Brownie Waffles are a fun twist on two classic treats rolled into one – the fudgy, chocolatey goodness of brownies combined with the crispy, lovely texture of waffles. You get thick, chewy bites with a bit of a crispy edge that makes every mouthful feel extra special. It’s an easy way to make a dessert that feels new but hits all the familiar chocolatey notes.
I love making Brownie Waffles because they’re quick to prepare and bring a lot of smiles. Sometimes I add a handful of chocolate chips or a sprinkle of nuts right in the batter to mix things up. The smell while they cook is amazing, and it’s tough to wait until they’re done! These waffles also work great if you want to use up leftover brownie batter or when you’re in the mood for chocolate but want something a little different than a regular brownie.
My favorite way to enjoy these is with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce on top. It’s simple, but it makes the brownie waffles feel like a special treat. They’re perfect for weekend breakfasts, dessert, or anytime you want to bring some chocolate joy into your day. I always find it’s hard to eat just one!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Butter gives the brownie waffle a rich, moist texture. I like unsalted butter to control the saltiness. If dairy-free, try vegan butter or coconut oil as a substitute.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for deep chocolate flavor. You can also use Dutch-process cocoa for a milder taste. Avoid sweetened cocoa to keep the balance right.
Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly for the right structure. For gluten-free options, almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix can work but adjust the amounts slightly.
Eggs: Eggs add moisture and help bind the batter. For egg-free, use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) but texture might be less chewy.
Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch and nuttiness. Feel free to leave them out or swap for chocolate chips or seeds if you prefer.
How Do I Make Sure the Brownie Waffle Gets Crispy Outside but Still Chewy Inside?
Balancing a crispy outside and a chewy inside is all about your cooking time and heat.
- Preheat the waffle iron fully before adding batter so it cooks evenly.
- Don’t overfill the waffle iron; this allows heat to reach the edges and crisp them up.
- Cook for 4-6 minutes but check early. If the waffle is steaming a lot, it usually needs more time for the crisp texture.
- Let the waffle cool for a minute on a wire rack to keep the outside crisp instead of soggy.
Using melted butter in the batter helps create that perfect crunch, while not overmixing keeps it tender inside. Don’t worry if you need a few tries to know your waffle maker’s sweet spot!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Waffle iron – I recommend a good nonstick one to make flipping and removing easy, giving you that perfect crispy edge.
- Microwave-safe bowl – for melting the butter quickly and evenly without extra dishes.
- Mixing bowls – to whisk together the dry ingredients separately and combine everything smoothly.
- Spatula or spoon – for scooping the batter onto the waffle iron without spills.
- Cooling rack – optional, but great for keeping the waffles crispy after cooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolate pockets.
- Mix in chopped dried fruit or shredded coconut for a twist in flavor and texture.
- Use peanut butter or almond butter instead of butter for a nutty flavor.
- Top with fresh berries or sliced bananas before serving to add freshness and color.
How to Make Brownie Waffle with Vanilla Ice Cream and Chocolate Drizzle
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Waffle Batter:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For Serving and Topping:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream
- Fresh strawberry, sliced (for garnish)
- Chocolate syrup, for drizzling
- Additional chopped nuts, for topping
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 4-6 minutes per waffle to cook. Overall, you’ll be ready to enjoy your brownie waffle in about 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Waffle Iron
Turn on your waffle iron and let it preheat fully. Lightly grease it with nonstick cooking spray or a small amount of butter to make sure the brownie waffles don’t stick.
2. Make the Brownie Batter
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in granulated sugar while the butter is still warm until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mix into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined—avoid overmixing for the best texture.
4. Add Nuts
Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans if you’re using them. This adds a nice crunch but you can skip this step if you prefer a smooth batter.
5. Cook the Brownie Waffles
Spoon enough batter onto the heated waffle iron to cover the surface without spilling over. Close the lid and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the waffle looks set and the edges are slightly crisp. Timing may vary with different waffle makers, so keep an eye on it.
6. Serve and Garnish
Carefully remove the brownie waffle and place it on a plate. Dust with powdered sugar, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, then drizzle with chocolate syrup. Sprinkle more chopped nuts if you like and finish with a fresh strawberry slice for a bright touch.
7. Enjoy!
Serve immediately while the waffle is still warm and the ice cream slightly melting for the perfect balance of warm and cold, crispy and gooey. This rich, chocolatey brownie waffle is sure to delight!
Can I Use Store-Bought Brownie Batter for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure the batter isn’t too thick—if it is, stir in a little milk to loosen it. Cook the waffle a bit longer to ensure it’s cooked through.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownie Waffles?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a toaster or waffle iron to bring back their crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free butter alternatives and your favorite plant-based ice cream to keep it vegan and dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Prevent the Waffle from Sticking?
Make sure your waffle iron is fully preheated and well greased with nonstick spray or butter before adding batter. Avoid opening the iron too early for clean removal.