Red Velvet Waffles With Cake Mix

Are you looking for an exciting way to begin your day? Try these easy red velvet waffles with cake mix! Make your family feel special to a special breakfast with these delicious, good-looking red velvet cake mix waffles.

Whether it’s a holiday, someone’s birthday, Valentine’s Day, or Christmas, they are perfect for all occasions. You can make them from scratch and top with honey, chopped nuts, Nutella, peanut butter, chocolate chips, cream cheese glaze, or jam.

These red velvet waffle recipe with cake mix are simple and easy to make and are light and soft on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside.

Red Velvet Waffles With Cake Mix Recipe

Ingredients

1 box (15.25 oz) red velvet cake mix
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup neutral oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Nonstick spray or melted butter for the waffle iron

Cream Cheese Glaze (Optional But Highly Recommended)

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings (Optional)

2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
Butter, whipped cream, or fresh berries

Instructions

Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease it with nonstick spray or melted butter to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, add the cake mix, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Whisk well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients and deepen the red velvet flavor.

Add the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Whisk until the batter is smooth and thick, with no dry pockets remaining. The batter should be pourable but not runny.
Let the batter rest for 5 minutes. This short rest allows the flour to hydrate and helps create a softer, fluffier interior.
Pour the batter into the preheated waffle iron, using the amount recommended for your specific machine. Close the lid and cook until the waffles are crisp on the outside and fully set, usually 3–5 minutes.

Carefully remove the waffles and place them on a wire rack to keep them crisp while you cook the remaining batter.

Make The Cream Cheese Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk the softened cream cheese until smooth and lump-free.
Add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the glaze is thick but pourable. Adjust with a little more milk if needed.

Drizzle the glaze over warm waffles and finish with mini chocolate chips or your favorite toppings.

Serving Ideas And Tips

These waffles are best served warm, straight from the iron, when the contrast between crisp edges and fluffy centers is at its peak. For an extra-indulgent touch, spread a little butter on the waffles before adding the glaze so it melts into every pocket.

If serving for brunch guests, keep cooked waffles warm in a low oven while you finish the batch. You can also turn these into a dessert by adding ice cream instead of glaze.

Can You Really Make Red Velvet Waffles With Cake Mix?

Yes, you absolutely can, and it works beautifully. Cake mix already contains flour, sugar, cocoa flavor, and leavening, which means you are starting with a tested base.

When you turn it into waffle batter by adding eggs, liquid, and a little extra cocoa, you get waffles that are fluffy on the inside and crisp on the outside. Using cake mix helps you:

Get consistent results every time
Save time measuring many dry ingredients
Achieve a true red velvet flavor without guesswork

This method is perfect if you want bakery-style waffles without complicated steps.

Why Are My Red Velvet Waffles Too Soft Or Cake-Like?

Red velvet waffles are supposed to be soft inside, but if they feel too soft overall, the waffle iron likely did not get hot enough or the batter was too thick. Here are simple fixes:

Waffle iron heat: make sure your waffle maker is fully preheated before adding batter.
Batter texture: the batter should pour easily but still be thick, similar to brownie batter.

Cooking time: let the waffle cook until steam slows down, which means the outside has crisped.

If you want extra crisp waffles, let them cook about 30 seconds longer than you think they need.

Do Red Velvet Waffles With Cake Mix Taste Sweet Or Chocolatey?

These waffles taste gently sweet with a light chocolate flavor, not like full chocolate waffles. Red velvet flavor is a balance between cocoa and vanilla, with a soft, smooth taste. You will notice:

Cocoa flavor: mild and smooth, not bitter.
Vanilla notes: warm and sweet.
Overall taste: rich but not heavy, perfect for toppings.

This balance is why red velvet waffles work well for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Can You Make The Batter Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead, but it is best used within a short time. Once the liquid mixes with the cake mix, the leavening starts working. For best results:

Refrigerator: store the batter in a covered bowl for up to 12 hours.

Before cooking: gently stir the batter once before using.
Texture check: if it thickens too much, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk and mix gently.

Fresh batter gives the fluffiest waffles, but short storage is fine if needed.

What Is The Best Way To Store Leftover Red Velvet Waffles?

Leftover waffles store very well if cooled properly. Always let them cool completely so steam does not make them soggy. Follow these steps:

Refrigerator: store cooled waffles in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Layering tip: place parchment paper between waffles to stop sticking.
Reheating: use a toaster or oven to bring back the crisp texture.

Avoid reheating in the microwave if possible, as it makes waffles soft instead of crisp.

Can You Freeze Red Velvet Waffles With Cake Mix?

Yes, these waffles freeze extremely well and are perfect for make-ahead breakfasts. Freezing keeps their flavor and texture if done correctly. Here is the safest method:

Cooling step: let waffles cool fully before freezing.
Freezer prep: place waffles in a single layer first, then stack once frozen.

Freezer storage: store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating from frozen: toast directly from frozen until hot and crisp.

Freezing makes busy mornings much easier without losing quality.

How Do You Keep Red Velvet Waffles Crispy After Cooking?

Waffles lose crispness if stacked too early or covered while hot. Steam is the biggest enemy of crisp waffles. To keep them crisp:

Wire rack: place cooked waffles on a wire rack instead of a plate.
Oven hold: keep them warm in a low oven if making a large batch.
Avoid covering: never cover hot waffles with foil or a lid.

These small steps make a big difference in texture.

What Toppings Go Best With Red Velvet Waffles?

Red velvet waffles are rich, so simple toppings work best. You want balance, not overload. Great topping ideas include:

Creamy options: cream cheese glaze or lightly sweetened whipped cream.
Sweet additions: mini chocolate chips or powdered sugar.
Fresh contrast: strawberries or raspberries.

If serving as dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully.

Can You Make These Waffles Without A Waffle Maker?

No, this batter is designed specifically for a waffle iron. A waffle maker creates the crisp outside and fluffy inside that defines this recipe. If you pour this batter into a pan:

It will cook unevenly
It will not develop crisp edges
The texture will be too soft

For best results, always use a waffle iron.

Are Red Velvet Waffles With Cake Mix Good For Special Occasions?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for special mornings because it looks impressive but is very easy to make. The red color makes it feel festive without extra decoration. These waffles work especially well for:

Weekend brunch
Celebrations and gatherings
Birthday breakfasts

You get a show-stopping dish without stress.

hinamunawar

Red Velvet Waffles With Cake Mix

Soft and fluffy red velvet waffles made with cake mix for an easy, bakery-style breakfast or brunch that feels special but takes very little effort.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings: 6

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

1 box 15.25 oz red velvet cake mix
2 large eggs room temperature
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup neutral oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Nonstick spray or melted butter for the waffle iron

Cream Cheese Glaze (Optional But Highly Recommended)

4 oz cream cheese softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 –3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings (Optional)

2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
Butter whipped cream, or fresh berries

Method

Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease it with nonstick spray or melted butter to prevent sticking.

In a large mixing bowl, add the cake mix, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Whisk well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients and deepen the red velvet flavor.
Add the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Whisk until the batter is smooth and thick, with no dry pockets remaining. The batter should be pourable but not runny.
Let the batter rest for 5 minutes. This short rest allows the flour to hydrate and helps create a softer, fluffier interior.

Pour the batter into the preheated waffle iron, using the amount recommended for your specific machine. Close the lid and cook until the waffles are crisp on the outside and fully set, usually 3–5 minutes.
Carefully remove the waffles and place them on a wire rack to keep them crisp while you cook the remaining batter.

Make The Cream Cheese Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk the softened cream cheese until smooth and lump-free.

Add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the glaze is thick but pourable. Adjust with a little more milk if needed.
Drizzle the glaze over warm waffles and finish with mini chocolate chips or your favorite toppings.