Waffle Cake

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Impress your guests with this super-easy Waffle Cake — layers of chocolate cake waffles with an unbelievably flavorful and creamy vanilla filling. Top with fresh berries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a show-stopping dessert that couldn’t be easier to make!

Looking for more fun ways to celebrate without a traditional cake? Well then, try this Icebox Cake, these Brownie Oreo Ice Cream Bars, or this easy Ice Cream Sandwich Cake.

Waffle cake displayed on a cake stand, adorned with fresh raspberries on top.

The Best Waffle Cake

If layer cakes intimidate you or you’re just looking to make something quicker, then I have the recipe for you! My Waffle Cake is incredibly easy to make, and such a showstopper! You’ll get a gorgeous layer-like cake with a fraction of the effort.

In fact, you don’t even need an oven for this cake! Just grab a reliable waffle maker and you’ll have all your “cake” layers done in about 10-15 minutes. This is way easier and way quicker than a chocolate layer cake!

QUICK TIP

What chocolate cake mix do I use? My favorite cake mix to use for this waffle cake is Betty Crocker® Super Moist Triple Chocolate Fudge mix. (Not sponsored) Spruce Eats did a taste test comparison of store-bought cakes, so check it out and see if a description of a specific cake resonates most with you.

Rich and creamy custard filling, prepared to be layered between waffle cake slices.

Ingredients In This Waffle Cake

WAFFLE LAYER

  • Chocolate cake mix: Provides the base flavor and structure for the waffles. Tip: Choose a quality mix for best results.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients and give structure to the dessert.
  • Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and ensures a tender texture.

CREAM LAYER

  • Sweetened condensed milk: Offers sweetness and creaminess to the layer.
  • Milk & Heavy whipping cream: They create a rich, creamy consistency. Tip: Using whole milk and chilling the mix before whipping can improve texture.
  • Instant vanilla pudding: Thickens and adds flavor to the cream. Tip: Ensure it’s the instant type for quick setting.
  • Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream.
  • Vanilla paste (or extract): Enhances flavor. Tip: Vanilla paste provides tiny vanilla bean specks for a gourmet look.

Waffles being freshly made and creamy custard being spread between the layers for the waffle cake recipe.

How To Make A Waffle Cake

  • Waffles: Prepare chocolate cake batter as per the package. Pour into a preheated waffle iron, following the iron’s instructions. Cook all waffles and let them cool on a wire rack!
  • Cream FillingMix pudding, milk, and sweetened condensed milk. In another bowl, make whipped cream (it’s simple!). Fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture and chill.
  • AssembleLayer on a cake stand: waffle, filling, waffle, filling, and so on. Top with the last waffle and remaining filling.
  • GarnishAdd berries and a dusting of powdered sugar.

QUICK TIP

Let the waffles cool completely before assembling the cake. If the waffles are at all warm, they will heat the cream filling and make the cake slide (plus the texture/taste will be off). 

Completed dessert showcasing its top adorned with fresh raspberries and delicate chocolate shavings.

VARIATIONS

Switch It Up

  • Funfetti: Use a Funfetti® cake mix instead of chocolate, and garnish the waffle cake with sprinkles!
  • Pumpkin: Use this waffle recipe and fill up the layers with maple whipped cream from this Pumpkin Pie Recipe. Garnish with fresh berries.
  • Strawberries and cream: Use a vanilla cake mix instead of chocolate, use the same vanilla filling I share in the recipe, and garnish with freshly sliced strawberries.
  • Ultra-chocolate: Use a chocolate mousse whipped cream in place of the vanilla cream for a mega-chocolate dessert.

Sliced waffle cake revealing its luscious layers and fillings, with one piece removed.

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Waffle Cake

5 from 4 votes
Impress your guests with this super-easy Waffle Cake -- layers of chocolate cake waffles with an unbelievably flavorful and creamy vanilla filling. Top with fresh berries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a show-stopping dessert that couldn't be easier to make!
Print Recipe

Waffle Cake

5 from 4 votes
Impress your guests with this super-easy Waffle Cake -- layers of chocolate cake waffles with an unbelievably flavorful and creamy vanilla filling. Top with fresh berries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a show-stopping dessert that couldn't be easier to make!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword waffle cake
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time for Waffles 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Chelsea Lords
Calories 696kcal

Ingredients

Waffle Layer

  • 1 chocolate cake mix + ingredients called for (eggs, vegetable oil, water) Note 1

Cream Layer

  • 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup milk (1%, 2%, or whole milk)
  • 3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding the four-serving size package (do not prepare according to package directions)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla paste (or pure vanilla extract)

Topping

  • Fresh berries (I used raspberries)
  • 1 dark chocolate bar and powdered sugar, optional

Instructions

  • WAFFLES: Combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil in a large bowl. Beat to combine, following package instructions. Preheat a waffle maker according to the manufacturer's instructions. I preheated mine to medium high.
  • COOK WAFFLES: Pour a heaping 1/2 cup of the cake batter into the waffle maker--or the correct amount to fill the baking area of the waffle iron correctly. Close and allow cake batter to cook. When it's finished cooking, remove and allow to completely cool on wire racks. Repeat this step until all waffles are made. I typically get eight large waffles from a box of prepared cake mix.
  • CREAM: In a large bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk and regular milk. With a hand mixer, blend in the pudding mix and then chill for 5 minutes. While it's chilling, make the whipped cream: add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla paste (or extract) to a stand mixer bowl fitted with the whisk attachment. Whisk on low speed to combine. Gradually increase to high speed until medium to stiff peaks form, about 1-3 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid over-beating. With a spatula, fold this cream into the condensed milk and pudding mixture. Fold until smooth and combined. Place mixture in the refrigerator and keep chilled until the waffles are fully cool.
  • ASSEMBLE: Place one waffle on a cake stand or plate. Spread the pudding mixture on top (using about 1/5 of the mixture for each layer). Place another waffle gently on the pudding mixture. Add more pudding mixture. Continue this pattern with another waffle and more pudding mixture. Add the final waffle and the remaining pudding mixture on top.
  • GARNISH: If desired, garnish with fresh berries and chocolate shavings.
  • CHOCOLATE SHAVINGS: Make chocolate shavings by scraping a chocolate bar with a vegetable peeler. You can also break up some of the candy bar and place the chocolate chunks on top. Cut the cake into slices and enjoy immediately.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Cake mix: I use and recommend Betty Crocker® Super Moist Triple Chocolate Fudge mix.
Nutrition information may vary, depending on the cake mix used and the additional ingredients called for on the box recipe. Optional chocolate shavings, powdered sugar, and berries are not included in the calculations.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings | Calories: 696kcal | Carbohydrates: 81g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 121mg | Sodium: 621mg | Potassium: 427mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 60g | Vitamin A: 685IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 268mg | Iron: 3mg

We do our best to provide accurate nutritional analysis for our recipes. Our nutritional data is calculated using a third-party algorithm and may vary, based on individual cooking styles, measurements, and ingredient sizes. Please use this information for comparison purposes and consult a health professional for nutrition guidance as needed.

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17 Comments

  1. Omg, I love the waffles! That is such a great idea for cooking cake quickly! I’m totally going to have to try that. Your mom’s version sounds amazing as well! Ice cream and waffles!? Yes, please! 🙂 Have a great weekend, Chelsea!

  2. It’s hard to believe that this dessert was easy – because it’s beautiful, like art! So pretty and elegant – I’d serve it to fancy-schmancy guests! 🙂 And, I loved the story how your baby plays at your feel while you shoot – so sweet! Pinned!

  3. Yikes, I’m so glad Grey didn’t get hurt and luckily this comes together easily. It looks absolutely beautiful! Love all those pretty fresh berries!

  4. what a fun cake, and love using waffles instead of making a traditional cake, and the suggested tweaks too, thank you

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