The Ultimate Fluffy & Crispy Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze
Prepare for a breakfast experience that’s anything but ordinary with these irresistible Red Velvet Waffles! Imagine fluffy, tender interiors meeting perfectly crisp exteriors, all infused with that distinct, luxurious red velvet flavor you adore. Each golden-red square is then crowned with a luscious, tangy cream cheese glaze, making this red velvet waffle recipe an absolute showstopper. Whether you’re planning a special weekend brunch, a festive holiday morning, or simply want to elevate your everyday breakfast, these homemade waffles promise to deliver joy in every bite!
This post was originally published on June 27, 2023. It was updated with new recipe information on February 8, 2024.
Gather Your Ingredients for Heavenly Red Velvet Waffles
Crafting these delectable red velvet waffles is a straightforward process, and it all starts with gathering the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and vibrant red hue. Here’s what you’ll need to make this unforgettable breakfast:
Essential Red Velvet Waffle Ingredients
To make this red velvet waffle recipe, just grab the following high-quality ingredients for the best results:
- Flour – All-purpose flour provides the fundamental structure for these delightful waffles. It ensures they are light and airy on the inside while holding their shape perfectly.
- Sugar – Granulated white sugar not only adds a delicate sweetness to the batter but also plays a crucial role in caramelization during cooking. This creates that desirable golden-brown, crispy outer layer that makes waffles so satisfying.
- Cocoa Powder – Natural cocoa powder is essential for delivering the subtle yet rich chocolatey flavor that defines classic red velvet. It pairs beautifully with the tang of buttermilk.
- Salt – A touch of fine sea salt enhances all the other flavors in the batter, balancing the sweetness and deepening the chocolate notes without making the waffles taste salty.
- Baking Powder – This leavening agent is an absolute waffle essential. Baking powder reacts with the liquids in the batter to create carbon dioxide bubbles, giving the waffles their characteristic lift, making them wonderfully fluffy and ensuring they fill the waffle maker evenly.
- Eggs – Eggs act as a binder, holding all the ingredients together. They also contribute significantly to the light, airy, and fluffy texture of the waffles, providing structure and richness.
- Buttermilk – This is the secret ingredient that truly sets these homemade waffles apart from ordinary mixes. Buttermilk adds a necessary fat content that helps the waffles brown beautifully and cook to a crisp. Its characteristic tangy flavor also perfectly balances the chocolate, contributing to the classic red velvet taste profile.
- Butter – Melted butter is easily incorporated into the batter, adding richness and a wonderful flavor. It also helps the waffles achieve that coveted crispy exterior when cooked on the hot iron.
- Oil – Using a neutral-flavored oil such as avocado, grapeseed, or light olive oil adds additional moisture and helps keep the waffles tender and prevent them from sticking.
- Vanilla Extract – Pure vanilla extract infuses these waffles with warm, comforting flavors, complementing the chocolate and buttermilk beautifully. For the best, most authentic taste, always opt for pure vanilla.
- Red Food Coloring – This ingredient is responsible for the vibrant, iconic red color that makes these waffles so visually appealing and unmistakably red velvet. For optimal results and a deep, consistent hue, liquid food coloring is recommended. If you’re using gel food coloring, remember that it’s much more concentrated, so you’ll only need a fraction of the amount to achieve that stunning deep red.
Decadent Cream Cheese Glaze Ingredients
No red velvet creation is complete without a rich and creamy cream cheese topping. This glaze adds the perfect tangy sweetness to complement your waffles:
- Cream Cheese – For the most luxurious and decadent glaze, opt for full-fat cream cheese. Its rich and tangy profile is the signature flavor of any red velvet dessert.
- Powdered Sugar – Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this fine sugar dissolves seamlessly into the other glaze ingredients, creating a perfectly smooth, silky, and drizzle-worthy glaze that you’ll want to put on everything.
- Vanilla Extract – A splash of vanilla extract adds a familiar, sweet, and aromatic depth to the glaze, enhancing its overall deliciousness.
- Milk – A little milk is used to thin out the glaze. You can easily adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired consistency – whether you prefer a thick, spreadable glaze or a thinner, more free-flowing drizzle.
Smart Ingredient Substitutions for Your Red Velvet Waffles
Life happens, and sometimes you might not have every ingredient on hand. Or perhaps you’re looking to adapt this red velvet waffle recipe to suit specific dietary needs. Here are some reliable substitutions that will help you achieve delicious results without compromising too much on flavor or texture:
- Flour – For those with gluten sensitivities or dietary preferences, a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend can be successfully substituted for all-purpose flour. Ensure it’s a blend designed for baking to maintain the waffle’s structure and texture. Remember to let the batter rest for about 30 minutes when using gluten-free flour, as this allows the starches to properly hydrate and prevents a grainy texture.
- Instant Espresso or Coffee – While instant coffee is optional, it significantly complements and enhances the chocolate flavor in red velvet. If you don’t have instant coffee, espresso powder is an excellent alternative, offering a more concentrated boost to the cocoa. You can also use decaffeinated instant espresso to enjoy the flavor enhancement without adding caffeine to your breakfast.
- Buttermilk – Store-bought buttermilk is ideal for its consistent acidity and fat content, but if you’re in a pinch, making homemade sour milk is incredibly easy! Simply add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar or lemon juice to a 1-cup liquid measuring cup, then fill the rest of the cup to the 1-cup line with whole milk or 2% milk. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it visibly curdles. Alternatively, you can mix plain yogurt and milk in a 1:1 ratio and let it sit for 5 minutes before incorporating it into the recipe. Both methods will provide the necessary tang and moisture for excellent red velvet waffles.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Irresistible Red Velvet Waffles
Creating these vibrant and delicious red velvet waffles is a simple and enjoyable process, much like preparing other classic waffle recipes. With just a few straightforward steps, you’ll have a perfectly mixed batter ready for your waffle maker. Here’s a detailed guide to making them:
Crafting the Perfect Red Velvet Waffles
Follow these steps to prepare your fluffy and flavorful red velvet waffle batter:
Step 1: Begin by thoroughly whisking together all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. This includes the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Whisking them ensures even distribution, which is crucial for uniform texture and leavening in your waffles.
Step 2: Next, pour all of the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently whisk everything together until a smooth batter forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough waffles. A few small lumps are perfectly fine! If you’re using gluten-free flour, allow the batter to rest for 30 minutes; this crucial step helps the flour absorb the liquids and results in a better texture.
Step 3: Before you start cooking, ensure your waffle iron is fully preheated. Most waffle makers have an indicator light or sound when they reach the optimal temperature. Once preheated, lightly spray or brush the grids with oil to prevent sticking and ensure a perfectly crisp exterior.
Step 4: Carefully pour about ⅓ cup of the vibrant red velvet waffle batter onto the center of the preheated waffle iron for each waffle. The exact amount may vary slightly depending on the size and style of your specific waffle iron, so you might need to adjust after your first batch. Close the lid and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crisp, typically around 5 to 6 minutes, or until your waffle maker indicates they are ready.
Optional: If you’re cooking multiple batches and want to keep earlier waffles warm and crispy, place a wire cooling rack of cooked waffles into an oven preheated to 200°F (93°C). This gentle warmth will keep them fresh until serving.
Step 5: Once cooked, gently remove the red velvet waffles from the iron using tongs. Immediately transfer them to a wire rack to cool. This allows air to circulate around them, preventing steam from accumulating and keeping them delightfully crisp, rather than becoming soggy.
Whipping Up the Luscious Cream Cheese Glaze
This creamy, tangy glaze is the perfect finishing touch for your red velvet waffles:
Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine all the cream cheese glaze ingredients. Using either a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and free of any lumps. Start on low speed to avoid a cloud of powdered sugar, then increase to medium.
Step 2: Assess the consistency of your glaze. If it appears too thick for drizzling, gradually add additional milk, one teaspoon at a time, mixing well after each addition, until you achieve your desired, perfectly pourable glaze consistency.
Step 3: Just before serving, generously drizzle the rich cream cheese glaze over your warm, crispy red velvet waffles. The combination of warm waffle and cool, tangy glaze is truly heavenly!
Pro Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Waffles Every Time
Achieving perfectly fluffy and crispy red velvet waffles is simple with a few expert tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your homemade waffles turn out beautifully every single time:
- How to Make Homemade Buttermilk or Sour Milk. If you don’t have store-bought buttermilk on hand, there’s no need to fret! You can easily create your own “sour milk” at home. Just add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar or lemon juice to a 1-cup liquid measuring cup. Then, fill the rest of the cup to the 1-cup line with whole milk or 2% milk. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice the milk beginning to curdle slightly, which means it’s ready to use. This homemade version works wonderfully and provides the necessary acidity and tang for tender, flavorful waffles.
- Preheat Your Waffle Maker Thoroughly. This is perhaps the most crucial step for achieving both crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors. A properly preheated waffle maker is hot enough to cook the batter quickly, creating a steam crust that prevents sogginess and helps the waffles get crisp. If the iron isn’t hot enough, the batter will spread and potentially spill, and your waffles will be chewy rather than crisp. Most modern waffle makers will have an indicator light or sound to let you know when they’ve reached the optimal temperature. Be patient and wait for it!
- Cool Waffles on a Wire Rack. Once your delicious red velvet waffles are cooked, resist the urge to stack them immediately. Stacking causes steam to get trapped between the waffles, which will quickly make them soggy. Instead, transfer them directly to a wire cooling rack. This allows air to circulate around all sides, preventing moisture buildup and keeping them wonderfully crisp until they’re ready to be served.
- Adjust the Batter Amount as Needed. The perfect amount of batter can vary depending on your specific waffle iron’s size and design. After you cook your very first waffle, observe if it completely fills the grids without overflowing. If it looks too small, add a little more batter for the next one. If it overflows, use slightly less. Having a few different-sized measuring cups nearby can make these adjustments easy and efficient for subsequent waffles.
- Make Cleanup a Breeze. Waffle making can sometimes get a little messy with drips and overflow. To simplify your cleanup process, place a piece of aluminum foil or an aluminum baking sheet directly under your waffle maker. This simple trick will catch any stray batter or glaze, protecting your countertop and making tidying up a breeze after you’re done cooking.
- Freeze Extra Waffles for Future Enjoyment. These red velvet waffles are so delicious, you might want to enjoy them beyond breakfast! Any extra cooked waffles can be easily refrigerated or frozen. Once completely cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them into a toaster or toaster oven. You’ll be swapping those store-bought freezer waffles for homemade goodness in no time!
Delicious Recipe Variations & Topping Ideas
While these red velvet waffles are phenomenal on their own with the cream cheese glaze, they also serve as a fantastic base for all sorts of creative toppings and variations. Get inspired and customize your waffle experience!
- Double Chocolate Delight: For an extra boost of chocolate goodness, fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips or mini white chocolate chips into the waffle batter just before cooking. Once your waffles are done, sprinkle even more chips on top before drizzling with the cream cheese glaze for a truly indulgent treat.
- Fresh Fruit Fiesta: Brighten up your glazed waffles with a generous topping of your favorite fresh fruits. Sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or banana slices add a wonderful burst of freshness, natural sweetness, and vibrant color that pairs beautifully with the rich red velvet and creamy glaze.
- Maple Bacon Bliss: Elevate your sweet and savory game by adding 3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup to your cream cheese glaze. Drizzle this maple-infused glaze over your waffles and serve them alongside crispy strips of bacon. The salty crunch of bacon with the sweet, tangy waffles is an irresistible combination.
- Dessert Decadence: Transform your red velvet waffles into an exquisite dessert! Top warm waffles with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of your favorite vanilla bean ice cream. Finish with a luxurious drizzle of the cream cheese glaze and a swirl of chocolate syrup for an ultimate sweet indulgence.
- Kid-Friendly Waffle Sticks. Make breakfast extra fun and easy to eat, especially for kids! If you have a square waffle maker, simply cut the cooked waffles into perfectly dip-able and easy-to-hold sticks. Serve them with small bowls of the cream cheese glaze for dipping. It’s a delightful and less messy way for little hands to enjoy this delicious treat.
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Red Velvet Waffles
One of the best things about these red velvet waffles is how well they store, allowing you to enjoy a quick, delicious breakfast even on busy mornings. Here’s how to properly store and reheat them:
- Store: Once cooled completely, leftover red velvet waffles can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. This ensures they remain fresh and ready for a quick reheat.
- Freeze: For longer storage, cooked waffles freeze exceptionally well. Place cooled waffles in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, making sure to separate individual waffles with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Reheating refrigerated or frozen waffles is a breeze. Simply pop them into a toaster or toaster oven on a low to medium setting until they are heated through and crisp again. For frozen waffles, you might need to use the frozen setting on your toaster or toast them twice, flipping and rotating halfway through, to ensure even heating and crispiness.
Dietary Adaptations for Red Velvet Waffles
These delightful red velvet waffles can easily be adapted to accommodate various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or texture. Here’s how you can make them suitable for gluten-free and dairy-free diets:
- Gluten-Free: To make these waffles completely gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. When using gluten-free flour, it’s particularly important to allow the mixed batter to rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This resting period allows the gluten-free starches to fully hydrate, which is key to achieving a light, fluffy texture and prevents the waffles from being crumbly or gritty.
- Dairy-Free: Creating a delicious dairy-free version of these red velvet waffles is straightforward. For the buttermilk, use a plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk) to make vegan or dairy-free sour milk following the directions provided in the “Ingredient Substitutions” section above. Substitute unsalted butter with your favorite vegan butter alternative, ensuring it’s melted before adding to the batter. For the cream cheese glaze, use a high-quality vegan cream cheese. These substitutions will result in equally flavorful and satisfying dairy-free red velvet waffles!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Red Velvet Waffles
Yes, there is a distinct difference between pancake and waffle batter, and using one in place of the other will likely lead to disappointing results. Waffle batter is typically richer, containing more sugar and fat, usually from ingredients like butter or buttermilk. This additional fat and sugar are crucial for creating the crispy outer layer that waffle enthusiasts love, while still maintaining a fluffy interior. Pancake batter, being lighter and often having less fat and sugar, will not caramelize as effectively in a waffle maker. It may also spill out the sides due to a thinner consistency, and the resulting waffle will likely be soft, dense, and potentially undercooked rather than crisp.
Several factors can contribute to waffles lacking crispiness. The most common reasons include undercooking, cooking on a waffle maker that hasn’t been properly preheated, or using a batter that doesn’t contain enough fat or sugar to facilitate a caramelized outer layer. For consistently crispy waffles, ensure your batter includes butter and other fat-containing ingredients like buttermilk. Always cook your waffles in a thoroughly preheated waffle maker; the heat helps the moisture in the batter evaporate quickly, creating steam that puffs up the waffle and results in a crisp texture. If your waffle maker has adjustable heat settings, opt for a higher setting that causes the batter to sizzle when poured in. Additionally, stacking freshly cooked waffles allows steam to collect, which makes them soggy; always cool them individually on a wire rack to maintain their crispness.
While it’s best to cook waffle batter fresh for the fluffiest results, you can prepare this red velvet waffle batter the night before. Mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately, then cover and refrigerate them. In the morning, combine them just before cooking. If you mix the full batter ahead of time and refrigerate it, you might notice that the baking powder loses some of its leavening power, potentially resulting in slightly less fluffy waffles. However, it will still taste delicious! A good trick if storing the mixed batter is to add an extra ¼ teaspoon of baking powder just before cooking to reactivate some of the lift.
The iconic red color of red velvet comes primarily from red food coloring, which is added to the batter. Historically, the reaction between acidic buttermilk and natural cocoa powder (especially older, non-Dutched varieties) would produce a reddish-brown hue, but modern recipes rely on food coloring for the vibrant crimson. The flavor of red velvet is a unique blend of subtle chocolate (from cocoa powder), a tangy note from buttermilk, and a rich undertone from vanilla. This combination creates a distinctive taste that is often described as mild chocolate with a slight tang, making it different from a traditional chocolate flavor profile.
More Delightful Breakfast Recipes to Explore
If you loved these red velvet waffles, you’ll definitely want to check out some of our other favorite breakfast creations. From more waffle variations to fluffy pancakes and homemade donuts, we have something to make every morning special!
- If you want more waffles, try these gluten-free waffles! They have the best texture and the batter comes together in just one bowl.
- Are you more of a pancake person? These super easy muffin mix pancakes are for you!
- If you’ve always dreamed of making your own donuts, try these homemade donuts or these blueberry-filled donuts! The dough can be easily made in a bread machine and they’re so fluffy!
- Love muffins? My blueberry muffins and cranberry orange muffins are both so fluffy and delicious!
Thanks so much for stopping by! We hope you loved this Red Velvet Waffle Recipe as much as we do. For more mouth-watering dairy-free, gluten-free, and/or vegan dessert and breakfast inspiration, make sure to follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also get all of our newest content delivered straight to your inbox by signing up for our email newsletter — we promise not to spam you!
Red Velvet Waffle Recipe
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Ingredients
Red Velvet Waffles
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons natural cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1¾ cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon instant coffee optional
- 1 oz red food coloring
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 oz cream cheese
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons whole milk
Instructions
Make the Red Velvet Waffles
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In a bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients until thoroughly combined.
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Add all of the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and whisk until a smooth batter forms. If using gluten-free flour, let the batter rest for 30 minutes before proceeding.
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Preheat your waffle iron completely, then lightly spray or grease the cooking plates with oil to prevent sticking.
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Pour approximately ⅓ cup of batter onto the waffle iron for each waffle. The exact amount may vary based on your waffle iron’s size. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5 to 6 minutes, or until done according to your appliance.
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Remove the cooked waffles and place them on a wire rack to keep them crisp and prevent sogginess while you continue cooking.
Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
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Combine all cream cheese glaze ingredients in a bowl and mix with a hand or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
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If the glaze is too thick, add additional milk one teaspoon at a time until you achieve your desired drizzling consistency.
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Drizzle the prepared glaze generously over each warm waffle just before serving for the best taste and presentation.
Notes
Freeze: Cooked red velvet waffles can be stored in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. For best results and to prevent sticking, separate individual waffles with parchment paper.
Reheating: Reheat refrigerated or frozen waffles in a toaster on a low to medium setting until warm and crisp. For frozen waffles, utilize your toaster’s ‘frozen’ setting or toast twice, flipping and rotating, to ensure thorough heating.
Gluten-Free: To adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend (we recommend Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 baking flour, approximately 333g). After mixing, allow the batter to rest for 30 minutes to ensure optimal texture.