Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Icing is a decadent breakfast treat that turns ordinary mornings into a special occasion. These pancakes are soft, fluffy, and infused with the classic red velvet flavor, including a hint of cocoa and a touch of vanilla. Topped with a luscious cream cheese icing, each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and richness.

I love this recipe because it elevates traditional pancakes with a vibrant color and indulgent flavor. It’s fun to make, visually stunning, and perfect for birthdays, holidays, or weekend brunches. The cream cheese icing adds a creamy, tangy complement to the sweet pancakes, making it irresistible.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s both visually striking and delicious. The bright red pancakes are a feast for the eyes, while the tender texture and subtle cocoa flavor create a luxurious taste. The cream cheese icing melts slightly over the warm pancakes, adding richness without overpowering the flavor.

This recipe is comforting yet elegant, making it suitable for both casual breakfasts and celebratory occasions. The combination of fluffy pancakes and tangy icing is perfectly balanced.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Icing is a must-try because it brings the iconic dessert flavor into breakfast. These pancakes are soft, fluffy, and visually stunning, ideal for impressing family or guests. The dish combines a classic Southern dessert with a morning favorite, creating a unique and indulgent treat.

It’s also versatile—perfect for special occasions, brunch gatherings, or a fun weekend breakfast. It’s simple to make yet impressive in presentation and flavor.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings and Calories

• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
• Course: Breakfast or Brunch
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Pancakes

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring

For the Cream Cheese Icing

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency)

Cooking Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, mix egg, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until smooth.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
5. Pour ¼ cup batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes until cooked through.
6. While pancakes are cooking, prepare the cream cheese icing. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, add powdered sugar and vanilla, then thin with milk as needed to achieve pouring consistency.
7. Stack pancakes and drizzle generously with cream cheese icing. Serve immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare Pancake Batter

1. Whisk dry ingredients in a bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, combine wet ingredients including red food coloring.
3. Mix wet and dry ingredients until just combined.

Step 2: Cook Pancakes

1. Heat skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Pour ¼ cup batter for each pancake.
3. Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook another 1–2 minutes.

Step 3: Make Cream Cheese Icing

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla.
3. Adjust consistency with milk if needed.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

1. Stack pancakes on plates.
2. Drizzle cream cheese icing generously over the pancakes.
3. Serve immediately while warm.

How to Serve This Recipe

• Serve as a festive breakfast or brunch dish.
• Pair with fresh berries or sliced bananas for extra freshness.
• Add a dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar for presentation.
• Serve with maple syrup on the side if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Do not overmix the batter to keep pancakes fluffy.
• Use fresh, high-quality cream cheese for smooth icing.
• Adjust red food coloring to achieve your desired vibrant color.
• Keep cooked pancakes warm in a low oven while preparing the rest.
• For extra fluff, separate the egg and beat the white until soft peaks form, then fold into batter.

Variations

• Chocolate Lover: Add chocolate chips to the batter.
• Berry Topping: Serve with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
• Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped nuts over cream cheese icing.
• Mini Pancakes: Make silver dollar-sized pancakes for bite-sized servings.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk, egg replacer, and vegan cream cheese.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Freeze pancakes in a single layer with parchment paper between each layer, up to 1 month. Thaw and warm before serving.
• Cream cheese icing is best made fresh and not frozen.

Special Equipment Needed

• Non-stick skillet or griddle
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or hand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the pancakes ahead of time?
Yes, pancakes can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Reheat before serving.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.

How do I get bright red pancakes without overusing food coloring?
Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for a more vibrant color with less quantity.

Can I make the cream cheese icing ahead?
Yes, store in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before drizzling.

Are these pancakes suitable for celebrations?
Absolutely, their vibrant red color and cream cheese icing make them perfect for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or special brunches.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Icing are a delightful and indulgent breakfast or brunch treat. The fluffy red velvet pancakes paired with creamy, tangy icing create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. They are visually stunning, simple to make, and ideal for special occasions or weekend indulgence. This recipe transforms ordinary pancakes into a decadent, memorable dish that’s sure to impress family and friends.