If you’re looking to turn a cozy breakfast into something unforgettable, Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are the answer. Imagine fluffy, cocoa-kissed pancakes awash in a gorgeous blush of red, stacked high and finished with a dreamy swirl of tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting. This vibrant twist on a classic is rich in flavor, utterly decadent, and guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s morning. Whether you’re serving up a Valentine’s brunch or simply treating yourself on a slow Sunday, these pancakes deliver pure joy, bite after bite.

Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s start with the good stuff: these ingredients are straightforward, yet they each play a starring role in the taste, color, and texture of Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting. Make sure you use the best quality you can find for truly crave-worthy results!

All-purpose flour: This pantry staple forms the base of your pancakes, giving them that signature fluffiness with each bite.

Granulated sugar: A bit of sweetness to balance the rich cocoa flavor and enhance the pancake experience.
Cocoa powder: Brings the subtle chocolate notes that are essential to authentic red velvet magic.

Baking powder: Helps your pancakes rise tall, light, and tender every time.
Salt: Just a pinch amplifies all the other flavors, making each ingredient sing.

Eggs: The secret to structure and richness, giving your pancakes a lovely softness inside.
Whole milk: Adds moisture and a creamy base for the batter; paired with buttermilk, it makes the texture unbeatable.
Buttermilk: Classic in both pancakes and red velvet cakes, this brings a gentle tang and helps create a tender crumb.

Pure vanilla extract: A splash infuses each bite with warm, cozy undertones—don’t skip it!
White vinegar: This small-but-mighty ingredient reacts with baking powder for extra fluff, and boosts the signature red hue.
Red food coloring: Essential for that show-stopping, cheerful red color we all know and love.

Butter (melted): Adds richness and helps the pancakes brown beautifully in the pan.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese forms the rich, tangy backbone of your luscious frosting.
Powdered sugar: Dissolves quickly into the frosting, delivering a smooth, creamy sweetness without any graininess.

Pure vanilla extract (for frosting): Rounds out your frosting with mellow, classic flavor.
Whole milk (for frosting): Loosens the frosting just enough for perfect, spoonable drizzles.

How to Make Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these first ensures your pancakes have even flavor and rise perfectly. Be sure your cocoa powder is well sifted for a smooth, lump-free batter.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large measuring cup or separate bowl, combine your eggs, whole milk, buttermilk, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring. Whisk everything together until fully blended—taking a moment to admire that vivid red color!

Step 3: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Pour the wet mixture into your bowl of dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together using a spatula until just combined. Resist the urge to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine and keep your pancakes extra tender.

Step 4: Stir in the Melted Butter

Add your melted butter to the batter, folding gently. This step adds incredible richness and gives your pancakes those delicious, softly crisped edges once cooked.

Step 5: Cook Your Pancakes

Spoon about 1/3 cup batter onto a preheated nonstick skillet or griddle set to low heat. Cook until the edges start to curl and bubbles form on top. Flip carefully, then cook for another 1–2 minutes until the center is set. Patience is key for even cooking and vibrant color.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Use a hand mixer to whip everything together until completely smooth, thick, and dreamy. If you prefer a thinner drizzle, add a tiny splash more milk.

Step 7: Serve Warm with Frosting

Stack your warm pancakes high, then dollop or drizzle that cream cheese frosting generously on top. For true decadence, serve extra frosting on the side. Every bite is a little celebration!

How to Serve Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

The finishing touch makes all the difference! Try a light dusting of powdered sugar, a few fresh berries, or a scattering of mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence. If you want a picture-perfect plate, swirl a little extra cream cheese frosting on top and sprinkle with cocoa powder or festive sprinkles.

Side Dishes

These pancakes are delightfully rich, so balance your breakfast with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or raspberries. Side of crispy bacon or scrambled eggs is a perfect savory contrast to the sweet, tangy notes of your Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, layer the pancakes and frosting like a breakfast cake, or use a heart-shaped mold for romantic flair. You can also serve them mini-style as stacks for brunch parties or drizzle chocolate sauce for a dessert-inspired treat. Your table will be the talk of the town!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra pancakes (lucky you!), allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Separate layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together. Store in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezing

Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting freeze beautifully. Place completely cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer to a freezer bag or container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep their magic for up to two months.

Reheating

Warm refrigerated or frozen pancakes in a toaster oven, regular oven, or on the stovetop over low heat until just heated through. To keep them moist, cover loosely with foil. Always add your cream cheese frosting after reheating for the best texture and taste.

FAQs

Can I make Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting without food coloring?

Absolutely! While the red color is iconic, you can skip the food coloring for a more natural version. The pancakes will still have all the classic flavor and a subtle cocoa hue, just without the pop of red.

How can I make these pancakes gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure your blend includes xanthan gum or a similar binder to keep the pancakes fluffy. Double-check that your cocoa powder and other ingredients are certified gluten-free too.

Can I use low-fat or non-dairy milk?

Yes, you can use milk alternatives like almond or oat milk, but the texture might be a little less rich. For the best flavor, stick to whole milk or rich plant-based milks, and add a splash of lemon juice to mimic the tang of buttermilk if needed.

Is the cream cheese frosting safe for kids?

Yes, the frosting is safe for children, and they tend to love it! If you want to reduce the sugar for little ones, you can cut down the powdered sugar without affecting the frosting’s texture too much.

What’s the best way to keep pancakes warm while serving a crowd?

Place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment and keep them in a 200°F oven until you’re ready to serve. Hold off on adding the cream cheese frosting until the last minute for the dreamiest presentation.

Final Thoughts

If Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting aren’t already in your breakfast rotation, now’s the perfect time to give them a try. Each fluffy, velvety bite feels like a special treat, and that swoon-worthy frosting takes them right over the top. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just for fun, you’ll be amazed at how quickly these disappear. Enjoy every delicious forkful!