If you’re craving a breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you absolutely have to try these Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze. This recipe combines the classic charm of red velvet flavor—rich cocoa, vibrant red color, and just the right amount of sweetness—with fluffy, tender pancakes that soak up a luscious, tangy cream cheese glaze. It’s a showstopper for weekends, special occasions, or just when you want to turn an ordinary morning into something extra delicious and memorable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delightful Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze, you’ll gather simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, color, and flavor—from the soft cream cheese glaze to the fluffy cocoa-infused pancakes with a hint of buttermilk tang.

Cream cheese: Softened for a creamy, tangy base in the glaze that perfectly balances the sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Used twice, softened for the glaze and melted for the batter, adding rich flavor and moisture.
Whole milk: Blended into the glaze for smoothness and creamy consistency.
Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze to the ideal drizzling texture.
All-purpose flour: The foundation for fluffy pancakes with just the right heft.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds the signature depth and subtle chocolate notes to the red velvet flavor.
Baking powder & baking soda: Leavening agents that ensure the pancakes rise beautifully and stay light.
Sugar: A touch of sweetness in the batter to enrich the flavor.
Salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors perfectly.
Buttermilk: Provides acidity and moisture, helping make the pancakes tender with a subtle tang.
Large egg: Binds the pancake ingredients together while contributing to structure and fluffiness.
Red food coloring: The magic ingredient that delivers the vibrant, eye-catching red hue.

How to Make Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

Start by beating the softened cream cheese and butter with whole milk until they blend into a smooth, creamy mixture. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar in two batches—this prevents lumps and ensures a perfectly silky glaze that’s luscious yet light enough to drizzle over pancakes.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. This mix forms the base for your perfectly balanced pancakes, ensuring every bite has that classic rich red velvet taste and soft texture.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, the egg, melted butter, and red food coloring. This wet mix brings moisture, structure, and that signature deep red color to your pancakes, while buttermilk adds a slight tang and tenderness.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently stir just until combined. It’s important to keep the batter slightly lumpy to prevent overmixing, which could make pancakes tough or dense instead of light and fluffy.

Step 5: Cook the Pancakes

Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and lightly grease it if it’s not nonstick. Using a 1/4 cup measure, pour batter into the pan. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface, then flip and cook the other side until it’s fully set and lightly browned. These pancakes will come out beautifully tender and perfectly red.

Step 6: Serve Immediately with Cream Cheese Glaze

Stack your warm pancakes, then generously drizzle them with the prepared cream cheese glaze. The glaze gently melts over the hot pancakes, creating a dreamy, tangy sweetness that turns every bite into a little moment of pure joy.

How to Serve Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze

Garnishes

To elevate your Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze, consider topping them with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a pop of freshness and color. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or crushed nuts adds wonderful crunch that contrasts with the softness, while a light dusting of additional confectioners’ sugar offers a delicate sugar kiss.

Side Dishes

Pair these pancakes with crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness with a hint of saltiness. A side of fresh fruit salad or a simple green smoothie can lighten up the meal, making it feel like a balanced feast that’s still indulgently fun.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special brunch, consider layering your pancakes in a tall tower drizzled with the cream cheese glaze running down the sides. Serve on a decorative platter with edible flowers or chocolate shavings sprinkled around for a stunning presentation that will impress any guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (though they usually disappear fast!), store pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the cream cheese glaze separate to prevent sogginess and drizzle just before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked pancakes by stacking them between parchment paper and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Freeze the cream cheese glaze separately in a small container.

Reheating

Reheat pancakes in a toaster or on a skillet over low heat until warmed through and slightly crisp on the edges. Gently warm the cream cheese glaze and drizzle over just before serving to replicate that fresh-made experience.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar added to it to create a buttermilk substitute. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using for that tangy moisture which is essential for fluffy pancakes.

What type of cocoa powder is best for these pancakes?

Use unsweetened natural cocoa powder for the best flavor and classic red velvet taste. Dutch-processed cocoa will work too but may slightly alter the acidity and color of the pancakes.

How do I prevent the pancakes from turning brown too fast?

Cook over medium-low heat to allow the pancakes to cook through evenly without burning the exterior. Patience is key for fluffy pancakes with a beautiful red color.

Can I make the cream cheese glaze dairy-free?

You can substitute cream cheese and butter with dairy-free versions, and ensure to use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. The consistency might vary slightly but it will still be delicious.

Is the red food coloring necessary?

The red food coloring gives these pancakes their iconic vibrant color, which is part of the fun and appeal of red velvet. You can omit it, but your pancakes will look more like chocolate pancakes rather than red velvet.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about waking up to a stack of Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze. They’re festive, comforting, and packed with flavor that feels both indulgent and familiar. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a whirl whenever you want to treat yourself or impress friends and family—because a breakfast this wonderful deserves to be shared and savored.