Are you craving fluffy, golden waffles but short on time? This easy waffle recipe using cake mix is your answer! Forget complicated batter recipes and enjoy a delicious homemade breakfast in minutes. This recipe is perfect for busy week mornings, lazy weekend brunches, or even a fun weeknight dessert. It's a quick and simple recipe that even beginner cooks can master, transforming a simple cake mix into a delightful waffle experience. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix (any brand will do!)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but highly recommended!)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions. Lightly grease the iron with cooking spray or butter. This step prevents sticking and ensures perfectly golden waffles.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. The batter will be thicker than a traditional waffle batter, but that's perfectly normal.
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Cook the Waffles: Pour 1/2 to 3/4 cup of batter onto the preheated waffle iron, depending on the size of your iron. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Check your waffle iron's instructions for the exact cooking time.
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Serve & Enjoy: Carefully remove the waffle from the iron and serve immediately. Top with your favorite toppings like whipped cream, fresh berries, chocolate chips, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips for Perfect Waffles:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough waffles. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on your waffle iron. Start with a shorter cooking time and adjust as needed.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combinations. Fruit, nuts, ice cream, and even savory options like cheese and bacon work well.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Variations:
- Chocolate Waffles: Use chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake mix.
- Spice it up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Add-ins: Fold in chocolate chips, blueberries, or chopped nuts to the batter before cooking.
Nutritional Information (per waffle, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific cake mix used and toppings added.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 4-6g
- Carbohydrates: 35-45g
- Sugar: 15-20g
This easy waffle recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It's a perfect example of homemade cooking that doesn't require extensive culinary skills. Enjoy this delicious and surprisingly versatile breakfast, brunch, or even dessert option!