Red Velvet Pancakes Recipe

The Perfect Red Velvet Pancakes Recipe for Sweet Morning Bliss

Red velvet pancakes tantalize taste buds with their luxurious crimson hue and velvety smooth texture.

These decadent breakfast delights redefine ordinary morning meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Soft, fluffy, and rich with cocoa undertones, these pancakes bring glamorous charm to your plate.

Subtle hints of chocolate dance beneath a vibrant red surface, creating an irresistible visual and flavor profile.

The classic dessert-inspired breakfast treat offers a playful twist on traditional pancake recipes.

Delicate and indulgent, red velvet pancakes elevate morning dining from routine to remarkable.

Get ready to impress family and friends with this show-stopping breakfast sensation.

Reasons Everyone’s Talking About Red Velvet Pancakes

  • Whip Up Vibrant Color: These red velvet pancakes bring a stunning crimson hue that transforms an ordinary breakfast into a visual feast, creating an Instagram-worthy morning treat that pops with rich, deep red tones.
  • Indulge in Decadent Texture: Combining the softness of fluffy pancakes with the luxurious cream cheese frosting creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that balances light, airy batter with creamy, rich topping.
  • Elevate Breakfast with Bakery-Style Elegance: This recipe takes classic pancakes to gourmet levels, merging the beloved flavors of red velvet cake with a breakfast classic, making everyday mornings feel like a special occasion without complicated techniques.

Ingredients Needed for Red Velvet Pancakes

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Soft, fine flour that creates the pancake's base structure and provides essential texture.
  • Cocoa Powder: Rich chocolate flavor that gives red velvet its distinctive taste and dark undertone.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning during cooking.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help pancakes rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Buttermilk: Tangy dairy product that tenderizes pancakes and adds subtle richness.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure to the pancake batter.
  • Melted Butter: Adds richness and contributes to a smooth, tender texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Introduces a warm, sweet background flavor.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Red Food Coloring: Creates the classic vibrant red color characteristic of red velvet.
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth, creamy base for the frosting with a tangy flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds lightness and helps create a fluffy frosting texture.
  • Fresh Berries: Optional garnish that adds color and freshness.
  • Chocolate Chips: Optional topping for extra sweetness and texture.
  • Powdered Sugar (Garnish): Light dusting for additional sweetness and presentation.

Instructions for Making Red Velvet Pancakes at Home

Step 1: Mix Wet Ingredients

Create a small well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add:
  • Buttermilk
  • Egg
  • Melted butter
  • Vanilla extract

Stir gently until the batter becomes smooth and free of lumps. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of buttermilk to reach the right consistency.

Step 2: Add Vibrant Color

Carefully pour red food coloring into the batter. Stir gently to create a rich, deep red color throughout the mixture.

Step 3: Prepare Cooking Surface

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Lightly grease the surface with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter.

Step 4: Cook Pancakes

Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the heated surface for each pancake. Cook until small bubbles form on the top and edges look slightly dry (about 3-4 minutes). Carefully flip the pancake and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

Step 5: Create Cream Cheese Frosting

In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until completely smooth. Gradually add:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Heavy whipping cream
  • Vanilla extract

Whip until the frosting becomes light and fluffy with soft peaks.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Stack the red velvet pancakes on a plate. Top with a generous dollop of cream cheese frosting. For extra flair, sprinkle with:
  • Fresh berries
  • Chocolate chips
  • Powdered sugar

Smart Tips for Fluffy Red Velvet Pancakes

  • Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour, cocoa powder, and other dry ingredients to ensure consistent pancake texture and flavor.
  • Gentle Mixing Technique: Stir batter minimally to prevent gluten development, which can make pancakes tough and dense.
  • Color Control: Add food coloring gradually, mixing thoroughly to achieve a vibrant red without altering batter consistency.
  • Heat Management: Maintain low-medium heat to prevent burning and ensure even cooking, allowing pancakes to develop a golden-brown exterior.
  • Frosting Finesse: Bring cream cheese to room temperature before beating to create a smoother, lump-free cream cheese frosting.

Red Velvet Pancakes: Storing and Reheating Made Simple

  • Refrigerate: Place cooled pancakes in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual pancakes in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring no air pockets remain.
  • Reheat: Warm pancakes in a toaster, microwave, or preheated oven at 350°F for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Add fresh cream cheese frosting before serving to restore original deliciousness.

Best Pairings to Serve with Red Velvet Pancakes

  • Brew a Smooth Cappuccino Companion: Pair these rich red velvet pancakes with a creamy cappuccino to complement the dessert-like sweetness and balance the decadent cream cheese frosting.
  • Sip Tangy Berry Mimosa: Create a refreshing morning cocktail with champagne and mixed berry juice that cuts through the pancakes' richness while echoing the berry garnish.
  • Match with Chocolate-Infused Coffee: Elevate the breakfast experience by serving a dark roast coffee with subtle chocolate notes that will enhance the cocoa undertones in the pancakes.
  • Enjoy Fresh Berry Smoothie: Prepare a cool, light strawberry or mixed berry smoothie that provides a bright, fruity contrast to the dense, velvety pancakes and helps cleanse the palate.

Creative Variations of Red Velvet Pancakes to Try

  • Berry Blast Pancakes: Fold fresh raspberries or blueberries directly into the batter before cooking. The bursts of fruit will complement the rich red velvet flavor and add natural sweetness.
  • Chocolate Chip Dream: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the pancake batter for extra indulgence. The melted chocolate will create delightful pockets of richness throughout each pancake.
  • Nutty Crunch Edition: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for a satisfying crunch. Toast the nuts beforehand to enhance their flavor and add a warm, toasty undertone to the pancakes.
  • Coconut Cream Remix: Replace half the buttermilk with coconut milk and garnish with toasted coconut flakes. This variation will introduce a tropical hint to the classic red velvet profile.
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Red Velvet Pancakes Recipe

Red Velvet Pancakes Recipe


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4.7 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Red velvet pancakes deliver a luxurious breakfast experience with Southern charm. Classic buttermilk batter swirled with cocoa and crimson coloring creates irresistible morning magic you will savor with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (10 ounces / 283 grams) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (2 ounces / 57 grams) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (470 milliliters / 16 fluid ounces) buttermilk
  • ¼ cup (2 ounces / 57 grams) butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 12 teaspoons red food coloring

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

  • 6 ounces (170 grams) cream cheese
  • ¾ cup (3 ounces / 85 grams) powdered sugar
  • ¾ cup (180 milliliters / 6 fluid ounces) heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Craft a vibrant flour mixture by combining dry ingredients: cocoa-infused flour, granulated sweetener, leavening agents, and a pinch of salt in a spacious mixing vessel.
  2. Excavate a central cavity in the dry ingredients, then pour in liquid components: cultured dairy, farm-fresh egg, melted dairy fat, and aromatic extract.
  3. Whisk the mixture methodically until a silky, uniform batter emerges, adjusting liquid volumes for optimal consistency.
  4. Introduce crimson food coloring, stirring gently to distribute a rich, scarlet hue throughout the batter.
  5. Warm a non-stick cooking surface over gentle heat, lightly anointing with cooking lubricant.
  6. Ladle batter onto the heated surface, allowing circular pancakes to form with gentle spreading.
  7. Monitor the cooking surface, waiting for characteristic bubbles to populate the pancake’s surface.
  8. Carefully flip each pancake, revealing a golden-kissed underside, and continue cooking until fully set.
  9. Repeat the cooking process, managing heat to prevent scorching and ensuring uniform preparation.
  10. Prepare the decadent topping by whipping cream cheese until velvety and smooth.
  11. Gradually fold in powdered sweetener, creating a luxurious, cloud-like frosting.
  12. Incorporate heavy cream and vanilla, beating until the mixture achieves a light, airy texture.
  13. Plate the ruby-hued pancakes, crowning them with a lavish swirl of cream cheese frosting.
  14. Embellish with a sprinkle of fresh berries, chocolate morsels, and a delicate dusting of powdered sugar for a final flourish.

Notes

  • Vibrant Color Tip: Use gel food coloring for more intense red hues without thinning the batter, ensuring rich, deep color without compromising pancake texture.
  • Batter Consistency Trick: The ideal pancake batter should flow slowly from a spoon, not too runny or thick, creating perfectly tender pancakes.
  • Non-Stick Surface Secret: Preheat the pan on low-medium heat to prevent burning and achieve even, golden-brown pancake surfaces.
  • Cream Cheese Frosting Hack: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smoother, lump-free frosting that spreads easily.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare pancake batter and refrigerate overnight to develop deeper flavors and save morning preparation time.
  • Serving Suggestion: For extra indulgence, warm the cream cheese frosting slightly to create a luxurious, drizzle-like topping that melts beautifully over hot pancakes.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 65 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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