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Fluffy Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze for a Romantic Brunch Recipe

4.4 from 52 reviews

Fluffy Red Velvet Pancakes are a delightful twist on classic pancakes, perfect for a special Valentine’s brunch. These rich and tender cocoa-infused pancakes have a vibrant red color, complemented by a smooth cream cheese glaze that adds a sweet and tangy finish. Easy to prepare and wonderfully indulgent, these pancakes will impress your loved ones and brighten up any breakfast table.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pancakes

  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour or gluten-free flour blend
  • 2 tablespoons Cocoa Powder (unsweetened Dutch-process recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar or brown sugar for moisture
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (ensure fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (ensure fresh)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt (no substitutions)
  • 1 cup Buttermilk or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar
  • 1 large Egg (no substitutes without altering texture)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons Melted Butter or coconut oil for vegan
  • 1 tablespoon Red Gel Food Coloring (natural alternatives alter taste)

For the Cream Cheese Glaze

  • 4 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar or granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Milk to adjust glaze consistency
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (optional, to enhance flavor)

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt until they are well combined and uniform in texture.
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the egg, buttermilk, vanilla extract, melted butter, and red gel food coloring until the mixture is smooth and evenly colored.
  3. Blend Batter: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined. It’s important to leave a few lumps in the batter to maintain fluffiness; do not overmix.
  4. Preheat Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
  5. Cook Pancakes: Pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges begin to set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until golden brown, approximately 1-2 more minutes.
  6. Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract (if using), and enough milk to reach a smooth, drizzleable consistency.
  7. Serve: Stack the pancakes high on plates, drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze, and garnish with optional toppings such as powdered sugar, fresh strawberries, or whipped cream.

Notes

  • Serve with whipped cream for an extra indulgent experience.
  • Use fresh baking powder and baking soda to ensure maximum rise and fluffiness.
  • For a vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
  • If natural red coloring is preferred, beet juice powder can be used but may slightly alter flavor.
  • Try adding fresh strawberries or raspberries on top for a fruity twist.
  • Let the batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking to improve texture.

Keywords: red velvet pancakes, Valentine’s brunch, cream cheese glaze, fluffy pancakes, breakfast recipe, cocoa pancakes, easy pancake recipe