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Fluffy Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Pancakes Recipe with Cream Cheese Glaze Perfect for Valentines

heart-shaped red velvet pancakes - featured image

These fluffy heart-shaped red velvet pancakes with a tangy cream cheese glaze are perfect for a special Valentine’s Day breakfast or any festive morning. They combine a subtle cocoa flavor with a soft texture and a luscious glaze that delights kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups (300ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted plus extra for the pan
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel or liquid)
  • For the cream cheese glaze:
  • 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (90g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 23 tablespoons milk (whole milk or cream preferred)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and granulated sugar to ensure no lumps and even distribution.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until smooth and uniform.
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until just combined; the batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.
  4. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and brush lightly with butter.
  5. If using heart-shaped molds, place them on the skillet and pour about 1/4 cup batter into each. If freehanding, spoon batter carefully and use a toothpick to shape hearts.
  6. Cook pancakes for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form and edges look set.
  7. Remove molds if used, then flip pancakes gently and cook for another 2 minutes until cooked through and springy to the touch.
  8. Transfer finished pancakes to a warm plate or low oven while cooking remaining batter, lightly buttering the skillet between batches if needed.
  9. To prepare the cream cheese glaze, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla extract. Thin with milk until pourable but thick enough to coat.
  10. Stack pancakes, drizzle generously with cream cheese glaze, and optionally sprinkle with fresh berries or chopped nuts before serving.

Notes

Let the batter rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking for better fluffiness. Pour batter slowly and use a toothpick to shape hearts if freehanding. Flip pancakes only when bubbles form and edges look set to avoid deflating. Keep cream cheese softened to avoid lumps in glaze. Keep pancakes warm in a low oven (200°F/90°C) while cooking remaining batter. For dairy-free or gluten-free options, substitute ingredients as suggested in the blog.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet pancakes, heart-shaped pancakes, cream cheese glaze, Valentine's Day breakfast, fluffy pancakes, cocoa pancakes, festive breakfast