Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Introduction

Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are the kind of breakfast that turns an ordinary morning into something truly extraordinary. Imagine stacking fluffy, vibrant red pancakes with just a hint of cocoa flavor, then drizzling them with luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s like having dessert for breakfast—but in the most elegant way possible! These pancakes are perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, a birthday brunch, or even a cozy weekend morning when you want to treat yourself or someone you love.

What I adore about these pancakes is how they manage to be both decadent and comforting. The rich red velvet flavor brings a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tangy cream cheese frosting. Every bite feels like a little celebration, especially when served with fresh berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that extra touch of flair.

I first made these Red Velvet Pancakes for a Valentine’s Day breakfast, and they were an instant hit. The deep red color and creamy topping felt festive and indulgent, and the best part? They were surprisingly easy to make. Since then, they’ve become my go-to recipe whenever I want to impress at the breakfast table. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a quiet morning at home, these pancakes are sure to make the day feel extra special.

Perfect for:

• Special occasions
• Holiday breakfasts
• Brunch gatherings
• Romantic breakfasts
• Red velvet cake lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting will be your new favorite breakfast treat:

• Rich Red Velvet Flavor: These pancakes have the signature red velvet flavor of mild cocoa and a hint of vanilla, making them irresistibly delicious.
• Light and Fluffy Texture: The pancakes are soft and fluffy, with the perfect balance of moisture and lightness that will have you coming back for more.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: The tangy cream cheese frosting gives these pancakes an extra layer of indulgence, creating a perfect sweet and savory combination.
• Vibrant Color: The deep red color of the pancakes makes them a showstopper on your brunch table, perfect for adding a festive touch.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer extra frosting or a drizzle of maple syrup, you can easily adjust the toppings to suit your taste.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 9g, Carbs: 58g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

To make Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting, you will need:

For the Pancakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• ½ teaspoon white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Buttermilk: The acidity in buttermilk helps activate the baking soda, making the pancakes light and fluffy while also contributing a subtle tangy flavor.
• Red Food Coloring: Gives these pancakes their iconic red velvet color, making them visually stunning and festive.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds a mild chocolate flavor to the pancakes, enhancing the red velvet taste.
• Cream Cheese: Essential for the tangy flavor of the frosting that perfectly complements the sweetness of the pancakes.
• Butter: Both in the pancake batter and frosting, butter adds richness and flavor to these delicious pancakes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting:

Make the Pancake Batter:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until evenly distributed.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar until fully combined.
3. Combine the Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the pancakes tough. The batter should be thick but pourable.
4. Let the Batter Rest: Allow the batter to rest for a few minutes while you heat your griddle or skillet.

Cook the Pancakes:

5. Preheat the Griddle or Pan: Heat a non-stick griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
6. Cook the Pancakes: Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side, or until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side until golden brown.
7. Keep Warm: Transfer the pancakes to a warm plate and cover loosely with aluminum foil while you cook the remaining pancakes.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8. Mix the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, and beat until fully combined.
9. Add Vanilla and Cream: Stir in the vanilla extract and, if needed, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream to achieve your desired consistency. The frosting should be smooth and spreadable.

Assemble the Pancakes:

10. Layer the Pancakes: Stack the pancakes on a serving plate, layering them with a generous spoonful of cream cheese frosting between each pancake.
11. Top with Frosting: Spread the remaining cream cheese frosting over the top of the stack.
12. Garnish: Optionally, garnish with a dusting of cocoa powder, sprinkles, or fresh berries for an added touch of flair.

How to Serve

Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting can be served in a variety of ways to suit your taste:

• With Maple Syrup: Drizzle your pancakes with pure maple syrup for a traditional breakfast touch.
• With Fresh Berries: Top with fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries to balance the richness of the frosting.
• For a Festive Look: Add some colorful sprinkles or edible glitter for a fun, celebratory vibe.
• With Extra Frosting: If you love cream cheese frosting, serve the pancakes with extra frosting on the side for dipping.
• For a Special Occasion: Serve them with a glass of chilled champagne or mimosas for a truly indulgent brunch experience.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect every time:

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can cause the pancakes to become dense. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined for light, fluffy pancakes.
• Adjust the Red Color: Depending on the brand of food coloring, you may need to adjust the amount to get your desired red hue.
• Chill the Frosting: If the cream cheese frosting is too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to help it firm up before frosting the pancakes.
• Make the Pancakes Ahead: You can make the pancakes ahead and refrigerate them. Simply warm them up in the microwave or on a skillet before serving.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened before making the frosting for a smooth consistency.
• Optional Toppings: Try adding a drizzle of chocolate sauce or whipped cream on top of the frosting for an extra indulgent treat.

Recipe Variations

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

• Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Pancakes: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the pancake batter for a sweet surprise in every bite.
• Nutella Red Velvet Pancakes: Spread a thin layer of Nutella between the pancakes before adding the frosting for an extra layer of flavor.
• Coconut Red Velvet Pancakes: Add shredded coconut to the pancake batter for a tropical twist.
• Vegan Red Velvet Pancakes: Replace the egg with a flax egg and use non-dairy milk and vegan butter for a plant-based version.
• Strawberry Red Velvet Pancakes: Serve the pancakes with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of strawberry syrup for a fruity addition.
• Banana Red Velvet Pancakes: Add mashed bananas to the batter for a subtle sweetness and extra moisture.
• Red Velvet Pancake Stacks: Create mini pancake stacks for a cute, bite-sized treat perfect for brunch parties.
• Spiced Red Velvet Pancakes: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the batter for a spiced version.
• Red Velvet Pancake Waffles: Cook the batter in a waffle iron for crispy, waffle-like red velvet pancakes.
• Cream Cheese Stuffed Red Velvet Pancakes: Add a dollop of cream cheese filling in the center of the pancakes for a gooey, indulgent treat.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing Pancakes: Allow the pancakes to cool completely before freezing. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze for 1-2 hours, and then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month.
• Storage: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The cream cheese frosting is best stored separately in the fridge.

Special Equipment

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

• Electric Mixer: An electric mixer helps you quickly make smooth, creamy frosting and perfectly fluffy pancake batter.
• Non-Stick Griddle or Skillet: A non-stick surface ensures your pancakes cook evenly and release easily without sticking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for getting the right balance of ingredients.
• Whisk: Use a whisk to combine the dry ingredients and to mix the wet ingredients for the pancakes.
• Spatula: A heatproof spatula is perfect for flipping the pancakes and spreading the frosting smoothly.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
   Yes, you can use regular milk, but the pancakes might be slightly less tender. Adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to the milk will help mimic the acidity of buttermilk.
2. Can I make the pancakes without food coloring?
   You can omit the food coloring if you prefer, though the pancakes will not have the signature red hue. The flavor will remain the same.
3. Can I make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time?
   Yes, the cream cheese frosting can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let it come to room temperature before spreading on the pancakes.
4. Can I freeze these pancakes?
   Yes, you can freeze the pancakes without the frosting. Once frozen, store them in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or on a skillet when ready to serve.
5. Can I use a different frosting for these pancakes?
   Absolutely! You can use whipped cream, buttercream frosting, or even chocolate ganache as an alternative to cream cheese frosting.

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Conclusion

Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are a decadent way to start your day, combining the velvety richness of red velvet cake with the light, fluffy texture of pancakes. Perfect for special occasions or a luxurious morning treat, these pancakes boast a vibrant color and a flavor profile that’s as indulgent as it is delicious. Topped with a creamy, tangy frosting, they’re guaranteed to turn any breakfast into a memorable event.

This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize the pancakes with your favorite toppings, like fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of maple syrup. The cream cheese frosting adds just the right balance of sweetness and tang, making each bite irresistible. Whether for a holiday brunch or a romantic breakfast in bed, these pancakes will leave everyone raving about your culinary skills.

I can’t wait to see how your Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting turn out! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram to share your creation—I love seeing your delicious dishes. Don’t forget to leave a comment with your thoughts or any fun variations you tried. Happy cooking!