Red Velvet Pancake Stacks

Name: Red Velvet Pancake Stacks
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel or liquid); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1-2 tablespoons milk (to reach desired consistency)

Highlighted under: Sweet Bakes

I absolutely love creating breakfast dishes that make me feel special, and these Red Velvet Pancake Stacks are a perfect way to start the day. The vibrant red color and the hint of cocoa in every fluffy bite makes them a showstopper. I typically drizzle them with cream cheese frosting or serve them with maple syrup for that extra indulgence. Perfect for a special occasion or a weekend brunch, these pancakes are sure to impress anyone you share them with.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-16T14:37:06.677Z

When I first whipped up these Red Velvet Pancake Stacks, I was amazed at how easy they were to make. The combination of cocoa powder and buttermilk creates a flavor that's slightly tangy and incredibly decadent. I remember flipping the first pancake and seeing that rich color come through; it felt like magic!

Over the years, I've experimented with toppings. The joy of serving them with a dollop of cream cheese frosting is something you don't want to miss. The frosting melts slightly on the warm pancakes, giving it a luscious finish. Trust me, you'll want to savor every bite!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Deliciously moist and fluffy pancakes with vibrant color
Perfectly balanced flavors of cocoa and buttermilk
Can be topped with cream cheese frosting or maple syrup for indulgence

      

Understanding Red Velvet

Red velvet pancakes are not just a feast for the eyes; they also carry a rich flavor profile that blends subtle cocoa notes with the tanginess of buttermilk. The addition of cocoa powder is essential, as it intensifies the chocolate essence without overpowering the overall flavor. Together with the buttermilk, the reaction creates a soft and moist texture that sets these pancakes apart from regular ones. This dual flavor and texture will make every bite a delight.

The vibrant red color of the pancakes, essential for their identity, can vary with the type of food coloring used. Gel food coloring tends to yield a more intense color, and generally requires less quantity than liquid coloring. If you opt for natural alternatives, beet juice or pomegranate juice can add a unique twist, albeit with different flavor profiles and possibly a lighter hue. Experimenting can lead to exciting variations!

Perfecting the Pancake Technique

When cooking the pancakes, achieving the perfect heat level is crucial. Too high of a temperature can lead to burnt outsides while the insides remain undercooked. Medium heat is optimal; if using a non-stick skillet, a drop of water should sizzle and evaporate quickly without browning excessively. You're looking for a golden-brown color with fluffy interiors—this typically takes about 2-3 minutes on the first side and 1-2 minutes after flipping.

Be cautious not to over-mix the batter when combining the wet and dry ingredients. Over-mixing can develop gluten, resulting in tough pancakes. Instead, gently fold the ingredients together until just combined, leaving a few lumps—this will ultimately yield soft, airy pancakes that rise beautifully during cooking. Remember, the batter should not sit too long before being cooked to maintain its leavening power from the baking powder.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for these delicious Red Velvet Pancake Stacks:

Pancake Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel or liquid)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk (to reach desired consistency)

Once you’ve gathered everything, you’re ready to start making these scrumptious pancakes!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Red Velvet Pancake Stacks:

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, vegetable oil, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Make the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

Cook the Pancakes

Heat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it. Pour ¼ cup of batter for each pancake and cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.

Prepare the Frosting

In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until the desired consistency is reached.

Stack and Serve

Stack the pancakes with a swirl of cream cheese frosting between each layer. Drizzle any remaining frosting on top and serve warm.

Enjoy your delicious Red Velvet Pancake Stacks!

Pro Tips

For extra color, use natural food coloring. You can also add chopped pecans or chocolate chips to the batter for added flavor and texture.

Storage and Reheating

Red velvet pancakes can be made ahead of time! Once cooked, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. To store, layer parchment paper between pancakes to prevent sticking, place them in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For extended storage, they can also be frozen; just ensure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag, good for up to one month.

When it's time to enjoy your pancakes again, simply reheat them either in a microwave or toaster. For microwave reheating, place a damp paper towel over the pancakes and heat for about 20-30 seconds, checking to avoid overcooking. Alternatively, using a toaster can add a slight crispiness to the exterior, which revitalizes their texture.

Creative Serving Ideas

There's no limit to how you can serve these stunning pancakes! While the classic cream cheese frosting is a wonderful pairing, consider fresh fruit toppings like sliced strawberries, raspberries, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. A dollop of whipped cream or even yogurt can add creaminess and flavor contrast, making your pancake stacks visually inviting and even more delicious.

If you're feeling adventurous, try layering different flavors of pancakes with the red velvet batter, such as vanilla or chocolate. This not only enhances the taste but also creates a visually appealing stack. Additionally, garnish with crushed nuts or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for added texture and flavor. Each variation will create a different experience, perfect for a brunch or special celebration.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the pancakes ahead, store them in the fridge, and reheat them in the microwave for a quick breakfast.

→ Can I freeze the pancakes?

Absolutely! Stack the cooled pancakes between layers of parchment paper, place them in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can use milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a replacement for buttermilk.

→ How can I make these pancakes dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free milk alternative like almond milk or coconut milk and substitute the cream cheese frosting with a dairy-free version.