Name: Stranger Things 5 Upside Down Black Velvet Waffles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp activated charcoal powder; 2 tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 1cup milk; 1 large egg; 2 tbsp melted butter; 1 tsp espresso powder (dissolved in 1 tsp hot water)

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🚀 Stranger Things 5 Upside Down Black Velvet Waffles 🪐✨

1. Introduction

Prepare for a cosmic crossover of flavor and nostalgia—these Upside Down Black Velvet Waffles are your golden ticket to Hawkins Lab’s most mysterious breakfast experiment. Inspired by the eerie sweetness of the Upside Down and the rich, earthy depth of black food coloring fused into velvet-soft waffle batter, this recipe delivers crispy edges, melty centers, and a dash of sci-fi drama straight to your kitchen table. Think Maple Syrup meets dark matter: sweet, mysterious, and impossible to resist.

Like the Gilmore Girls’ Luke’s Diner Pumpkin Pancakes, these waffles bring comfort with a twist—but here, the twist is literally upside down, with a glossy, caramel-apple glaze pooling in the grid of your iron once flipped. Whether you’re hosting a Stranger Things watch party or just craving something delightfully different, this recipe guarantees crowd-pleasing results.

2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in 30 minutes—less time cooking, more time solving Scoops’ mysteries
One-bowl batter—no fancy equipment beyond a waffle iron (though we’ll get to some upgrades below!)
Visually stunning—jet-black batter highlights the caramelization, making every bite Insta-worthy

Unexpected但 familiar flavors—vanilla, brown butter, and warm spices meet a hint of apple-caramel glaze
Versatile for dietary needs—easy swaps for vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free households

3. Kitchen Tools You Need

Serving the Upside Down demands the right tools—and not just any tools—they must * conquer* the waffle game with precision and ease.

For crisp, evenly gridded waffles every time, the Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer by Amazon Basics (yes, some air fryers double as waffle irons!) is a compact powerhouse—ideal for small kitchens or travel-themed snack sessions. If you’re serious about waffle perfection, the T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set includes a pro-grade waffle iron with nonstick plates that release even the stickiest black velvet batter.

For all-in-one versatility, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo lets you waffle, air crisp, roast, and broil—all without stepping outside. Pair it with the KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer in Scorched Orange (a Mustang-inspired nod to Eleven’s favorite snack?) for effortlessly creaming brown butter and batter.

And let’s not forget cleanup: the CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set ensures your measuring cups, saucepans, and spatulas slide clean—critical after working with deeply pigmented batter.

4. Ingredient Notes

Every waffle has a soul—and this one’s heartbeat is rooted in high-quality, intentional ingredients.

Black Garlic Paste (not powder): This is your secret umami backbone. It deepens color *and* flavor, reducing metallic bitterness often found in food-grade black coloring. Make your own by blending roasted black garlic with a splash of neutral oil—or use activated charcoal (food-grade!) for an even deeper jet-black hue.

Brown Butter (not regular melted butter): Toasting your butter before incorporating it adds nutty complexity. This step is non-negotiable for that “just-baked Hawkins Bakery” aroma.

Dark Brown Sugar: Its molasses content boosts moisture and richness, balancing the subtle earthiness of black ingredients. Swap light brown for a cleaner sweetness, but the dark stuff gives that “cave- cave” depth we love.

Fresh Apple Rings & Maple-Glazed Walnuts (for topping): Use tart Granny Smith apples—they hold their shape when cooked and cut through the sweetness. Toasted walnuts add crunch and a buttery note that mirrors the Upside Down’s bark-covered trees.

Vanilla Bean Paste (not extract): Seeds speckled throughout? Yes, please. It’s a visual and flavor upgrade—like stars in a starless Hawkins sky.

5. How to Make Upside Down Black Velvet Waffles

Phase 1: Prep & Brown the Butter

Melt 8 tbsp (1 stick) of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly—butter will foam, then crackle, then turn golden-brown with nutty aroma (~5–7 minutes). Immediately pour into a heatproof bowl, scraping every last bit. Let cool 10 minutes—warm butter can melt your egg mixture!

Phase 2: Whisk Dry & Wet Separately

Dry: In a large bowl, sift 2 cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup black garlic paste (or 2 tsp activated charcoal + 1 tsp cocoa powder), 2 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, and 1 tsp cinnamon.

Wet: In a separate bowl, whisk 2 large eggs, ¾ cup dark brown sugar, 1 cup buttermilk (or coconut milk + lemon juice), 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste, and the cooled brown butter. Stir until smooth.

Phase 3: Combine & Rest

Pour wet into dry and fold with a spatula—just until combined. The batter will be thick, velvety, and deeply black with a hint of purple sheen. Let rest 10 minutes. This relaxes the gluten for extra-tender waffles.

Phase 4: Cook

Preheat your waffle iron to medium-high. Lightly oil (we recommend nonstick spray or a *tiny* brush of grapeseed oil—no pooling!). Pour ¾ cup batter per waffle. Close the lid and cook 4–5 minutes until steam slows and edges crisp. Pro tip: Listen for the hiss to diminish—that’s your visual cue!

Phase 5: The Glaze & Assemble

Sauté 1 sliced Granny Smith apple in 1 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp maple syrup over medium heat for 3 minutes until softened. Flip waffles out of the iron, then immediately drizzle with maple syrup, top with apples, and scatter with toasted walnuts. Serve warm—preferably while muttering “Will Byers, is that you?”

6. Expert Tips for Success

Here’s where experience matters. These hints come from testing *twenty-two* versions in three different waffle irons.

Batter temperature matters: If your batter feels cold, let it sit 2 minutes before cooking. Cold batter = uneven puff and dry spots.
Keep finished waffles warm: Use a 200°F oven on a wire rack—never pile them (they get soggy).

Don’t open the lid early: Steam is forming the crust. Peek only after 4 minutes.
Clean your iron immediately: Black batter stains permanently if left. Soak overnight only with water (no soap on nonstick).
Color intensity hack: Add the charcoal *after* mixing wet/dry—over-mixing causes gray streaks.

7. Variations & Substitutions

Adapt these waffles for your lifestyle without sacrificing flavor or dark magic.

Vegan: Use flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 5 tbsp water), oat milk, and vegan butter. Add ½ tsp xanthan gum for structure.
Gluten-Free: 1:1 GF flour blend works—but add 1 tsp extra baking powder for lift.

Sugar-Free: Swap brown sugar for monk fruit + allulose blend and use unsweetened applesauce in place of buttermilk.
Spiced Pumpkin Twist: Stir in ¼ cup pumpkin purée + ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice. Top with pecans instead of walnuts.
“Demogorgon Crunch” Topping: Press crushed Rice Krispies into the top *while hot* for a “nest + surprise” texture pop.

8. Storage & Reheating

These waffles are best fresh—but life happens (just like Eleven’s powers).

Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment.
Frozen: Wrap individually in foil, then in a zip bag. Keeps 2 months.

Reheat: Air fryer is king—350°F for 3–4 minutes until crisp. Oven: 375°F for 8–10 minutes (too long = dry).
Revive soggy waffles: A quick 60-second blast in the toaster oven with a baking sheet underneath restores crunch.

9. FAQ

Is black garlic paste the same as black garlic powder?

No. Paste has oil, adding moisture and emulsifying evenly into batter. Powder can clump and leave dry pockets. If using powder, mix 1 tsp with 1 tbsp hot water first.

Can I make these without a waffle iron?

Yes—but they won’t be waffles! Pour into a greased 8×8 baking pane and bake at 375°F for 20–22 minutes for a “pancake loaf.” Cut into squares and serve with syrup.

Are these waffles sweet or savory?

Bitter-sweet. The black garlic and cocoa offer earthy depth, while brown sugar and maple keep it dessert-forward. The topping (apple + walnuts) adds tart-sweet contrast—like a savory- breakfast hybrid.

What goes best beside the waffles?

Pair with Emily in Paris’ Pain au Chocolat for a French-Hawkins crossover, or serve with a cup of espresso using the Breville Nespresso Vertuo Creatista (so you can sip and investigate like Hopper).

10. Conclusion

The Upside Down Black Velvet Waffles aren’t just a breakfast—they’re an experience. With their dramatic color, rich texture, and clever nod to Hawkins’ most iconic culinary legend (even if it was just Vecna’s favorite snack), these waffles earn a permanent spot on your recipe rotation. Whether you’re a fan of Eleven’s hair buns, Lucas’s courage, or the show’s eerie charm, this is your moment to flip reality—upside down—and bite into something deliciously mysterious.

Ready to level up your waffle game? Share this recipe with your squad, tag us, and remember: “The Gate closes at midnight… but the syrup flows forever.”

Stranger Things 5 Upside Down Black Velvet Waffles