Carrot Cake Waffles and Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe: People who like carrot cake know that you can never have too many variations, like cookies, cupcakes, or even waffles. If you want to add the sweet and spicy dessert to your breakfast routine, these carrot cake waffles with a creamy cheese glaze are a must-try. “I love carrot cake, so if you also love carrot cake then you have to try these,” recipe creator Jessica Morone says, “The waffles have tons of carrot cake flavor, and the cream cheese glaze is so good that it almost tastes like ice cream.”
You’ll be happy to know that these waffles don’t have too much sugar, even if you don’t like particularly sweet breakfast foods. While the waffles only have a little sugar on them, the cream cheese filling perfectly balances sweetness with cool, smooth tastes and the tang of cream cheese.
Mixing the spicy waffles with the creamy glaze makes for a tasty change from regular waffles. The best part is that you can make them in your own home.
Carrot Cake Waffles and Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe
Ingredients – For the waffles
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cup grated carrots
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
For the glaze
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup confectioner’s sugar
- ¼-½ cup heavy cream
Directions
- Turn on your waffle iron to preheat. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large bowl whisk together the sugar, eggs, buttermilk, melted butter and vanilla extract.
- Pour the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients and whisk together until fully combined.
- Add the grated carrots and walnuts to the bowl and mix together until just combined.
- Lightly spray your waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray if your iron requires it. Then pour ½-¾ cup of batter evenly into the waffle iron. Cook for 3-5 minutes (based on your waffle iron instructions) until the waffle is golden.
- Remove the cooked waffle from the iron to a plate, or keep warm in your oven until the glaze is made.
- Add the cream cheese and softened butter to a large bowl. Use a stand mixer or electric mixer to beat them until fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and confectioner’s sugar to the bowl, and then pour in the heavy cream. For a thicker consistency use ¼ cup of heavy cream and for a glaze use ½ cup. Beat until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooked waffles and serve warm.
FAQ
How can you switch up these carrot cake waffles and cream cheese glaze?
Waffles are typically a blank slate — they have a pretty neutral base, so you can add fruit, syrup, spices, or really anything you’d like to your heart’s content. These carrot cake waffles are similar in that you can customize them, though you don’t want to stray too far from the original formula. One of the easiest swaps would be to switch up the nuts; even those who aren’t fans of walnuts can get in on the fun. “You can definitely swap in a different type of nut, pecans would be really good in these for example,” Morone says. “Or you could omit the nuts completely if you don’t like them or have an allergy.”
Another possible tweak would come in the form of the dairy — in this case, the buttermilk. Morone tells us that “Buttermilk is always the best option for waffles,” but in a pinch, you can whip up your own buttermilk and spare yourself the grocery store run. “If you don’t have it you could make a buttermilk substitute using regular milk and lemon juice,” Morone advises.
When should you enjoy these carrot cake waffles?
Waffles are always a good idea, but carrot cake waffles are even better. So if you want something sweet on a Tuesday morning, feel free to make this recipe. Waffles are made one at a time, so they do need a little extra care.
For that reason, they seem better for a lazy Saturday morning or maybe even a special event. “These are a perfect option for a weekend brunch or a holiday breakfast,” says Morone, adding, “They aren’t very hard to make, but they are sure to impress everyone.”
Some people might be happy with just a big plate of waffles, but others like to eat them with side foods. Luckily, these waffles go well with almost any breakfast food. They taste good with fresh fruit or warm fruit cooked with spices.
For a heartier meal, serve them with bacon or sausage. “These are great with any other breakfast/brunch foods, like eggs or potatoes,” says Morone. “And any breakfast beverage like coffee or tea goes well.” Also, how about a mimosa if you made these for a party or a group of friends?
