The Ultimate Guide to Easy Cake Mix Waffles: Quick, Fluffy, and Perfectly Crispy Every Time
Transform a simple box of cake mix into a delightful breakfast or brunch with these incredibly easy cake mix waffles! Featuring crisp, golden edges and a wonderfully buttery, fluffy interior, these waffles are made with just four essential ingredients – your favorite cake mix flavor and the few staples typically listed on the back of the box. Forget complicated recipes; this foolproof method guarantees delicious results that are sure to impress without the fuss.
Why This Recipe Works: Effortless Waffles for Any Occasion
Cake mix waffles are an absolute game-changer, especially when you need to whip up a large batch for a crowd without compromising on taste or texture. Whether you’re hosting a bridal shower, a baby shower, a casual Sunday brunch, or simply craving a quick and delicious breakfast, this recipe is your secret weapon. These waffles are every bit as light, airy, and soft as those made from scratch, yet they come together in a fraction of the time. The beauty of using a boxed cake mix is the unparalleled convenience and consistency it offers, allowing you to create impressive waffles in virtually any flavor you desire.
The process couldn’t be simpler: combine the cake mix with a few liquid ingredients in a bowl, give it a quick whisk, and pour into your preheated waffle maker. It’s truly “easy peasy” and an ingenious way to utilize that cake mix that’s been patiently waiting in your pantry. No need for individual ingredient measurements or complicated steps; the cake mix does most of the heavy lifting for you. This recipe eliminates the guesswork, ensuring perfectly balanced and flavorful waffles every single time.
Beyond waffles, a humble box of cake mix is surprisingly versatile. You can create everything from fluffy cake mix donuts and delightful funfetti cookies to fudgy cake mix brownies. Today, we’re harnessing its magic to produce superior waffles that are not only quick to make but also incredibly satisfying. This method simplifies your cooking experience, freeing up your time to enjoy your meal or entertain your guests. It’s perfect for busy mornings, unexpected guests, or simply when you want a treat without extensive preparation.
Simple Ingredients for Delicious Cake Mix Waffles
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its minimal ingredient list. You’ll only need a handful of items, most of which you likely already have on hand. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, refer to the printable recipe card located at the end of this post.
Ingredient Information and Creative Substitutions
- CAKE MIX: We used Funfetti cake mix for a festive touch, which is fantastic for birthday breakfasts or celebrations. However, the possibilities are truly endless! Feel free to experiment with any flavor you love. Popular choices include classic vanilla, rich chocolate, vibrant red velvet, sweet strawberry, or even spiced carrot cake mix. Each flavor will impart its unique character to your waffles, making them a versatile canvas for your culinary imagination. You can also elevate a plain mix by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract, almond extract, or a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
- EGGS: Eggs are crucial for binding the ingredients together, providing structure, and adding richness to the waffles. They help create that desirable fluffy texture and contribute to the golden-brown exterior. Use large eggs for best results.
- WATER: Water is typically the liquid called for on most cake mix boxes, creating a lighter waffle. For a richer, slightly denser waffle with a more pronounced “cake-like” flavor, you can substitute milk (dairy or non-dairy) for the water. This small change can significantly alter the final texture and taste, allowing for further customization.
- VEGETABLE OIL: The oil contributes moisture, tenderness, and helps achieve those coveted crispy edges. Any neutral-flavored oil like canola oil or sunflower oil will work well. For an extra boost of flavor and a slightly richer texture, you can substitute an equal amount of melted butter. Ensure the butter is cooled slightly before adding it to the batter to avoid cooking the eggs. You’ll also need a little extra oil or cooking spray for greasing your waffle iron.
Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor and Texture:
- Chocolate Chips: A handful of mini chocolate chips or regular chocolate chips can be folded into the batter for a decadent treat.
- Fresh Fruit: Blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries can be gently folded into the batter for a burst of fresh flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Lemon, orange, or lime zest can brighten up vanilla or yellow cake mixes.
- Spices: A dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice can transform a plain cake mix into a cozy, warm waffle.
- Sprinkles: Beyond Funfetti, you can add extra sprinkles to any plain cake mix for a celebratory look and a slight textural crunch.
How to Make Delicious Cake Mix Waffles
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this incredibly easy recipe. For a convenient printable version, complete with precise measurements and full instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this page.
- Prepare Waffle Maker and Oven: Begin by preheating your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Simultaneously, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). This ensures your cooked waffles stay warm and crisp while you prepare the remaining batches.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Whisk everything together until the batter is smooth and well-combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher waffles. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
- Grease Waffle Maker: Lightly brush the surface of your hot waffle maker with a little extra vegetable oil or a quick spray of cooking spray. Even if your waffle maker has a non-stick coating, this step helps ensure easy release and contributes to those perfectly crispy edges.
- Pour Batter: Using a measuring cup, carefully spoon the batter into the center of the preheated waffle maker. Gently spread the batter close to the edges with the back of the spoon. The ideal amount of batter will vary by waffle maker type and size, but a good starting point is about ¾ cup for a standard waffle iron. Avoid overfilling, as the batter will expand during cooking.
- Cook Until Golden: Close the waffle maker and cook until the steam stops escaping, which typically takes about 3 minutes. Cooking times can vary based on your waffle maker’s wattage and style. Check the waffle’s color; it should be beautifully golden brown and crispy. If not, continue cooking in 30-second intervals until your desired crispness and color are achieved.
- Keep Warm: Once cooked, transfer each waffle to a wire cooling rack placed inside the preheated oven. This technique is essential for keeping the waffles warm and, crucially, preventing them from becoming soggy while you finish making the rest of the batch.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your freshly made cake mix waffles immediately. Garnish generously with whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, and an extra sprinkle of funfetti or fresh berries, if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Waffles
The ideal batter quantity varies by waffle maker model and size. To prevent overflow and ensure a perfectly shaped waffle, it’s generally best to fill your waffle maker about three-quarters full. The batter will expand during cooking, so leaving some room is key. Experiment with your specific appliance to find the sweet spot, typically between ½ to ¾ cup for most standard waffle makers.
Allow any leftover waffles to cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container or a ziptop bag and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For the best texture and to recapture that delightful crispness, reheat them in a toaster, toaster oven, or a conventional oven at 250°F (120°C). Avoid microwaving, as this tends to make them soft and chewy rather than crispy.
Absolutely! These waffles freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for meal prep or quick breakfasts. Cook them as normal and ensure they are fully cooled before freezing. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for about 30 minutes, then transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply pop them directly into a toaster or a 250°F (120°C) oven until heated through and crispy.
Yes, you can! Substituting milk (dairy or a plant-based alternative) for water will result in a richer, slightly denser waffle with a more pronounced “cake-like” flavor. It’s a fantastic way to customize the taste and texture to your preference. Use an equal amount of milk as you would water.
Several factors contribute to waffle crispness. Ensure your waffle maker is fully preheated before adding batter. Using a higher heat setting on your waffle iron (if available) can also help. Additionally, make sure you don’t overfill the iron, as too much batter can prevent proper cooking and crisping. Lastly, avoid overcrowding cooked waffles; always place them on a wire rack in the oven to stay warm and prevent steam from making them soggy.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Cake Mix Waffles
The beauty of these cake mix waffles is how easily they can be customized with a variety of toppings to suit any preference or occasion. Elevate your waffles with classic additions like a generous pat of softened butter and a cascade of warm maple syrup. For a dessert-like experience, dollop with fluffy whipped cream, a handful of fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), and, if using a funfetti mix, a sprinkle of extra colorful sprinkles.
Consider a simple powdered sugar glaze for an elegant touch: combine one cup of powdered sugar with a tablespoon or two of milk (or even lemon juice for a tangy twist), stirring until smooth. Adjust the liquid amount as needed to achieve your desired consistency – thicker for drizzling or thinner for a light glaze. Other delightful toppings include chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, a scoop of vanilla ice cream (turning breakfast into dessert!), or even a homemade fruit compote made with your favorite seasonal fruits. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make these waffles truly your own!
More Easy and Delicious Cake Mix Recipes to Try
If you love the convenience and delicious results of baking with cake mix, you’re in luck! There’s a whole world of quick and easy treats waiting to be discovered. Here are some more fantastic recipes using boxed cake mix:
- Cake Balls
- Cake Mix Donuts
- Cake Mix Cookie Bars
- Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies
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Cake Mix Waffles
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 15.25 ounce Funfetti cake mix we used Pillsbury (or any flavor, 1 box)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water 237mL (or milk for richer waffles)
- ½ cup vegetable oil 99mL, plus more for greasing the waffle iron (or melted butter)
Optional Garnish
- whipped cream
- butter
- maple syrup
- sprinkles
- fresh berries
Equipment You’ll Need
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Waffle iron
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Mixing bowls
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Whisk
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Measuring cups
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Wire cooling rack
Chef’s Notes & Expert Tips
- This recipe typically yields about 4 circular Belgian waffles or 8 regular-sized square waffles. The exact number will depend on the size and type of waffle maker you use. The nutritional information provided is based on 1 regular-sized waffle serving.
- Feel free to use *any* flavor of cake mix you prefer to customize your waffles – from classic vanilla or chocolate to more adventurous flavors like red velvet or lemon.
- If your waffle maker offers different heat settings, opt for a higher setting. This helps create those wonderfully crispy edges that make homemade waffles so irresistible.
- This recipe is adaptable for any waffle maker, including square or Belgian styles. The key is to always fill the iron to about three-quarters capacity to prevent overflow as the batter expands during cooking.
- To keep cooked waffles perfectly crisp and warm while you finish the batch, always place them in a single layer on a wire cooling rack in the preheated oven. Stacking them can trap steam and make them soggy.
- Storage and Reheating: Cooled leftover waffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results and to maintain crispness, reheat them in a toaster or oven at 250°F (120°C). Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soft.
- Freezing: These waffles freeze beautifully! Once cooked and completely cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for 30 minutes. Then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag, using parchment paper between layers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a toaster or a 250°F (120°C) oven.
Instructions
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Preheat your waffle maker. Also, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) to keep waffles warm.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cake mix, eggs, water (or milk), and vegetable oil (or melted butter) until smooth. Do not overmix.15.25 ounce Funfetti cake mix, 3 eggs, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup vegetable oil
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Lightly brush or spray the surface of the preheated waffle maker with vegetable oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Using a measuring cup (e.g., ¾ cup), spoon the batter into the waffle maker, spreading it gently to the edges. Do not overfill.
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Cook until steam stops escaping and the waffle is golden brown and crispy (about 3 minutes, depending on your waffle maker). Check every 30 seconds if needed.
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Transfer the cooked waffle to a wire cooling rack in the preheated oven to keep warm and prevent sogginess while you make the remaining waffles.
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Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like whipped cream, maple syrup, fresh berries, or sprinkles.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Cooled leftover waffles can be stored in an airtight container or ziptop bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For a nice crispy texture, reheat them in a toaster or the oven at 250°F, rather than microwaving them.
- Freezing – Cook as normal and allow them to fully cool before transferring them to an air-tight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Pop them in the toaster or in a 250F oven to reheat.
Nutrition Information
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.