red velvet pancakes recipe

The Best red velvet pancakes recipe

I have been making red velvet pancakes for my family for years, and they are always a hit. The recipe originated in the Southern United States, where it was popularized in the 1920s as a variation of the classic chocolate cake. The distinctive red color comes from the use of cocoa powder and food coloring.

The first time I made this recipe, I was skeptical about the addition of buttermilk, but it adds a tanginess that complements the sweetness of the sugar perfectly. My kids love helping me mix the batter, and they always get excited when they see the bright red color. The best part about this recipe is that it’s easy to make and can be adapted to suit any occasion, whether it’s a special brunch or a quick breakfast on a weekday.

I’ve even served these pancakes at family gatherings and parties, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser. One of the key techniques to making great red velvet pancakes is to not overmix the batter – you want to maintain a nice texture that’s both fluffy and moist. Another important aspect is to use high-quality cocoa powder, as it will give your pancakes a deeper flavor.

I like to serve these pancakes with fresh whipped cream or maple syrup, but you can also top them with fruit or nuts for added flavor and texture. My kids have even asked me to make these pancakes for their birthday breakfasts – they love them so much! The health benefits of this recipe are also worth noting – by using buttermilk instead of regular milk, we’re getting more protein and calcium in our diet.

And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good excuse to indulge in some extra pancakes on Sunday morning?

Red Velvet Pancakes

4.9 from 1736 votes

Fluffy, vibrant red pancakes with a hint of cocoa and a tangy buttermilk finish. Topped with a creamy cream cheese glaze, they make a decadent breakfast or brunch treat.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pancakes

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring (liquid or gel)

For the Cream Cheese Glaze

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined.
2In a separate medium bowl, whisk buttermilk, sugar, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until the mixture is smooth and evenly colored.
3Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula just until no dry streaks remain.
4Do not overmix; a few small lumps are fine.
5Let the batter rest for 5 minutes while you preheat your griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat.
6Lightly grease the hot griddle with butter or cooking spray.
7Pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the griddle, spacing them apart.
8Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2 to 3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the pancakes are cooked through and lightly springy to the touch.
9While the pancakes cook, prepare the cream cheese glaze.
10In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
11Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and beat until the glaze is creamy and pourable, adjusting milk to reach desired consistency.
12Stack the warm pancakes on a serving plate and drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze.
13Serve immediately while still warm for the best texture and flavor.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Medium mixing bowl
Whisk
Non-stick skillet or griddle
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 16g💛Saturated Fat: 9g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 580mg🌾Total Carbs: 60g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 32g🥩Protein: 9g

📝Notes

For a deeper red color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid. You can substitute buttermilk with milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Watch Video Of How Red Velvet Pancakes Works

I always recommend making these red velvet pancakes ahead of time because they reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven. To reheat them, simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until warm through.

You can also reheat them in the microwave by wrapping them in a damp paper towel for 20-30 seconds at a time until warm through. When serving these pancakes at home, consider topping them with fresh whipped cream or maple syrup for added flavor.

They’re also perfect for special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries – just arrange them on a platter with some fresh fruit or flowers around them for a beautiful presentation.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Red Velvet Pancakes

Q: What is the difference between red velvet cake and red velvet pancakes?

A: While both are delicious desserts made with cocoa powder and food coloring, the main difference is that red velvet cake is typically denser and more moist than pancakes.

Q: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

A: Yes, you can use regular milk if you don’t have buttermilk on hand. However, keep in mind that using buttermilk will give your pancakes a tangier flavor.

Q: How do I prevent my pancakes from becoming too dense?

A: Make sure you’re not overmixing the batter – stop mixing once all the ingredients are combined. Also, use high-quality cocoa powder as it will help maintain a nice texture.

Q: Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?

A: Absolutely! Adding nuts or chocolate chips will give your pancakes an extra boost of flavor and texture.

Q: What is the best way to store leftover red velvet pancakes?

A: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

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