Red Velvet Pancakes
Learn how to make Red Velvet Pancakes for an extra special morning treat! These delightful pancakes are perfect for celebrating occasions like Valentine’s Day or simply enjoying a cozy breakfast at home. With their rich red color and fluffy texture, these pancakes stand out on any brunch table. Topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting, they offer a unique twist on traditional pancakes that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor – The combination of cocoa and vanilla creates a rich taste that elevates your pancake experience.
- Visually Stunning – The vibrant red color makes these pancakes perfect for special occasions, adding excitement to your breakfast.
- Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this recipe in no time.
- Perfect for Sharing – This recipe yields 12 servings, making it ideal for family gatherings or brunch parties.
- Customizable Toppings – Whether you prefer syrup, fruit, or extra cream cheese frosting, you can tailor the toppings to your liking.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the delicious world of Red Velvet Pancakes, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Non-stick skillet or griddle
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls – Having various sizes allows you to blend ingredients without mess.
- Whisk – Essential for mixing the batter smoothly, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Non-stick skillet or griddle – Prevents sticking and ensures perfectly cooked pancakes every time.
Ingredients
For the Pancake Batter
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons red food coloring
- 4 Tablespoons butter (melted)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 Tablespoon whole milk
How to Make Red Velvet Pancakes
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until well mixed.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the eggs, whole milk, buttermilk, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring. Whisk until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix. Fold in melted butter carefully.
Step 4: Heat the Skillet
Preheat your non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface (about 2–3 minutes), then flip and cook for another 2 minutes until golden brown.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Stack your pancakes on a plate and generously top with cream cheese frosting. Add any additional toppings you desire before serving warm. Enjoy your delicious Red Velvet Pancakes!
How to Serve Red Velvet Pancakes
Red Velvet Pancakes make for a delightful breakfast that can be dressed up in many ways. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to indulge on a weekend morning, these pancakes are sure to impress.
With Cream Cheese Frosting
- Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top for the perfect sweet and tangy flavor combination.
Topped with Fresh Berries
- Add strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavors of the pancakes.
Drizzled with Maple Syrup
- A classic choice! Pour warm maple syrup over the pancakes for an irresistible sweetness.
Garnished with Whipped Cream
- Top your pancakes with fluffy whipped cream to enhance their richness and add an airy texture.
Served with Sliced Bananas
- Lay sliced bananas on top for added sweetness and a nice contrast in flavor and texture.

How to Perfect Red Velvet Pancakes
Making Red Velvet Pancakes is easy, but here are some tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.
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Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are fresh for the best rise and flavor.
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Don’t overmix: Mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough pancakes.
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Preheat your griddle: Make sure your griddle or pan is hot before pouring in the batter; this helps create a nice golden crust.
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Adjust heat as needed: If your pancakes brown too quickly, lower the heat to allow them to cook through without burning.
Best Side Dishes for Red Velvet Pancakes
Pairing side dishes with your Red Velvet Pancakes can elevate your breakfast experience. Here are some great options:
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Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of bacon contrasts nicely with the sweet pancakes.
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Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs add protein and balance out the meal’s sweetness.
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Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings freshness and color to your plate.
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Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns add texture and heartiness, making your breakfast more filling.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruits provides a light yet satisfying side dish.
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Sausage Links: Savory sausage links pair well with the sweet flavors of red velvet pancakes for a classic breakfast combo.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Red Velvet Pancakes can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes that can ruin your breakfast. Here’s how to avoid them.
- Incorrect Measurements: Using too much or too little of an ingredient can change the texture and flavor. Always use precise measurements for the best results.
- Not Sifting Dry Ingredients: This step is crucial for fluffy pancakes. Sift flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder together to avoid lumps.
- Skipping the Resting Time: Allowing the batter to rest helps the pancakes become light and airy. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before cooking.
- Cooking on Too High Heat: Cooking at high temperatures can burn the pancakes outside while leaving them raw inside. Use medium heat for even cooking.
- Forgetting to Grease the Pan: Even if you’re using a non-stick pan, a little grease helps prevent sticking. Lightly butter or oil your pan before pouring in the batter.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Red Velvet Pancakes in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Red Velvet Pancakes
- Place pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last up to 2 months.
Reheating Red Velvet Pancakes
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm pancakes on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat each pancake for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes on each side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Red Velvet Pancakes.
Can I make Red Velvet Pancakes without buttermilk?
Yes! You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice to create a similar tangy flavor.
What can I use instead of red food coloring?
You can use beet juice as a natural alternative for red food coloring if you prefer not to use artificial dyes.
How do I make my Red Velvet Pancakes fluffier?
Ensure you sift your dry ingredients and allow your batter to rest before cooking. This will help create lighter pancakes.
Can I freeze leftover Red Velvet Pancakes?
Absolutely! They freeze well and can be reheated later without losing their flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
These Red Velvet Pancakes are not just perfect for special occasions; they’re versatile enough for any morning craving! Feel free to customize them with toppings like berries or nuts. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious breakfast that everyone will love!
Red Velvet Pancakes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 12 pancakes 1x
Description
Red Velvet Pancakes are the ultimate breakfast treat, combining the festive flavors of chocolate and vanilla with a vibrant red hue. Perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or a cozy weekend brunch, these fluffy pancakes are topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that adds a delightful tang. Easy to make and customizable with your favorite toppings, these pancakes will impress anyone at your table. Whether it’s for a romantic breakfast or a fun family gathering, Red Velvet Pancakes bring joy and flavor to every bite.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons red food coloring
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix eggs, whole milk, buttermilk, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients gently; fold in melted butter without overmixing.
- Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it.
- Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake; cook until bubbles form (about 2–3 minutes). Flip and cook until golden brown (about another 2 minutes).
- For the cream cheese frosting, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Serve pancakes warm topped with cream cheese frosting and your choice of additional toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg






