Dessert

Fluffy Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

BySarah Summers February 23, 2026February 23, 2026

Introduction

Fluffy Red Velvet Pancakes are a delightful way to impress your Valentine or treat yourself to a special brunch. This recipe combines the rich flavor of cocoa with a vibrant red color and a luscious cream cheese glaze. Perfectly soft and flavorful, these pancakes will make your morning extra memorable.

A stack of six red pancakes sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The pancakes alternate in colors, mostly deep red with one slightly browned layer visible near the middle, showing a soft and fluffy texture. Thick white cream sauce drips down the sides from the top, pooling slightly at the base and between some of the layers. Fresh red raspberries and cherries are scattered on top and around the plate, dusted lightly with powdered sugar. A gold fork rests on the edge of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup All-Purpose Flour or gluten-free flour blend
2 tablespoons Unsweetened Dutch-process Cocoa Powder
2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar or brown sugar for moisture
1 teaspoon Baking Powder (ensure fresh)
1 teaspoon Baking Soda (ensure fresh)
1/2 teaspoon Salt (no substitutions)
1 cup Buttermilk or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar
1 large Egg (no substitutes without altering texture)
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure recommended)
2 tablespoons Melted Butter or coconut oil for vegan option
1 tablespoon Red Gel Food Coloring (natural alternatives alter taste)

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

4 oz Cream Cheese, softened
1 cup Powdered Sugar or granulated sugar
2 tablespoons Extra Milk to adjust glaze consistency

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt until well blended.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix the egg, buttermilk, vanilla extract, melted butter, and red food coloring until smooth and uniform.
Step 3: Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined; some lumps are fine to keep the pancakes tender.
Step 4: Preheat a greased skillet over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown on both sides.
Step 5: For the glaze, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and enough milk to reach a smooth, drizzling consistency.
Step 6: Stack the pancakes, drizzle with cream cheese glaze, and garnish with powdered sugar or fresh strawberries if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use buttermilk for the best tenderness; if unavailable, milk with vinegar works well to mimic acidity.
For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax or chia egg and use coconut oil instead of butter.
Adjust the red gel food coloring amount for a deeper or lighter hue without affecting taste.
Serve with whipped cream or fresh berries for added indulgence.

Storage

Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a toaster or microwave to retain fluffiness. Keep the cream cheese glaze separate and add it just before serving to preserve its texture.

How to Serve

A stack of six red pancakes, each layer thick and fluffy with a slightly browned surface on the odd layers, arranged on a white plate. Between the pancake layers, there is a thin drizzle of white creamy sauce. On top of the stack, a generous layer of white cream sauce flows over the edges in thick drips. Fresh whole raspberries and cherries cover the top, dusted lightly with powdered sugar. More raspberries are scattered around the plate, which rests on a white marbled textured surface, with a gold fork placed on the right side beside the stack. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Cook the pancakes fresh in the morning for the best texture and flavor.

What can I substitute for red gel food coloring?

You can try natural alternatives such as beet juice or powder, but they may slightly alter the flavor and color intensity. Gel food coloring is recommended for the best vibrant red without changing taste.