Birthday Cake Waffles

Birthday cake for breakfast!? Yes, please!! These super soft and moist birthday cake waffles are perfect for special occasions because they truly do taste like cake!

Load them up with whipped cream and extra sprinkles for the full birthday cake experience, or try traditional waffle toppings like maple syrup and fresh berries. Either way, these fun and colorful waffles make breakfast feel like a party!

These Birthday Cake Waffles are perfect for all family celebrations - not just birthdays! The colorful sprinkles transform an ordinary breakfast into something special. Your kids' eyes will light up when they see the waffle iron come out alongside the funfetti cake mix.

What makes these waffles so great is how easy they are. While regular waffles need several measured ingredients, these come together in minutes with just four items from your pantry. The cake mix creates that classic birthday cake flavor without any extra work.

Try setting up a simple toppings bar when serving these. Besides whipped cream and extra sprinkles, put out some fresh berries and chocolate sauce. For actual birthday mornings, stick a few candles in the waffle stack and sing before eating - your kids will talk about their "birthday waffles" for weeks!

These also freeze beautifully, making them perfect for busy mornings. A quick reheat in the toaster, and an ordinary morning suddenly feels like a celebration.

For a more traditional waffle you can try these Homemade Waffles and Chocolate Waffles.

Ingredient Notes

See the printable recipe card below for all ingredients, specific measurements, and complete instructions.

• Funfetti Cake Mix: This mix already contains colorful sprinkles and provides all the birthday cake flavor. Look for a 15.25 ounce box, which is the standard size.
• Milk: Any kind works well in this recipe. Whole milk creates the richest waffles, but 2%, skim, or non-dairy alternatives like oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk all work great too.
• Egg: Helps bind everything together and gives structure to your waffles. Make sure it's at room temperature for the best mixing.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps create that soft cake-like texture. You can substitute with canola oil or melted butter if needed.
• Whipped Cream: The perfect light and fluffy topping for these festive waffles. Store-bought works fine, or make your own by whipping heavy cream with a little vanilla and sugar.
• Rainbow Sprinkles: For extra fun and color on top! Jimmies (the long thin sprinkles) work better than nonpareils (the tiny round ones) as toppings since they won't bleed colors as easily.

How To Make Birthday Cake Waffles

First, grab a medium mixing bowl and add the funfetti cake mix. Pour in the milk, crack in the egg, and add the vegetable oil. Using a spoon, stir everything together until just combined. A few small clumps are perfectly fine - they'll create little air pockets that help keep your waffles soft.

Next, preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions. Most waffle irons have an indicator light that will tell you when it's hot and ready to use. While waiting, give your batter one final stir to make sure everything is well combined.

Once your waffle iron is properly heated, lightly coat both the top and bottom plates with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and helps create that beautiful golden exterior. Then, pour about ⅔ cup of the colorful waffle batter onto the center of the preheated waffle iron.

Close the lid and let the waffle cook for 3-4 minutes until it's golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside. Cooking times may vary depending on your specific waffle iron, so check after 3 minutes if you're making these for the first time.

Continue this process with the remaining batter until you've used it all up. If serving immediately, place finished waffles directly on plates. If making them for a crowd, you can keep the finished waffles warm in an oven set to 200°F while you cook the rest.

Finally, top your birthday cake waffles with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a cheerful sprinkle of additional rainbow sprinkles. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture. Everyone will be delighted by this festive breakfast treat!

Variations

• Try different cake mixes. While funfetti is festive, chocolate, red velvet, or lemon cake mix will work just as well. Each creates a completely different waffle experience!
• Add mix-ins. Fold in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even small pieces of fruit to the batter just before cooking. About 1/3 cup of mix-ins is perfect for this recipe.
• Create a waffle sundae. Turn these into dessert by topping with a scoop of vanilla ice cream instead of whipped cream.

Make Ahead, Storing and Freezing

Make Ahead: The waffle batter can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Give it a gentle stir before using, as some separation might occur. 

Store: Keep your Birthday Cake Waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the toaster for a minute or two until they're warm and slightly crisp again. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds if you prefer a softer texture.

Freeze: Once they've cooled completely, place your birthday cake waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment paper between each waffle to prevent sticking. They'll keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, just pop them in the toaster or microwave until warm.

Recipe Tips

• Make sure your waffle iron is fully preheated before adding the batter. A properly heated iron creates the best texture with a slightly crisp exterior and soft interior.
• Don't overmix the batter. Stir just until combined, as overmixing can make your waffles dense rather than light and fluffy.
• Spray your waffle iron with cooking spray before each waffle, even if it has a non-stick surface. This ensures easy removal and perfect golden edges every time.
• If your first waffle sticks, your iron might not be hot enough yet. Give it another minute to heat up completely before trying again.
• When keeping waffles warm in the oven, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet rather than stacking them. This prevents them from becoming soggy.

Funfetti Birthday Cake Waffles bring joy to your breakfast table with hardly any effort! The colorful sprinkles, cake batter flavor, and fluffy texture create a special morning treat that works for birthdays, holidays, or any day that needs extra cheer. Top them with whipped cream and more sprinkles for the whole birthday experience, and watch faces light up when these festive waffles hit the table!