Description
Delight in these fluffy, vibrant Red Velvet Pancakes featuring a rich cocoa base enhanced with a cream cheese swirl for a decadent breakfast treat. Perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness and a pop of red food coloring, these pancakes bring a festive twist to your morning routine.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 3/4 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
Wet Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 2 1/4 cups milk
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- red food coloring, to desired intensity
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
Cream Cheese Swirl
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Beat Eggs: In a large bowl, break the eggs and whisk vigorously until they turn a light lemon yellow and become fluffy, creating a light base for the batter.
- Add Sugar: Incorporate the sugar into the eggs and continue whisking until the mixture is light and fluffy, helping dissolve the sugar thoroughly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk and vegetable oil, whisking until the eggs, sugar, oil, and milk are completely combined to form a smooth wet mix.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add flour and baking powder to the wet mixture. Whisk together until just combined; the batter may remain slightly lumpy, which is normal.
- Incorporate Cocoa and Food Coloring: Stir in the cocoa powder and red food coloring evenly throughout the batter, then let it rest for 5 minutes to hydrate and meld flavors.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Swirl: While the batter rests, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a small bowl until completely smooth and creamy.
- Fill Piping Bag: Transfer the cream cheese mixture into a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off for easy swirling onto the pancakes.
- Heat Skillet/Griddle: Preheat an electric griddle or skillet over medium heat. Melt butter until it sizzles but does not burn, preparing the cooking surface.
- Cook Pancakes and Add Swirl: Using a ladle or half-cup scoop, pour batter onto the hot surface to form pancakes. Immediately pipe the cream cheese swirl onto one side of each pancake. Cook until the edges are set and bubbles appear on the surface.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip the pancakes with a turner, cooking until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving plate.
- Serve: Serve the pancakes warm, optionally topping them with extra cream cheese swirl or syrup for added richness and flavor.
Notes
- The batter resting step improves texture and allows cocoa powder to fully hydrate.
- Use red gel food coloring for the most vibrant color without altering the batter consistency.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the swirl mixture.
- Cooking over medium heat prevents burning and ensures even cooking.
- These pancakes are perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or birthdays.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: red velvet pancakes, breakfast recipe, cream cheese swirl pancakes, fluffy pancakes, cocoa pancake recipe, festive breakfast
