Red Velvet Pancake Stacks

Name: Red Velvet Pancake Stacks
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons red food coloring; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons milk

Highlighted under: Delicious Desserts Made Simple

I absolutely adore these Red Velvet Pancake Stacks! Each pancake is not just a treat for the eyes but also a delightful explosion of flavor. The rich, cocoa-toned batter combined with a dash of vanilla creates a sweet experience that feels truly indulgent. Topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, these stacks are perfect for breakfast or a special occasion. Making them is a breeze, and the vibrant color makes them a showstopper on any table. I know you'll fall in love with every fluffy bite!

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-01-16T14:48:28.974Z

When I first tried to create Red Velvet Pancake Stacks, I wanted a flavor that was both nostalgic and modern. Using a classic red velvet cake recipe as a base, I adjusted the ratios to ensure that each stack remained light and fluffy while still retaining that iconic red hue. The tip of adding buttermilk not only enhances the texture but also brings a rich tanginess that balances the sweetness perfectly.

Each time I serve these luxurious pancakes, they become the highlight of the morning. I usually garnish them with fresh berries, which add freshness and contrast to the rich cream cheese icing. Trust me, this recipe makes for both an impressive brunch and a delightful treat for any special occasion.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        The gorgeous red color makes breakfast feel like a celebration.
Fluffy and moist pancakes topped with velvety cream cheese icing.
Perfectly balances sweetness with a hint of cocoa.

      

Mastering the Pancake Batter

When making the pancake batter, the key is to mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher pancakes instead of the fluffy texture you want. The color from the red food coloring is also crucial; it not only contributes to the visual appeal but also helps to enhance the flavor profile by balancing with the cocoa powder. For the best results, use gel food coloring for a vibrant color without adding excess liquid.

The choice of buttermilk in this recipe is not just for flavor; it also reacts with the baking soda to create a tender, airy pancake. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to sour. This will yield similar acidity and moisture in your batter, contributing to the pancake's overall richness.

Cooking to Perfection

Cooking the pancakes at the right temperature is essential for achieving that perfect golden-brown color. Preheat your skillet or griddle over medium heat and adjust as needed during cooking—if they brown too quickly, lower the temperature. A non-stick surface is ideal to prevent sticking; consider using a few drops of vegetable oil or cooking spray for an extra layer of non-stick protection. You’ll know it’s time to flip the pancake when bubbles form and begin to pop on the surface.

Another tip is to keep your cooked pancakes warm in a low-heat oven (around 200°F or 93°C) until you’re ready to serve. This prevents them from cooling down and ensures everyone enjoys them warm. If you’re making a large batch and notice any pancakes getting overly brown, simply stack them on a plate, cover with foil, and place them in the oven while you finish cooking the rest.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Red Velvet Pancake Stacks:

For the Pancakes

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons red food coloring

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk

Make sure to have all these ingredients ready for a delightful cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Red Velvet Pancake Stacks:

Prepare the Batter

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

Cook the Pancakes

Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown on the other side.

Repeat with the remaining batter.

Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. If needed, add milk to achieve desired consistency.

Assemble the Stacks

Stack the pancakes with a generous layer of cream cheese frosting between each one. Top with additional frosting and serve with fresh berries, if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Red Velvet Pancake Stacks with family or friends!

Pro Tips

For extra fudginess, add a few chocolate chips to the batter before cooking. Serve warm for the best experience.

Cream Cheese Frosting Tips

The cream cheese frosting can be customized to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter or less tangy flavor, adjust the powdered sugar to your preference. Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for easy blending—this will prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy texture. If the frosting is too thick after adding the milk, simply add a teaspoon more until it reaches your desired spreadable consistency.

Don't hesitate to elevate your frosting by adding a splash of almond extract or a pinch of salt to deepen the flavor profile. This can elevate the richness and make the frosting even more delightful between the pancake layers. Additionally, if you're short on powdered sugar, blending granulated sugar in a food processor until fine can serve as an alternative for this frosting.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These Red Velvet Pancake Stacks shine on their own but can be enhanced with your favorite toppings. Fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries, not only add a pop of color but also provide a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the pancakes. Another delicious option is to drizzle a bit of maple syrup over the top for added sweetness and an extra layer of flavor.

For a fun twist, consider adding chocolate chips to the pancake batter or swirling some into the pancakes while they cook. This variation creates pockets of melted chocolate, enhancing the dessert-like quality of these pancakes. Additionally, if you’re looking to make this breakfast treat more on the healthier side, consider substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can use regular milk, but the pancakes may not be as fluffy. For a buttermilk substitute, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.

→ How can I store leftover pancakes?

Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or toaster before serving.

→ Can I make the pancakes ahead of time?

Definitely! You can make the pancakes ahead, cool them completely, and freeze them in layers separated by parchment paper for up to 2 months.

→ What can I use instead of cream cheese for the frosting?

You can substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone cheese for a different flavor, or use whipped cream if you prefer a lighter topping.