Fluffy Strawberry Cheesecake Waffles

I’ve always believed dessert for breakfast is totally acceptable. There’s something magical about starting your day with a treat that makes you smile, and these strawberry cheesecake waffles do exactly that. My kids’ faces light up every time they smell these cooking in the waffle iron, and honestly, mine does too.

I learned pretty quickly that making these waffles doesn’t have to be complicated. The batter comes together in just one bowl, and while they’re cooking, I mix up the cheesecake topping. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels special but doesn’t keep you trapped in the kitchen all morning. Plus, who doesn’t love the classic combo of strawberries and cream cheese?

If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels like a celebration but doesn’t require a culinary degree, these waffles are your answer. They’re perfect for lazy weekend mornings, special occasions, or just because it’s Tuesday and you deserve something nice.

What Kind of Cream Cheese Should I Use?

Regular full-fat block cream cheese is your best bet for these waffles – it provides the perfect creamy texture and rich taste. Make sure to use the brick-style cream cheese rather than the spreadable kind that comes in tubs, since those contain extra ingredients and water that can affect your results. Let your cream cheese sit out for about 30 minutes before using it – room temperature cream cheese blends much more smoothly and helps prevent lumps in your batter. If you’re in a pinch, reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel) can work too, though your waffles won’t be quite as rich and creamy.

Options for Substitutions

Need to switch things up with this waffle topping? Here are some handy substitutions you can try:

• Cream cheese: If you’re out of cream cheese, try mascarpone for an equally creamy result. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt (strain it first to make it thicker) or ricotta cheese – though the texture will be slightly different.
• Vanilla essence: No vanilla? You can use vanilla bean paste (use half the amount) or even almond extract (just use 1/4 teaspoon as it’s stronger).
• Powdered sugar: Regular sugar works too, but blend it in a food processor first to make it fine. You could also use honey or maple syrup, but start with 1 tablespoon as they’re sweeter.
• Strawberries: Any berry works great here! Try raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. You can even use frozen berries – just thaw and drain them first.
• Graham crackers: Digestive biscuits make a perfect swap, or try crushed vanilla wafers, gingersnaps, or even crushed shortbread cookies for different but tasty results.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest challenge when making cheesecake waffles is getting the cream cheese mixture right – cold cream cheese will leave you with lumpy waffles, so make sure to let it soften at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing.

Another common mistake is overloading your waffle iron with the cream cheese mixture, which can lead to messy overflow and uneven cooking – start with about 1/4 cup of batter per waffle section and adjust as needed for your specific waffle maker.

Fresh strawberries can release excess moisture while cooking, making your waffles soggy, so it’s best to pat them dry with paper towels before adding them to your mixture, and avoid pressing down too hard on the waffle iron lid as this can make your waffles dense rather than light and fluffy.

For the crispiest results, let your waffles sit in the iron for an extra 30 seconds after the indicator light shows they’re done, and serve them immediately while the graham cracker topping is still crunchy.

What to Serve With Strawberry Cheesecake Waffles?

These sweet and indulgent waffles are practically a complete breakfast on their own, but there are some tasty ways to round out your morning meal! A side of crispy bacon provides a perfect salty contrast to the sweet waffles, while a handful of fresh berries (like blueberries or raspberries) adds extra fruity flavor and a pop of color to your plate. For drinks, try serving these waffles with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy vanilla latte – the coffee’s slight bitterness helps balance out the sweetness. If you’re hosting brunch, setting out some maple syrup and whipped cream lets everyone customize their waffle toppings just the way they like them.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These cheesecake waffles are best enjoyed right after making, but if you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 2 days, though the texture might become a bit softer.

Make Ahead: Want to prep ahead? Mix your cream cheese filling the night before and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to make breakfast, just spread it on your fresh waffles and top with strawberries. The graham crackers should always be added right before serving to keep their crunch!

Serve Later: If you’re planning to eat stored waffles, take them out of the fridge and warm them up in a toaster or toaster oven until they’re slightly crispy again. Add fresh toppings rather than using stored ones – this way, you’ll get the best taste and texture.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	5-10 minutes
Total Time	15-25 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 500-550
• Protein: 6-8 g
• Fat: 40-45 g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45 g

Ingredients

• 1 cup cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup strawberries, chopped
• Crushed graham crackers

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

Start by placing the cream cheese in a mixing bowl.

Use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese until it becomes light and fluffy.

This process will make the filling smooth and easy to spread.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients for the Filling

Add the vanilla extract, confectioner’s sugar, and strawberries to the bowl with the whipped cream cheese.

Continue beating with the electric mixer until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth and pink from the strawberries.

Make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese left.

Step 3: Assemble the Waffle Sandwiches

Take half of the prepared waffles and spread a generous amount of cream cheese filling onto each one.

Place another waffle on top of the filled ones, pressing down gently so the filling extends to the edges.

Step 4: Finish with Graham Cracker Crumbs

Gently roll the sides of the filled waffles into graham cracker crumbs, ensuring the crumbs adhere to the edges of the filling.

This step adds a delightful crunch and extra flavor to each bite.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Your waffle sandwiches are now ready to enjoy.

Serve them immediately for the best texture and taste.

Perfect for a sweet breakfast treat or a delightful dessert!