Red Velvet Cake Mix Waffles Recipe

These delicious red velvet cake mix waffles are as decadent to eat as they are easy to make. They are the most perfect breakfast or dessert option the entire family will love. They only require 4 simple ingredients, 1 waffle iron, and the most basic of cooking methods. Get ready for your new favorite breakfast, or dessert.

Why I Love This Red Velvet Waffles Recipe

If you've been following for any length of time, you might have realized I love waffles. I mean who doesn’t, am I right? They're an easy breakfast that everyone enjoys. I also happen to have a bit of a sweet tooth. And these Red Velvet Cake Mix Waffles are the most sublime combination of the two.

It's a great recipe for any special breakfast and absolutely perfect as a dessert too. It's basically red velvet cake in waffle form. Make them for Valentine's Day or just because it's a Tuesday. Use any or all of the topping options listed below for the most amazing waffles, morning or night!

Here’s a few other reasons I love these beautiful waffles so much!

• Cake for breakfast? Yes, please!
• They make kids of all ages happy! My kids just flip for these.
• It's an easy recipe that only requires 4 ingredients and just a few minutes of prep/cook time.
• Cake mix recipes are the best! They’re so easy and never disappoint!
• I just love all the different toppings that go so well with these.

Red Velvet Cake Waffle Ingredients

This recipe only requires four of the absolute simplest ingredients to make the most decadent waffles to ever grace your breakfast table.

Cake mix - Any brand works, but do not replace the red velvet with another variety of cake mix! Red velvet is where the magic is at and the key ingredient.

Milk - Dairy-free options like almond milk or oat milk also work.

Butter - Replace with oil if desired, but I love the rich flavor the butter adds. You can also use a dairy free butter in equal parts.

Eggs - No need to set them out at room temperature. Just throw them in, well, crack them first. Eggs can also be replaced using egg substitutes like unsweetened applesauce or by making a flax egg to use as the binder.

How to Make Red Velvet Waffles

I love making waffle recipes because the waffle maker does most of the work. I just mix the batter in a large bowl, fill the waffle iron, close the lid, and wait a few minutes for the light to go off. It couldn’t be easier. The hardest part is deciding how you’ll top these beauties.

Step 1

Preheat a waffle iron. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, milk, butter and eggs. Mix the wet ingredients and dry ingredients well with a whisk or hand mixer.

Step 2

Spray waffle iron with nonstick cooking spray and add 1 full cup of the waffle mix to the center. Cook waffles according to the manufacturer's directions.

Step 3

Add all the toppings of your choice and serve immediately!

How to Prep Red Velvet Cake Waffles Ahead of Time

• Either prepare and store the batter, covered, in the fridge overnight. Then let the batter rest at room temperature for 20 minutes before cooking, or
• Cook the waffles the night before and just reheat them in the morning.

Recipe Notes

• The waffle batter will be on the thinner side.
• Spray your waffle maker generously with cooking spray to avoid sticking.
• Know your waffle maker. If you have one of those mini waffle makers, adjust the amount of batter accordingly to fit your waffle iron so the batter doesn’t overflow.
• Don’t try to peek at the waffles as they cook. You’ll tear the waffle and have to start over. Patience is key.

Indulgent Toppings for Waffles

This is of course a matter of personal preferences. Serve these waffles for breakfast or as a decadent dessert. They also make a great base for ice cream sundaes!

Personally, I like fresh berries with a cream cheese drizzle and a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar. But this list of ideas should help to get you started with a fun way to jazz up your waffles.

• Cream Cheese Frosting 
• Chocolate Sauce
• Salted Caramel Sauce
• Creamy butter and maple syrup - the traditional and classic way for any waffle
• Fresh berries or berry compote with a dusting of powdered sugar
• Canned strawberry, blueberry, or cherry pie filling
• Almond butter, peanut butter or Nutella
• Whipped cream, chocolate chips, and sprinkles, lots and lots of sprinkles
• Ice cream. Use these waffles to make the most amazing ice cream sandwiches and sundaes.

How to Store Leftover Waffles

Allow any extra cooked waffles to cool fully before attempting to refrigerate or freeze them. Condensation will absolutely ruin a good waffle.

Stored properly in an airtight container or sealed freezer bag, these will be at their best in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Frozen waffles will be good for 2 months.

Tip for freezing these waffles: Cut some parchment paper into squares and place a square between waffles so they don’t freeze together.

Can You Freeze Red Velvet Waffle Batter

Yes, as a matter of fact you can freeze waffle (and pancake) batter. The best way is to pour batter into a freezer safe, zip-top bag and gently press the air out or remove it with a straw or vacuum sealer. Stored properly, frozen batter is good for up to 3 months.

Thaw the batter completely in the refrigerator the day before you’re ready to use. Then just cut a hole in the corner, and you have an easy batter bag.

How to Reheat Leftover Waffles 

You can reheat waffles in the microwave or in your regular old toaster or toaster oven! My preferred method is the toaster.

• To reheat in the microwave, place 2 to 3 pancakes in a single layer on a plate with a paper towel under and over them. Heat in 30 second increments, checking every thirty seconds. 
• Reheat them in the toaster for 2-3 minutes. Don’t leave them in too long unless you like extra crispy waffles. 
• In a toaster oven or conventional oven preheated to 350°F. Place the waffles on a baking sheet and reheat for 2-3 minutes on each side.

Red Velvet vs Chocolate

People often wonder if there is any difference between red velvet and chocolate cake. The answer is a resounding yes, there definitely is. And no, red velvet isn’t just chocolate cake with red food coloring. As a matter of fact, red velvet cake isn’t really considered a “chocolate cake” at all.

Chocolate cake is flavored with cocoa powder and more chocolate. Red velvet contains only a little cocoa powder and then is flavored with vinegar or buttermilk for that slightly tangy flavor.

The dark red color is a chemical reaction of the acids with the cocoa powder while baking. Some mixes do also contain food coloring or even beet juice for an extra burst of color.

How Does Red Velvet Cake Get Its Name and Color?

These days people will commonly use food coloring or beet root powder to get that beautiful red velvet hue. But traditionally, recipes would use an unprocessed cocoa that has a higher acidic level than the Dutch-processed cocoa most widely available today.

The acidity of the unprocessed cocoa would have a chemical reaction with the vinegar or buttermilk and turn the cake red.

The term "velvet" comes from the name of the type of cake. It being less dense than a sponge cake or a pound cake and more like velvet, melting in your mouth.

More Indulgent Breakfast Ideas 

• Caramel Apple Pancakes
• Chocolate Cake Mix Muffins
• Fluffy Pancakes with Evaporated Milk
• Cherry Coffee Cake
• Apple Pie Monkey Bread
• Eggnog French Toast