Name: Black Forest Waffles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: German-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 1/4 cups buttermilk; 1/3 cup melted butter or vegetable oil; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups cherries (fresh or frozen, pitted); 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping); 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp water (plus more for slurry); Whipped cream, for serving; Chocolate sauce or melted chocolate, for drizzling; Chocolate shavings (optional)

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Black Forest waffles are a decadent twist on the classic German Black Forest cake, transformed into a luxurious breakfast or dessert. Rich chocolate waffles are topped with sweet cherry compote, whipped cream, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce, creating a layered, indulgent dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these waffles turn a beloved dessert into a stunning breakfast or brunch option. The chocolate waffle base is soft on the inside and crisp on the outside, the cherry topping adds a tart sweetness, and the whipped cream brings a light, creamy contrast. It feels fancy enough for special occasions but is easy enough to whip up whenever I’m craving something extra indulgent. Black Forest Waffles

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chocolate waffles:

All-purpose flour
Cocoa powder
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Buttermilk
Melted butter or vegetable oil
Vanilla extract

For the cherry topping:

Cherries (fresh or frozen, pitted)
Granulated sugar
Cornstarch
Lemon juice
Water

For serving:

Whipped cream
Chocolate sauce or melted chocolate
Chocolate shavings (optional)

Directions

I preheat my waffle iron and lightly grease it.
In a bowl, I whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
In another bowl, I beat the eggs, then stir in the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla.
I pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
I pour the batter into the preheated waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions until crisp and cooked through.
For the cherry topping, I combine cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and a splash of water in a saucepan and bring it to a simmer.
I stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a little cold water) and cook until the mixture thickens, then remove from heat.
To serve, I top the warm waffles with cherry compote, a generous dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, and chocolate shavings if I want to go all out.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 large waffles.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add mini chocolate chips to the waffle batter for an extra chocolatey bite. For a boozy adult version, I stir a splash of kirsch (cherry brandy) into the cherry topping. If I want a lighter version, I skip the whipped cream and drizzle with a little vanilla Greek yogurt instead. I’ve also made this with gluten-free flour, and it turned out great.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover waffles in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, I pop them in the toaster or oven until hot and crisp again. The cherry topping stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be reheated gently on the stove or microwave. Black Forest Waffles

FAQs

Can I use canned cherry pie filling?

Yes, I can use canned filling for convenience, but I love making the cherry compote from scratch for fresher flavor and less sweetness.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

I make my own by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5–10 minutes.

Can I make the waffles ahead of time?

Yes, I often make them in advance and reheat in the toaster. They stay crispy and delicious.

Can I use whipped topping instead of homemade whipped cream?

Absolutely. I use whatever I have on hand—homemade or store-bought both work well for this recipe.

What kind of chocolate is best for drizzling?

I use dark or semi-sweet chocolate, melted with a bit of cream or coconut oil for smooth drizzling. Chocolate sauce works great too.

Conclusion

Black Forest waffles are a rich, chocolatey treat that’s perfect for special mornings or a dessert-style brunch. I love how the combination of tart cherries, fluffy cream, and warm waffles creates something truly satisfying. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a celebration every time I make it.