Why are some additions placed on top of a waffle?

Placing some additions on top of a waffle is primarily due to the fact that "wet" ingredients cannot be incorporated into the waffle iron without compromising the cooking process. When a waffle batter is poured into the iron, it cooks quickly, and adding ingredients like fresh fruit, syrup, or whipped cream on top ensures that these additions stay intact and maintain their texture and presentation. If these elements were mixed into the batter before cooking, they could interfere with the cooking process, potentially leading to soggy or unevenly cooked waffles. Therefore, serving items on top allows for a better overall presentation and ensures the individual components retain their desired characteristics.