.

These cake mix waffles are my reminder that some of the best family food memories come not from elaborate preparations but from simple ideas that spark delight. The first time my kids asked, “We’re having CAKE for breakfast?!” with wide-eyed wonder—that moment alone was worth the experiment.

If you try these waffles, I’d love to hear which toppings became your family’s favorite. Did your kids think you were the coolest parent ever? Those kitchen victories are worth celebrating.

With warmth, Stuffani

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Did you make this recipe? Tag @StuffaniBorjat on Facebook and use #DailyEasyMeals so I can see your creation!

Have questions? Drop them in the comments below and I’ll help troubleshoot.

Looking for more cake mix magic? Try my Chocolate Cake Mix Muffins for another breakfast treat, or my Chocolate Dump Cake from Mix for an effortless dessert. Browse our complete collection of Chocolate Cake Recipes for even more inspiration!

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