Description

Fluffy Red Velvet Pancakes are a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite, perfect for impressing your Valentine’s brunch guests. These pancakes combine the rich flavor of cocoa and the striking red color from natural food coloring, topped with a smooth cream cheese glaze that adds a luscious finish. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they are sure to wow anyone at your table.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pancakes

1 cup All-Purpose Flour or gluten-free flour blend
2 tablespoons Cocoa Powder, unsweetened Dutch-process recommended
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 tbsp 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
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (optional, for added flavor)

Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt until evenly combined. This ensures your batter will be smooth and well aerated.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg, buttermilk, vanilla extract, melted butter, and red gel food coloring until the mixture is smooth and uniform in color, setting the stage for vibrant pancakes.
Fold Wet into Dry: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined. It’s important not to overmix; a few lumps are okay to keep the pancakes fluffy.
Heat Skillet: Preheat a lightly greased skillet or griddle over medium heat. This moderate temperature allows the pancakes to cook evenly without burning.
Cook Pancakes: Pour approximately 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Watch the surface for bubbles forming and edges setting, then carefully flip each pancake and cook until golden brown on the other side.
Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze: In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract (if using), and milk until the glaze is smooth and pourable. Adjust milk quantity to reach desired consistency.
Serve: Stack the pancakes high on plates, drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze, and optionally garnish with powdered sugar or fresh strawberries for a festive touch.

Notes

Serve with whipped cream for an extra indulgent experience.
Using buttermilk adds tenderness and tang to the pancakes, but milk with vinegar works as a perfect substitute.
For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use coconut oil instead of butter.
Ensure baking powder and baking soda are fresh for best rise and fluffiness.
Natural red food coloring alternatives may affect the taste; gel colors are recommended for vibrancy without altering flavor.
These pancakes are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept warm in a low oven setting (around 200°F) while cooking the remaining batter.
Tried this recipe? Let us know how it was!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Red Velvet Pancakes, Valentine’s Day Breakfast, Cream Cheese Glaze, Fluffy Pancakes, Cocoa Pancakes