Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe
Introduction
Red Velvet Pancakes are a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite, with a rich cocoa flavor and vibrant red color that make them perfect for special occasions or a cozy weekend treat. Topped with a smooth cream cheese glaze, these pancakes are both indulgent and easy to make.

Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp melted butter (plus extra for greasing)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tbsp red food coloring
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 3 tbsp butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, whole milk, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix until smooth.
- Step 3: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Do not overmix; lumps are fine. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the glaze.
- Step 4: For the cream cheese glaze, beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until fluffy using a hand mixer or whisk.
- Step 5: Add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Mix until smooth, adjusting with more milk if needed. Set aside.
- Step 6: Heat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter.
- Step 7: Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake. If the batter is thick, gently spread it with the back of your measuring cup.
- Step 8: Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fluffy and cooked through.
- Step 9: Stack pancakes on a plate, spreading a layer of cream cheese glaze between each if desired. Drizzle more glaze on top.
- Step 10: Garnish with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or heart-shaped sprinkles for a festive look.
Tips & Variations
- Use buttermilk for a tender, fluffy texture and slightly tangy flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute plant-based milk and vegan cream cheese.
- If you don’t have red food coloring, try using beet juice for a natural alternative.
- Adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter can enhance the chocolate flavor.
Storage
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a toaster or microwave until warm. Keep the cream cheese glaze separate and add fresh before serving for best texture and flavor.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to use the batter fresh to maintain fluffiness. However, you can prepare it up to 1 hour in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Allow the batter to come to room temperature before cooking.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken before using in the recipe.
PrintRed Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe
Delight in these fluffy, rich Red Velvet Pancakes featuring a hint of cocoa and vibrant red food coloring. Perfectly paired with a luscious cream cheese glaze, these pancakes make for an indulgent breakfast or brunch treat that’s both visually stunning and deliciously moist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 pancakes 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pancakes
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp melted butter (plus extra for greasing)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tbsp red food coloring
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 3 tbsp butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix the Pancake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar to evenly combine the dry ingredients.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk, whole milk, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until smooth and well blended.
- Fold Wet into Dry: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix; lumps are fine. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes to develop texture.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze: Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat the cream cheese and softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more milk if necessary. Set aside.
- Heat Skillet and Grease: Warm a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pancakes: Spoon about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the hot griddle. If batter is thick, gently spread the batter with the back of your measuring cup. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook the other side until pancakes are fluffy and cooked through.
- Assemble Pancakes: Stack pancakes on a plate, spreading a layer of cream cheese glaze between each pancake if desired for luscious flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle additional cream cheese glaze over the top and garnish with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or heart-shaped sprinkles for a festive presentation.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure tender pancakes.
- Adjust glaze consistency with more milk for easier spreading.
- Use a non-stick skillet or well-greased griddle to prevent sticking.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Fresh berries or sprinkles add a decorative and tasty touch.
Keywords: Red Velvet Pancakes, Cream Cheese Glaze, Breakfast, Brunch, Sweet Pancakes, Cocoa Pancakes, Festive Pancakes

