Caramel Apple Croissant Waffles with Chocolate Curls Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For extra crispness, press the croissant halves firmly in the waffle iron and cook until they are deeply golden. If you have a Belgian waffle iron, use a moderate heat setting to avoid burning the sugar. You can also sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on the cooked waffles for a more pronounced flavor.

To make the chocolate curls, ensure the chocolate is at room temperature but not too soft. Grate with a light hand to create long, elegant curls.

If they break, that’s fine—they will still look beautiful scattered over the dish. For a nutty twist, you could add a sprinkle of toasted pecans, but the video keeps it simple.

Variations

• Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts along with the chocolate curls for extra crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the caramel and apples.
• Spiced Apples: Toss the diced apples with a pinch of ground cinnamon and nutmeg before warming to enhance the warm spice notes of the dish.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of chocolate curls, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top for a richer chocolate presence.
• Caramel Swirl: Fold a few tablespoons of dulce de leche into the whipped cream for a caramel-swirled topping that adds extra sweetness.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftover assembled dessert in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat waffles separately to restore crispness.

Freezer

Freeze cooked croissant waffles in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in a toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) until crisp.

Reheat

Reheat croissant waffles in a toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until hot and crispy. Reheat apples and caramel in a saucepan or microwave.

Store any leftover assembled dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The croissant waffles will soften, so for best texture, reheat them in a toaster or oven before serving.

The toppings can be stored separately: whipped cream in the fridge, and the caramel and chocolate curls at room temperature.

You can prepare the chocolate curls and dice the apples a day ahead and keep them refrigerated. The croissant waffles can be cooked in advance and reheated in a toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.

The caramel sauces can be warmed just before serving. Assemble the dish right before serving to keep the waffles crisp.

Serving ideas

Serve these croissant waffles warm, straight from the waffle iron, with the toppings generously piled on. The contrast of warm, crisp waffles and cold, airy whipped cream is delightful.

This dessert is rich and satisfying, so a modest portion is plenty. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.

For a brunch gathering, set up a topping bar with extra caramel, whipped cream, and chocolate curls so guests can customize their plates. The recipe is easily doubled—just cook the waffles in batches and keep them warm in a low oven. The dish is best enjoyed immediately, as the waffles lose their crispness over time.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Caramel Apple Croissant Waffles with Chocolate Curls

Prep 15 minCook 10 minTotal 25 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 large croissants, split
• 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar
• 2 ruby honey crisp apples, diced
• 4 oz caramel milk coverture chocolate, grated into curls
• 1/2 cup dulce de leche caramel
• 1 cup whipped cream
• 1/2 cup warm salted caramel sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat the waffle iron. Split the croissants in half horizontally. Brush the cut sides lightly with melted butter, then sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar, pressing gently so it adheres. Set aside.
2. Core and dice the ruby honey crisp apples into 1/2-inch pieces. You should have about 2 cups. Set aside.
3. Grate the caramel milk coverture chocolate on the large holes of a box grater to create chocolate curls. Use a gentle pressure to get long, pretty curls. Set aside in a cool place.
4. Place the croissant halves, cut side down, in the preheated waffle iron. Close the lid and cook until golden brown and crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes. Repeat with the remaining halves.
5. In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the diced apples with a splash of water or apple cider, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and lightly caramelized, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat.
6. Shingle the cooked croissant waffles in a serving dish. Spoon the warm caramelized apples over the top, then drizzle with dulce de leche caramel.
7. Pipe or spoon the whipped cream over the top. Pour the warm salted caramel sauce over everything, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Finish with the chocolate curls.

Contains: gluten, eggs, milk, soy, sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

680

Protein

8 g

Carbohydrates

95 g

Fat

30 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.