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Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 145 reviews
  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings (2 pancakes per serving)
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Delight in these fluffy and vibrant Red Velvet Pancakes, made with a rich cocoa-infused batter and topped with a creamy homemade cream cheese glaze. Perfect for a special breakfast or an indulgent dessert, these pancakes combine classic red velvet flavors with a light, tender texture.


Ingredients

Scale

Batter

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 cups buttermilk (use up to 2.5 cups for thinner pancakes)
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus extra for cooking, or use cooking spray)
  • 2 eggs
  • 2-3 teaspoons liquid red food coloring (or as needed to make a red batter)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Glaze

  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 3-4 tablespoons milk (any kind)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup powdered sugar (confectioner's sugar)


Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients, from the flour to the sea salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Combine wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until well combined. Adjust the food coloring to achieve a light red hue rather than pink.
  3. Combine batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Whisk gently until just combined and no large lumps remain. Avoid overmixing to keep pancakes tender.
  4. Cook pancakes: Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Lightly oil the skillet with vegetable oil or cooking spray. Pour about a scant ¼ cup of batter for each pancake. Cook for approximately 2 minutes until small bubbles form on top. Flip and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until fully cooked. Keep cooked pancakes warm and repeat with remaining batter.
  5. Prepare cream cheese glaze: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine cream cheese, milk, and vanilla extract. Microwave for 30-45 seconds until cream cheese softens. Stir in powdered sugar until smooth and lump-free. If necessary, microwave an additional 15-30 seconds to fully melt the cream cheese. The glaze will thicken as it cools; reheat or add a tablespoon of milk to thin before serving.
  6. Serve: Plate the warm pancakes and drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Adjust buttermilk quantity to control pancake thickness—use up to 2.5 cups for thinner pancakes.
  • Use liquid red food coloring incrementally to achieve the perfect red velvet shade without overpowering pink tones.
  • The cream cheese glaze thickens as it cools; reheat gently or thin with milk as needed before serving.
  • For extra indulgence, top with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
  • These pancakes can be kept warm in a low oven (200°F/95°C) while cooking the rest of the batter.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 pancakes
  • Calories: 229 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 249 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 56 mg