Introduction
Red Velvet Pancakes are the perfect way to start your day with a festive, indulgent twist on a classic breakfast favorite. These rich, fluffy pancakes are infused with the signature red velvet flavor, combining a slight cocoa taste with a hint of vanilla and buttermilk. Topped with a decadent cream cheese glaze, these pancakes offer a delightful balance of tangy sweetness and richness. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, treating yourself to a fun brunch, or simply enjoying a cozy morning, Red Velvet Pancakes will bring joy to any breakfast table.
I remember the first time I made these for a holiday brunch with friends. The vibrant red color and the sweet, creamy glaze made them the centerpiece of the meal, and everyone couldn’t stop talking about how delicious they were. What’s great about Red Velvet Pancakes is how versatile they are—you can top them with fresh berries, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
These pancakes are surprisingly easy to make, too. With just a few simple ingredients and a skillet or griddle, you can whip up a batch of fluffy red velvet pancakes in no time. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a brunch or treat yourself to something special, these pancakes are sure to be a hit!
Perfect for:
- Valentine’s Day
- Special brunches
- Holiday breakfasts
- Red velvet lovers
- A festive breakfast treat
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why Red Velvet Pancakes will become a breakfast favorite:
- Delicious Red Velvet Flavor: The cocoa and buttermilk provide that signature red velvet taste, making these pancakes extra special.
- Fluffy Texture: These pancakes are light, fluffy, and melt in your mouth, making them a perfect morning treat.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: The tangy and sweet cream cheese glaze complements the rich flavor of the pancakes beautifully.
- Perfect for Celebrations: The vibrant red color makes these pancakes an eye-catching dish for holidays or special occasions.
- Customizable: Add extra toppings like berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar to elevate the dish.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 15g
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your Red Velvet Pancakes:
For the Pancakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ 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
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredient Highlights
- Red Food Coloring: Adds the iconic red hue to the pancakes, giving them that signature look.
- Buttermilk: Ensures that the pancakes are fluffy, soft, and tender.
- Cream Cheese: The base for the rich, tangy glaze that perfectly complements the sweetness of the pancakes.
- Cocoa Powder: Provides a hint of chocolate flavor that balances the sweetness of the dish.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the pancake batter.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make Red Velvet Pancakes:
Prepare the Pancake Batter:
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until well combined.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy.
Cook the Pancakes:
- Heat the Griddle or Skillet: Preheat a non-stick griddle or skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil.
- Cook the Pancakes: Pour about ¼ cup of pancake batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the pancakes and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Keep Warm: Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep warm while you cook the remaining pancakes.
Make the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.
Serve and Garnish:
- Assemble the Pancakes: Stack the pancakes on a serving plate, layering them with the cream cheese glaze between each stack.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle the remaining glaze over the top of the stacked pancakes. Optionally, garnish with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Serve
- With Fresh Berries: Top with raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for a fruity contrast.
- With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- For Special Occasions: Perfect for a Valentine’s Day breakfast or any celebratory brunch.
- With a Hot Beverage: Pair with coffee, milk, or a hot chocolate for a cozy breakfast treat.
Additional Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture and smooth batter.
- Adjust the amount of food coloring to achieve your desired shade of red.
- Don’t overmix the pancake batter, as this can result in tough pancakes.
- Make sure your griddle or skillet is well-heated for even cooking.
Recipe Variations
- Red Velvet Pancakes with Chocolate Chips
- Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Red Velvet Pancakes with Nutella Drizzle
- Vegan Red Velvet Pancakes
- Red Velvet Pancakes with Maple Syrup
- Red Velvet Pancakes with Banana Slices
- Mini Red Velvet Pancakes
- Red Velvet Pancakes with Coconut Whipped Cream
- Red Velvet Pancakes with Peanuts or Pecans
- Gluten-Free Red Velvet Pancakes
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: Freeze individual pancakes by placing parchment paper between them. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the microwave or toaster oven.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Special Equipment
- Non-stick griddle or skillet
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl for the glaze
FAQ Section
- Can I make the pancakes ahead of time? Yes, refrigerate the pancakes and reheat them when ready to serve.
- Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk? Yes, but buttermilk gives the pancakes their signature texture and tang.
- Can I use a different glaze? Yes, you can use regular maple syrup or a whipped cream topping instead of the cream cheese glaze.
- Can I make the pancakes gluten-free? Yes, simply use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
- Can I freeze the pancakes? Yes, freeze them individually and reheat when needed.
Conclusion
Indulge in the rich, decadent flavor of Red Velvet Pancakes, with their soft, fluffy texture and creamy glaze that elevates every bite. The vibrant red color and subtle cocoa flavor create a breakfast that feels like a celebration, whether it’s for a special occasion or just a treat to brighten your day.
These pancakes are a delightful way to start your morning or enjoy a sweet brunch, and they’re easy to make yet impressive enough to wow your guests. Topped with a velvety glaze, they’re the perfect combination of indulgence and comfort.
I’d love to see how your Red Velvet Pancakes turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Enjoy every fluffy, creamy bite!