Fluffy Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze: The Ultimate Indulgence
Indulge in the decadent flavor of dessert for breakfast with these incredible Red Velvet Pancakes. Imagine light, fluffy pancakes with a subtle hint of chocolate, crowned with a luscious, tangy cream cheese glaze. This recipe transforms a classic cake into a delightful morning treat, perfect for special occasions or any day you crave something extra special.
Red velvet has a unique charm that makes it a beloved flavor, often associated with holidays like Christmas and Valentine’s Day due to its vibrant red hue. While it certainly adds a festive touch to those seasons, I firmly believe that the rich, cocoa-infused taste and the signature cream cheese pairing are too good to be confined to just a few months. Why wait for a special day when you can enjoy the magic of red velvet all year round?
Whether it’s a batch of Red Velvet Muffins, chewy Red Velvet Cookies, or even a fun snack like Red Velvet Muddy Buddies, these treats are always a crowd-pleaser. And now, these Red Velvet Pancakes bring that same irresistible appeal to your breakfast table, offering a gourmet experience that’s surprisingly easy to make.
As a self-proclaimed chocolate aficionado, the subtle cocoa notes in red velvet are always a winning combination for me. It’s not an overwhelming chocolate flavor, but rather a gentle undertone that complements the slight tanginess characteristic of true red velvet. What truly elevates these pancakes, however, is the cream cheese frosting, or in this case, a dreamy cream cheese glaze drizzled generously over the top. This sweet, tangy, and creamy topping is the quintessential partner to the red velvet flavor, creating a harmonious balance that will have you reaching for more.
This particular red velvet pancake recipe is a delightful twist on my cherished Buttermilk Pancakes, ensuring a consistently light and airy texture. It strikes the perfect balance – not as intensely chocolate-y as my Chocolate Pancakes, but providing just enough cocoa to hint at that signature red velvet depth. You get that beloved hint of chocolate, combined with the slight tang from the buttermilk and vinegar, all beautifully brought together with a vibrant red hue. Get ready to transform your breakfast into an extraordinary culinary event!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Red Velvet Pancakes
Before you begin, gather these simple ingredients. You’ll find the complete, printable recipe card with exact measurements at the very bottom of this post.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our fluffy pancakes. Ensure it’s fresh for the best rise.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This is where the “chocolate” in red velvet comes from. Use good quality cocoa for a richer flavor.
- Baking Powder: Our primary leavening agent, responsible for those beautiful, airy pancakes.
- Salt: A crucial ingredient that balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Granulated Sugar: For the perfect amount of sweetness in the pancakes themselves.
- Buttermilk: The secret to incredibly tender and fluffy pancakes! Buttermilk reacts with the baking powder to create air pockets. Don’t fret if you don’t have it; you can easily make Homemade Buttermilk using milk and lemon juice or vinegar.
- White Vinegar: Works in conjunction with the buttermilk and baking powder to achieve that signature red velvet tang and contributes to the rise.
- Egg: Adds structure, richness, and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall sweetness and complexity of the pancake flavor.
- Red Food Coloring: To achieve that iconic, vibrant red velvet color. You can adjust the amount to your desired shade.
Cream Cheese Glaze: The Crowning Glory
No red velvet creation is complete without a rich, tangy cream cheese topping. This glaze is easy to whip up and provides the perfect creamy contrast to the pancakes. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free glaze.
- Butter: Also softened, it adds richness and helps create a silky texture.
- Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): Provides sweetness and a fine, smooth consistency for the glaze.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the glaze beautifully.
- Milk: Used to thin the glaze to a perfect drizzle-able consistency. You can adjust the quantity as needed.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Fluffy Red Velvet Pancakes
Making these gorgeous Red Velvet Pancakes is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these steps for a perfect stack every time:
- Prepare Your Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine your all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt. Whisk them together thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended and there are no visible lumps. This ensures even distribution of leavening and flavor.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate, large liquid measuring cup or a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, white vinegar, egg, and vanilla extract until completely smooth. Now, add your red food coloring. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more if you desire a deeper, more vibrant red hue. Stir well to ensure the color is evenly incorporated.
- Gently Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Using a whisk or a spatula, mix everything together until just combined. The key here is to avoid overmixing. A few small streaks of flour are perfectly acceptable and will disappear during cooking. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to dense, tough pancakes instead of light and fluffy ones.
- Cook Your Pancakes to Perfection: Heat a griddle or a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease it with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Once hot, scoop about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of batter per pancake onto the griddle, depending on your desired size. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until you see small bubbles forming on the surface of the pancake and the edges appear set. Carefully flip the pancakes and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Whip Up the Cream Cheese Glaze: While the pancakes are cooking, prepare your irresistible glaze. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract. Finally, add the milk, starting with a small amount and adding more teaspoon by teaspoon, until you reach a smooth, drizzle-able consistency. You want it thick enough to coat a spoon but thin enough to flow easily.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the hot, freshly cooked Red Velvet Pancakes to plates. Drizzle generously with the prepared cream cheese glaze. For an extra festive touch and a bit of added texture, sprinkle some white chocolate chips over the top. Serve immediately and savor every bite of this delightful breakfast dessert!
Helpful Tools for Pancake Perfection
Having the right tools can make pancake making even easier and more enjoyable:
- Electric Griddle: A flat-top griddle provides consistent heat and ample space to cook multiple pancakes at once, making breakfast prep quicker.
- Pancake Spatula: A wide, thin spatula is ideal for easily sliding under and flipping pancakes without tearing them.
- Small Whisk: Essential for thoroughly combining dry ingredients and smoothly blending wet ingredients, as well as for whisking up the glaze.
- Large Mixing Bowls: For keeping your wet and dry ingredients separate until ready to combine.
- Liquid Measuring Cup: To accurately measure your buttermilk and other wet ingredients.
Pro Tips & Delicious Variations for Red Velvet Pancakes
Achieving perfectly fluffy pancakes and a delectable glaze is simple with a few insider tricks:
- The Secret to Fluffy Pancakes: Resist the Urge to Press! For truly light and airy pancakes, allow them to cook undisturbed. Once you’ve flipped them, it’s very tempting to press down on them with your spatula. DON’T DO IT! Pressing pancakes forces out the air pockets that form during cooking, resulting in a denser, less fluffy texture. Let them rise naturally for that ideal light consistency.
- Go Natural with Your Red Hue: If you prefer to avoid artificial food dyes, there are excellent alternatives! Consider using a natural food coloring made from plant-based ingredients like beets or pomegranate. This way, you can still enjoy beautifully red pancakes without compromise. Alternatively, a small amount of beet powder can also provide a natural color.
- The Power of Buttermilk: Buttermilk is a game-changer for pancakes, lending an unmatched tenderness, lightness, and subtle tang. While it’s highly recommended, if you find yourself without any, don’t worry! You can easily make your own Homemade Buttermilk. Just add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a liquid measuring cup, then fill the rest of the way to 1 cup with regular milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles. Voila – instant buttermilk substitute!
- The Golden Rule: Don’t Overmix the Batter! This is a crucial tip for many baked goods, and pancakes are no exception. When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix only until they are *just* incorporated. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which leads to tough, chewy pancakes. As soon as those visible flour streaks disappear, stop mixing. A slightly lumpy batter is better than an overmixed one.
- Amp Up the Chocolate: If you’re a serious chocolate lover and want to lean more into the cocoa flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of mini chocolate chips to the batter, or sprinkle them directly onto the pancakes on the griddle just before flipping. You can also drizzle a little chocolate syrup alongside the cream cheese glaze for an extra chocolatey kick.
- Perfect Serving Companions: While the cream cheese glaze is paramount, consider serving your Red Velvet Pancakes with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a bright, fruity contrast. A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted pecans could also add a delightful touch.
- Adjusting Glaze Consistency: The amount of milk in the cream cheese glaze can be adjusted to your preference. For a thicker glaze, add less milk. For a thinner, more pourable glaze, gradually add a bit more. Always add milk slowly, as it’s easier to add more than to thicken an overly thin glaze.
Make Ahead Magic: How to Freeze Red Velvet Pancakes
Pancakes are wonderfully freezer-friendly, making them an excellent option for meal prepping and enjoying a quick, delicious breakfast on busy mornings. If you happen to have any leftover Red Velvet Pancakes, or if you want to make a double batch specifically for freezing, here’s how to do it:
First, allow the cooked pancakes to cool completely on a wire rack. This is crucial to prevent them from becoming soggy when frozen. Once cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the pancakes are completely solid. This step, known as flash-freezing, prevents them from sticking together. Once frozen solid, transfer the pancakes to a freezer-safe, airtight storage bag or container. You can layer them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking and make it easy to grab just one or two at a time.
Frozen pancakes can be stored for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, you have several convenient options:
- Microwave: Place one or two pancakes on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through.
- Toaster or Toaster Oven: For a slightly crispy exterior, toast frozen pancakes on a light setting until heated through.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes, or until warm.
With this make-ahead strategy, you can enjoy the delightful taste of homemade Red Velvet Pancakes in just minutes, any day of the week!
So, whether you’re planning a romantic Valentine’s Day brunch, a festive Christmas morning, or simply treating yourself to a lazy Saturday with something new and exciting, these Red Velvet Pancakes are an absolute must-try! If you’re already a fan of the classic red velvet dessert, you are undoubtedly going to fall head over heels for this breakfast rendition. They’re sweet, tangy, fluffy, and absolutely delicious – a truly perfect way to start your day or brighten any meal.
Explore More Delicious Breakfast Recipes
If you loved these Red Velvet Pancakes, you’ll surely enjoy exploring other fantastic breakfast creations from my kitchen:
- Cinnamon Roll Pancakes: A decadent fusion of two breakfast favorites.
- Chocolate Chip Muffins: Classic, comforting, and always a hit.
- Sourdough French Toast: A sophisticated twist on a breakfast staple.
- No Yeast Cinnamon Rolls: Enjoy warm, gooey cinnamon rolls without the wait.
- Birthday Cake Pancakes: Celebrate any day like it’s your birthday!
Red Velvet Pancakes
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Ingredients
Pancakes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 Tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 whole large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 Tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup milk, (approx)
Instructions
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Preheat electric griddle or a large skillet to medium heat.
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In a large bowl mix together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
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In a large measuring cup mix together buttermilk, egg, vanilla, and vinegar. Add food coloring, and stir until combined.
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Pour milk into flour mixture, and stir until just combined.
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Brush the hot griddle with butter or non-stick spray. Scoop about 1/2 cup of batter onto a hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until lots of tiny bubbles appear on the surface. Flip, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until cooked through.
To Make Glaze
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Mix together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
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Add sugar, vanilla and milk. Mix until well combined and the desired consistency. Use additional milk if necessary.
To Serve
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Serve hot pancakes topped with cream cheese glaze. Top with white chocolate chips if desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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