There’s something truly delightful about waking up to the scent of freshly made pancakes, especially when they’re bathed in a luscious cream cheese glaze. I first tried making Red Velvet Pancakes during a cozy brunch with friends, and the moment we took that first bite, I knew I’d stumbled upon a treasure! These vibrant, fluffy treats not only bring a beautiful pop of color to the breakfast table but also pack a rich, chocolaty flavor that dances on the palate.
Perfect for turning an ordinary morning into a special occasion, these pancakes are as simple to whip up as they are stunning to serve. In about 35 minutes, you can transform your kitchen into a cozy café, impressing family or guests who expect something more than just the usual stack. Whether you’re celebrating a special day or simply want to indulge in a sweet treat, this recipe for Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Bliss is here to elevate your breakfast game. Let’s get cooking!
Why are Red Velvet Pancakes so special?
Elevated Breakfast: These Red Velvet Pancakes are not your ordinary pancakes; they transform breakfast into a gorgeous celebration with their stunning hue and creamy glaze.
Decadent Flavor: The rich chocolate undertones combine beautifully with the cream cheese glaze, making every bite a delightful experience.
Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up impressive pancakes that are sure to wow family and friends.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive brunch or a cozy weekend breakfast, these pancakes add charm and flavor to any meal.
Fun and Festive: Their vibrant color makes them a hit at any gathering, ensuring everyone is excited to dig in!
For more delicious variations, check out our delightful breakfast recipes.
Red Velvet Pancakes Ingredients
• Discover the magic of Red Velvet Pancakes with this essential ingredient list!
For the Pancake Batter
- All-Purpose Flour – a classic base that provides the perfect fluffy texture.
- Cocoa Powder – adds a subtle chocolate flavor that elevates these pancakes.
- Baking Powder – ensures the pancakes rise beautifully, giving them a light and airy feel.
- Salt – balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Buttermilk – brings moisture and a slight tang, making the pancakes rich and tender.
- Large Egg – binds the ingredients together while adding richness to the batter.
- Sugar – adds a hint of sweetness that complements the flavors perfectly.
- Vegetable Oil – keeps the pancakes moist and prevents them from sticking to the skillet.
- Vanilla Extract – infuses a warm, aromatic note that enhances the flavor.
- Red Food Coloring – gives those beautiful pancakes their signature crimson hue!
For the Cream Cheese Glaze
- Cream Cheese – the star of the glaze, providing a creamy and tangy finish.
- Powdered Sugar – sweetens the glaze and helps achieve a smooth consistency.
- Milk – thins out the glaze, making it pourable and easy to drizzle.
- Vanilla Extract – adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the creamy glaze.
How to Make Red Velvet Pancakes
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Gather Ingredients: Begin by gathering all necessary ingredients. Make sure your buttermilk, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature for optimal mixing and a smoother batter.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until fully blended.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of red food coloring until smooth and well combined.
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Mix Batter: Gently pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with dry ingredients. Stir carefully until just combined, avoiding overmixing for fluffy pancakes.
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Preheat Skillet: Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat and allow it to preheat for about 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
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Cook Pancakes: Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot skillet for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until cooked through.
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Prepare Glaze: For the Cream Cheese Glaze, beat 4 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until it reaches a pourable consistency.
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Serve: Stack the fluffy pancakes on a serving plate and drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top. Add fresh fruit or nuts for an extra touch if desired.
Optional: Serve with fresh berries for a colorful and tasty addition!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Red Velvet Pancakes
Fridge: Keep leftover Red Velvet Pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or microwave for a warm treat. If using the microwave, add a splash of water to keep them moist!
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen pancakes overnight in the fridge for quick use in the morning.
What to Serve with Red Velvet Pancakes?
Imagine a delightful breakfast table adorned with the enchanting colors and aromas that accompany your freshly made pancakes.
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Fresh Berries: A medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a refreshing burst of flavor that balances the richness of the pancakes. Their natural sweetness perfectly complements the creamy glaze.
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Maple Syrup: The classic pancake companion, drizzling pure maple syrup over your Red Velvet Pancakes adds a warm, caramel-like sweetness that enhances every bite.
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Crispy Bacon: For a savory contrast, serve crispy bacon alongside your pancakes. The salty, smoky flavor creates a delicious interplay between sweet and savory.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream can elevate the indulgence factor, adding a fluffy texture and a touch of sweetness to each forkful of pancake.
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Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes sprinkle over the top bring a wonderful crunch and tropical flair to your breakfast, making each bite even more enticing.
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Orange Juice: A refreshing glass of citrusy orange juice pairs well, cutting through the richness of the dish and awakening your taste buds with its bright acidity.
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Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle some chocolate chips on top of the pancakes for an extra touch of decadence. They melt beautifully with the warm pancakes, creating delightful pockets of chocolate goodness.
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Honey: Drizzle honey over the cream cheese glaze for an earthy sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the flavor profile of the pancakes.
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Coffee: A rich cup of coffee will complete your breakfast experience, balancing the sweetness of the pancakes with its bold, robust flavors. Enjoy that morning ritual even more!
Red Velvet Pancakes Variations
Customize these delightful Red Velvet Pancakes to suit your palate and dietary needs!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a tasty gluten-free version.
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Dairy-Free: Use almond milk and replace cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative for a lactose-free option that still tastes amazing.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pancake batter for a surprising, delightful heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
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Fruit-Filled: Stir in chopped fresh strawberries or blueberries into the batter before cooking for a fruity twist that adds freshness to each bite.
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Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter to add a pleasing crunch and rich flavor that pairs well with the creaminess of the glaze.
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Decadent Chocolate: Mix in chocolate chips for extra indulgence; they melt and create pockets of gooey chocolate bliss in each pancake.
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Sugar-Free: Use a sugar alternative like erythritol in the batter and glaze for a delicious treat that’s kinder to your blood sugar levels.
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International Flair: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and nutmeg to the batter for a spiced pancake reminiscent of holiday flavors, perfect for a cozy brunch!
Expert Tips for Red Velvet Pancakes
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your buttermilk, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and fluffier pancakes.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense pancakes, which we want to avoid for the perfect Red Velvet Pancakes.
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Preheat the Skillet: Always allow your skillet to preheat for a few minutes before cooking. This helps the pancakes cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden-brown color.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise. Old baking powder can result in flat pancakes, leaving you disappointed!
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Customize Your Glaze: Feel free to add a splash of milk or extra vanilla extract to your cream cheese glaze for a personalized touch. It’s all about making these Red Velvet Pancakes your own!
Make Ahead Options
These Red Velvet Pancakes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time in the mornings! You can prepare the pancake batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent any odors from seeping in. Additionally, you can make the cream cheese glaze and refrigerate it for up to 3 days—just give it a good stir before serving to restore its creamy consistency. When you’re ready to enjoy these vibrant pancakes, simply pour the batter onto a preheated skillet and cook as directed. This way, you’ll have a delicious breakfast ready with minimal effort!
Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Bliss Recipe FAQs
What kind of cocoa powder should I use for Red Velvet Pancakes?
Absolutely! Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best flavor. It provides the right balance of chocolaty richness without adding extra sugar, making it perfect for this delightful pancake recipe.
How long can I store Red Velvet Pancakes in the fridge?
You can keep leftover Red Velvet Pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their fluffiness.
Can I freeze Red Velvet Pancakes?
Very! To freeze, first arrange the pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then place them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until solid. After that, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag for easy storage, where they can last up to 2 months!
How do I reheat frozen pancakes?
To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster until warm, or microwave them for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. If microwaving, add a splash of water to keep them moist. Enjoy these delightful pancakes as if they were freshly made!
Can I use other types of milk instead of buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes to thicken before using it in your pancake batter.
Are there any dietary considerations for these pancakes?
If you have dietary restrictions, feel free to use gluten-free flour to substitute the all-purpose flour. Additionally, check the cream cheese and powdered sugar labels for allergens, especially if you’re concerned about lactose or other sensitivities. Enjoying delicious pancakes that suit your needs is absolutely possible!
Irresistible Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by gathering all necessary ingredients. Make sure your buttermilk, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature for optimal mixing and a smoother batter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until fully blended.
- In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of red food coloring until smooth and well combined.
- Gently pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with dry ingredients. Stir carefully until just combined, avoiding overmixing for fluffy pancakes.
- Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat and allow it to preheat for about 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot skillet for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until cooked through.
- For the Cream Cheese Glaze, beat 4 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until it reaches a pourable consistency.
- Stack the fluffy pancakes on a serving plate and drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top. Add fresh fruit or nuts for an extra touch if desired.