How to Make Perfect Red Velvet Pancakes: Step-by-Step Recipe

Introduction

Red velvet pancakes are the ultimate indulgent treat for breakfast or brunch. Their vibrant color and rich, decadent flavor make them the perfect addition to any special occasion or just a cozy weekend morning. This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to create fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth red velvet pancakes that everyone will love!

Love pancakes? Try my Japanese pancake recipe for a fluffy start to your day.

Why Choose Red Velvet Pancakes for Breakfast?

Red velvet pancakes are a fun twist on your traditional pancakes, offering a unique flavor and a visually stunning look. Here’s why they should be on your breakfast or brunch menu:

• Unique Flavor: These pancakes blend a subtle chocolate flavor with the richness of vanilla and the tang of buttermilk, giving you a deliciously different pancake experience.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or just a weekend treat, red velvet pancakes bring a festive flair to any meal.
• Visually Stunning: Their vibrant red color makes them not only tasty but also a feast for the eyes, making them perfect for impressing your guests or simply adding a little fun to your morning.
• Pairing Options: Red velvet pancakes are delicious when topped with cream cheese frosting, maple syrup, or fresh berries.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Perfect Red Velvet Pancakes

To make these delicious red velvet pancakes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp lemon juice)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (plus more for cooking)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1–2 tsp red food coloring (for the signature red velvet color)
• For Topping: Cream cheese frosting, fresh berries (like strawberries or raspberries), and maple syrup (optional)

These ingredients are simple, and with a few basic kitchen tools, you can make your own batch of red velvet pancakes at home!

Craving a comforting dessert? My French Crepes Recipe is the answer!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Red Velvet Pancakes

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get started on making the perfect red velvet pancakes!

1. Prepare the Pancake Batter

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, 2 tbsp of sugar, 1 tsp of baking powder, 1/2 tsp of baking soda, 1 tbsp of cocoa powder, and 1/4 tsp of salt.
• In a separate bowl, mix 3/4 cup of buttermilk, 1 large egg, 2 tbsp of melted butter, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, and 1 tsp of white vinegar. Whisk until smooth.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix – a few lumps are okay.

2. Add the Red Food Coloring

• For that classic red velvet color, add 1–2 teaspoons of red food coloring to the batter and mix well until the color is evenly distributed. If you want a brighter red, feel free to add a bit more food coloring.

3. Cooking the Pancakes

• Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
• Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2–3 minutes.
• Flip the pancakes and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
• Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the pan as needed.

4. Serve and Enjoy

• Stack your red velvet pancakes on a plate and top them with a generous dollop of cream cheese frosting, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and fresh berries.
• You can also drizzle maple syrup on top for an extra touch of sweetness. Enjoy!

Need a simple yet delicious dessert? Check out my Salted Caramel Milkshake.

How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting for Topping

A key part of the red velvet pancake experience is the creamy, tangy frosting. Here’s how you can make the perfect cream cheese frosting:

Ingredients for Frosting:

• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Beat together 4 oz of softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup of softened butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add 1 cup of powdered sugar, continuing to beat until it reaches a fluffy consistency.
3. Mix in 1 tsp of vanilla extract for flavor.
4. Spread the frosting over your pancakes or serve it on the side for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Pancakes Every Time

To ensure that your red velvet pancakes turn out perfect every time, here are a few helpful tips:

• Use Buttermilk: Buttermilk makes pancakes extra fluffy and gives them a tangy richness that complements the chocolatey red velvet flavor.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing will make your pancakes dense. Stir gently until just combined, and leave a few lumps in the batter for best results.
• Griddle Temperature: Make sure your griddle is at the right temperature – medium heat works best. If it’s too hot, the pancakes will burn before cooking through. Too cool, and they may turn out flat.
• Rest the Batter: Allow the pancake batter to rest for about 5 minutes before cooking to let the ingredients settle and thicken.

Don’t miss my Moist & Fudgy Sweet Potato Brownies – Healthy, Gluten-Free Recipe, a rich and decadent treat.

Conclusion

Making red velvet pancakes at home is easier than you might think! With just a few simple ingredients and a little love, you can create these fluffy, vibrant pancakes that will impress anyone at your breakfast or brunch table. Top them with cream cheese frosting, fresh berries, and maple syrup for a sweet, festive treat.

Try this recipe and bring the joy of red velvet to your next meal – it’s a breakfast worth celebrating!