Cherry Chocolate Protein Waffles
These cherry chocolate protein waffles are an easy way to turn a boxed protein waffle mix into a breakfast that feels a little more special. Juicy cherries add natural sweetness and a fruity contrast to the mini chocolate chips, while Kodiak protein waffle mix keeps the preparation simple.
You only need a handful of ingredients, plus water and oil, and the waffles are ready in about 15 minutes. They work well for a quick breakfast, weekend brunch, or meal prep when you want something that reheats easily.
Why You’ll Love These Cherry Chocolate Protein Waffles
- Quick to prepare: Using Kodiak protein waffle mix cuts down on measuring and prep.
- Sweet and fruity: Cherries balance the richness of the chocolate chips.
- Protein-forward: The protein waffle mix provides more protein than many traditional waffle mixes.
- Easy to customize: Fresh or frozen cherries can work with a few small adjustments.
- Meal-prep friendly: The waffles can be refrigerated or frozen and reheated as needed.
Recipe Tips
- Chop the cherries into small pieces rather than adding large halves. Smaller pieces spread more evenly through the batter and are less likely to create overly wet spots.
- Don’t overfill the waffle iron. Cherries add moisture and bulk to the batter, so leave a little room for expansion.
- For crispier waffles, place cooked waffles directly on a wire rack instead of stacking them. Stacking traps steam and softens the exterior.
- If your cherries are very juicy, pat them dry before folding them into the batter.
- Mix only until the dry waffle mix is incorporated. Overmixing can make waffles denser.
Recipe Variations
- Cherry Almond Waffles: Add a small splash of almond extract and a sprinkle of sliced almonds.
- Double Chocolate Cherry Waffles: Add a little cocoa powder and a few extra mini chocolate chips.
- Cherry Vanilla Waffles: Stir in vanilla extract for a softer, bakery-style flavor.
- Cherry Coconut Waffles: Fold in a small amount of shredded coconut with the cherries and chocolate chips.
- Cherry Nut Butter Waffles: Swirl a spoonful of peanut or almond butter into the batter or drizzle it over the finished waffles.
Ingredient Notes
- Kodiak Protein Waffle Mix: Use your preferred Kodiak protein pancake and waffle mix. Because formulations can vary, check the package directions if your particular mix recommends a different ratio of liquid or oil.
- Cherries: Fresh, pitted cherries give the waffles juicy pockets of fruit. Chop them fairly small so they distribute evenly through the batter. Frozen cherries can also be used. Thaw them first, drain away excess liquid, and pat them dry before chopping to help prevent soggy waffles.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips spread throughout the batter more evenly than standard-size chips. They also make it easier to get a little chocolate in each bite without overwhelming the cherries.
- Water: Water hydrates the waffle mix and keeps this version simple. Add a tablespoon or two more only if the batter seems unusually thick.
- Oil: A small amount of neutral oil helps the waffles brown and crisp. Avocado, vegetable, or canola oil all work well.
Cherry Chocolate Protein Waffles
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the waffle maker according to the manufacturer's directions. Lightly grease it if needed.
- Pit and finely chop the cherries. Pat them dry if they are especially juicy.
- Add the Kodiak waffle mix, water, and oil to a medium bowl. Stir just until combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped cherries and mini chocolate chips.
- Spoon the batter into the preheated waffle maker without overfilling it. If using a Belgium waffle maker 1/2 to 3/4 cup batter per waffle.
- Close the waffle maker and cook according to the appliance instructions, usually about 3 to 5 minutes, until the waffle is golden brown, crisp around the edges, and releases easily.
- Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- 16 g protein
- 48 g carbohydrates
- 13 g fat
- 6 g fiber
FAQ: Cherry Chocolate Protein Waffles
Yes. Cook the waffles, let them cool completely, and refrigerate them for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat them in a toaster or toaster oven for the best texture.
A toaster or toaster oven works especially well because it heats the center while restoring some crispness to the outside.
Yes, but liquid and oil requirements vary between brands. Follow the package ratio for the waffle mix you are using, then fold in the cherries and chocolate chips.
A standard or Belgian waffle maker will work. The exact number of waffles and cooking time will vary based on the size and depth of your machine.
They should be golden brown, crisp around the edges, and release easily from the waffle iron. Many waffle makers also have a ready indicator.
Excess moisture from the cherries is often the cause. Pat the fruit dry, avoid overfilling the waffle maker, and cool finished waffles on a wire rack instead of stacking them.
Make sure the waffle iron is fully preheated and place finished waffles on a wire rack. You can also briefly toast them before serving.
Yes. They store and reheat well, making them convenient for preparing several breakfasts at once.
Yes. You can cook it as pancakes on a lightly greased skillet over medium heat. Flip when bubbles form and the edges begin to set, then cook until the second side is browned.
Yes. Double all ingredients proportionally and cook the waffles in batches. Keep cooked waffles warm on a wire rack in a low oven if needed.
Yes. Thaw them completely, drain off excess juice, and pat them dry before chopping and adding them to the batter.
Check Out These Other Breakfast Recipes
- Breakfast Pizza: A savory breakfast option topped with classic morning favorites for an easy and filling meal.
- Mixed Berry Protein Waffles: Fruity protein waffles made with a mix of berries for a colorful, satisfying breakfast.
- Apple Cinnamon Waffles: Warm, cozy waffles filled with apple and cinnamon flavor.
- Pumpkin Pancakes: Soft, seasonal pancakes with pumpkin flavor and warm spices.
- Chocolate Protein Waffles: Rich chocolate waffles with added protein for a simple breakfast or brunch.
- Vanilla Protein Pancakes: Lightly sweet vanilla pancakes with added protein for an easy everyday breakfast.