Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze

Introduction

Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze are the ultimate decadent breakfast treat that combines the richness of red velvet cake with the comfort of fluffy pancakes. These vibrant, cocoa-infused pancakes are a showstopper, with their signature deep red color and sweet, indulgent flavor. Topped with a smooth and creamy cream cheese glaze, they’re the perfect way to make any occasion feel extra special, whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or a cozy brunch gathering.

The first time I made these, I was amazed at how easily the red velvet flavors translated into pancake form. Pouring the batter onto the griddle and watching them puff up into beautiful, golden rounds was like a mini celebration in itself. When the cream cheese glaze was drizzled on top, the pancakes became an irresistible treat that no one could resist.

What I love most about Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze is how versatile they are. They’re perfect for a show-stopping breakfast or brunch, but they can also be enjoyed as a sweet dessert. For a little extra elegance, top them with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts for a bit of crunch. These pancakes are an indulgent, colorful treat that will make any meal feel like a celebration.

Perfect for:

Special occasions
Brunch or breakfast gatherings
Valentine’s Day
Birthday celebrations
Dessert-style breakfast

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze will become your new favorite indulgence:

Rich, Decadent Flavor: The combination of cocoa and buttermilk creates a flavorful pancake with the iconic taste of red velvet cake.
Cream Cheese Glaze: The tangy, sweet cream cheese glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, making every bite irresistible.
Visually Stunning: The vibrant red color of the pancakes makes them a show-stopper at any brunch table.
Fluffy Texture: These pancakes are light and fluffy with the perfect amount of moisture.
Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or romantic breakfast, these pancakes make any day feel extra special.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbs: 55g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze:

For the Pancakes:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring (or more for a deeper color)

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)

Ingredient Highlights

Buttermilk: Adds tang and helps create a tender, moist pancake.
Cocoa Powder: Infuses the pancakes with a subtle chocolate flavor, making them taste like red velvet cake.
Red Food Coloring: Gives the pancakes their signature red hue.
Cream Cheese: The creamy, tangy glaze complements the sweetness of the pancakes and enhances the red velvet flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to both the pancakes and the glaze.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Pancake Batter:

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

Cook the Pancakes:

Heat the Pan: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
Cook the Pancakes: Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter.

Make the Cream Cheese Glaze:

Blend the Glaze: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
Add Milk: Gradually add 2-3 tablespoons of milk until you reach a drizzle-able consistency.

Serve the Pancakes:

Assemble the Pancakes: Stack the pancakes on plates and drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze.
Garnish and Serve: Serve with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or chopped nuts if desired.

How to Serve

Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze are perfect for serving in a variety of ways:

Classic Stack: Serve in a tall stack with the cream cheese glaze poured on top.
With Fresh Fruit: Add fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, for a burst of freshness.
With Powdered Sugar: Dust the pancakes with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
For Special Occasions: Serve these pancakes as the centerpiece of a festive brunch table or for a romantic breakfast.
As a Dessert: These pancakes can also serve as a decadent dessert when topped with whipped cream or ice cream.

Additional Tips

Adjust Red Coloring: Add more food coloring if you want a deeper red color in the pancakes.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can make the pancakes tough, so stir until just combined.
Cook on Medium Heat: Make sure the heat is medium to prevent burning while ensuring the pancakes cook through.
Make Ahead Tip: You can prepare the pancake batter the night before and store it in the fridge for a quick breakfast the next day.
Consistency of Glaze: Adjust the thickness of the cream cheese glaze by adding more or less milk until you achieve your desired consistency.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try for Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze:

Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Pancakes: Add chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
Cinnamon Red Velvet Pancakes: Sprinkle cinnamon into the pancake batter for a warm, spicy flavor.
Carrot Cake Red Velvet Pancakes: Mix grated carrots and walnuts into the batter for a carrot cake-inspired version.
Maple Red Velvet Pancakes: Swap the cream cheese glaze for a rich maple syrup drizzle.
Nutella Red Velvet Pancakes: Spread a layer of Nutella between the pancakes for extra indulgence.
Lemon Red Velvet Pancakes: Add a squeeze of lemon juice and lemon zest for a fresh citrus twist.
Peanut Butter Red Velvet Pancakes: Serve with a peanut butter drizzle for a savory-sweet flavor combo.
Red Velvet Pancakes with Strawberries: Top with fresh strawberry slices and a dollop of whipped cream.
Red Velvet Pancakes with Brown Sugar Butter: Mix brown sugar into softened butter for a sweet, caramelized topping.
Vegan Red Velvet Pancakes: Use a flax egg and plant-based milk and butter for a vegan-friendly version.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: Freeze leftover pancakes by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the toaster or microwave.
Storage: Store leftover pancakes in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the cream cheese glaze separately and refrigerate. Reheat pancakes in the microwave or on a skillet, and drizzle with glaze before serving.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze easier:

Griddle or Non-stick Skillet
Whisk and Mixing Bowls
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Hand Mixer (for the cream cheese glaze)
Ladle or Measuring Cup for Pouring Batter

FAQ

Can I make these pancakes without food coloring? Yes, you can omit the food coloring, and the pancakes will still taste delicious, though they won’t have the classic red hue.
Can I make the cream cheese glaze in advance? Yes, you can prepare the glaze ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Warm it slightly before serving.
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk? If you don’t have buttermilk, use 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.
How do I prevent the pancakes from sticking? Make sure the pan is properly greased and preheated before cooking the pancakes.
Can I make these pancakes gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these pancakes gluten-free.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze are an indulgent and visually stunning breakfast that’s perfect for any special occasion. The rich red velvet flavor, combined with the tangy sweetness of the cream cheese glaze, makes these pancakes an unforgettable treat. Whether it’s for a holiday brunch, a birthday breakfast, or just to brighten your morning, these pancakes are sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds.

Fluffy and decadent, each bite offers the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, while the cream cheese glaze adds a creamy, luscious touch. Serve them with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or fresh berries for an extra burst of flavor and color.

I can’t wait to see how you bring these Red Velvet Pancakes to life! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your twist on this delightful dish. Don’t forget to share your secret tips or variations in the comments. Happy cooking!