Ah, Valentine’s Day! The day of love, chocolates, and… pancakes? You bet! I absolutely adore starting the day with something sweet and festive, and these Red Velvet Pancakes are just the ticket to whisk in some romance over breakfast (or brunch, or lunch… I won’t judge!).
I stumbled upon this recipe a few Valentine’s Days ago when I was trying to impress a special someone. I had visions of fancy candle-lit breakfasts (even if it was just at my kitchen table in pajamas) and thought, “Why not combine the decadence of red velvet cake with pancake bliss?” The result was nothing short of magical! The deep red hue, fluffy texture, and indulgent cream cheese frosting absolutely stole the show. So grab your apron, and let’s get to flipping these delicious pancakes that are sure to make your loved one swoon!
What’s in Red Velvet Pancakes?
All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of our pancake batter. I find that a good quality all-purpose flour does wonders for texture.
Cocoa Powder: A little bit of cocoa gives the pancakes that signature red velvet flavor. I prefer unsweetened cocoa powder so I can manage the sweetness of the final dish.
Granulated Sugar: Because pancakes need that yummy sweetness! I usually use regular granulated sugar, but feel free to experiment with coconut sugar for a different touch.
Buttermilk: Oh, buttermilk! It adds moisture and richness, making the pancakes super tender. If you don’t have any on hand, a splash of vinegar in regular milk will work as a substitute.
Eggs: Eggs add structure and moisture to our pancakes. They’re like the glue that holds everything together!
Vanilla Extract: Adds a delightful flavor that rounds out the sweetness. Go for pure vanilla extract if you can – it makes all the difference.
Red Food Coloring: This is what truly gives our pancakes that romantic red hue! I prefer gel food coloring for its vibrant effect, but liquid works too.
Baking Powder: Helps our pancakes rise and become fluffy.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Cream Cheese: For the ultimate topping! Whether you like it sweetened or plain, cream cheese adds a delicious richness that’s oh-so-perfect on these pancakes.
Is Red Velvet Pancakes Good for You?
Now, let’s get real for a second—these pancakes aren’t your everyday health food, but they do bring some joy to the breakfast table!
All-Purpose Flour: This will provide some energy but lacks the fiber of whole grains. If you want to boost nutrition, consider using whole wheat flour instead.
Buttermilk: It contains probiotics which can be good for your gut health, and there’s some calcium in there too!
Eggs: Packed with protein and essential vitamins, eggs are a great addition to any breakfast!
Overindulgence is the name of the game with sweets, so moderation is key. Treat yourself and your loved one to a special breakfast, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1-2 tablespoons red food coloring (to your desired color)
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade, for serving)
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings (about 6-8 pancakes, depending on size).
How to Make Red Velvet Pancakes?
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
2. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until blended.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and gently stir until just combined. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
4. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with a bit of butter or cooking spray.
5. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet.
6. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 2-3 minutes, then gently flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
7. Remove from the skillet and keep warm while you repeat with the remaining batter.
8. Stack those beautiful pancakes on a plate, slather on some cream cheese frosting, and devour!
Sweet Tips for Your Pancakes
– If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add chocolate chips to the batter for a double chocolate experience!
– For a fun twist, top with strawberries or raspberries to brighten things up.
– If you have leftovers (which is unlikely, let’s be honest), these pancakes freeze wonderfully. Just pop them in a toaster for a quick breakfast on another day!
I truly hope you give these Red Velvet Pancakes a try! They are perfect for Valentine’s Day or any day you want to add a little love to your breakfast routine. I’d love to hear how they turn out for you, so feel free to share your experiences and any tweaks you make along the way! Happy flipping!