Oh my goodness, you guys! Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite Sunday morning treats: **Red Velvet Pancake Stacks**! There’s something just so decadent and playful about diving into a tower of these beautifully vibrant, fluffy pancakes. They remind me of festive occasions – like cozy brunches with friends or holiday mornings that feel extra special.
I remember the first time I tried making these pancakes. It was a chilly morning, and I thought, why not bring a little color into the day? As I whipped up the batter, the vibrant red hue brought such joy; it was like magic in a bowl! And the cream cheese drizzle? Oh boy, it takes these pancakes to a whole new level of yumminess. Trust me, you’re going to want to keep this recipe close—it’s bound to become a crowd-pleaser in your home too!
What’s in Red Velvet Pancake Stacks?
Now, let’s break down the amazing ingredients that make these pancakes so delightful!
All-purpose flour: The backbone of our pancakes! This helps create a lovely light texture. I always go for a brand I trust, like King Arthur or Gold Medal.
Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents help the pancakes rise and become fluffy. Make sure they’re not expired for the best results!
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Cocoa powder: A hint of cocoa adds a subtle richness and that distinctive red velvet flavor. I usually opt for Dutch-processed cocoa for a deeper taste.
Buttermilk: This is key for moisture and that delicious tang that makes red velvet pancakes unique! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by mixing milk with a teaspoon of vinegar.
Granulated sugar: Sweetness alert! This adds just the right amount of sugary goodness to balance the cocoa.
Eggs: These help bind everything together and add richness.
Vanilla extract: Because every good recipe deserves a dash of vanilla! I always use pure vanilla extract for that real, deep flavor.
Vegetable oil or melted butter: I love the buttery flavor, but either works wonders and keeps the pancakes moist.
Red food coloring: The star of the show! Use a high-quality gel or liquid color to achieve that gorgeous vibrant hue.
Cream cheese: Oh, this is the go-to for our topping! Softened, so it blends easily.
Powdered sugar: To sweeten the cream cheese drizzle to perfection.
Milk: This helps thin out the cream cheese mixture for a beautiful drizzle.
Fresh mint leaves and rose petals (optional): For that beautiful garnish that screams, “I’m a fancy pancake expert!”
Is Red Velvet Pancake Stacks Good for You?
Okay, let’s talk about health for a moment. These pancakes might not be your go-to choice for a daily breakfast, but every now and then, indulging in some Red Velvet Pancake Stacks can definitely bring joy!
All-purpose flour: While it provides structure, if you want a healthier spin, feel free to substitute with whole wheat flour.
Buttermilk: It’s lower in fat than milk and brings probiotics that can be good for your digestive system!
Cream cheese: While delicious, cream cheese can be a bit rich, so maybe go lighter on the drizzle or use a lower-fat version if you want to cut back on calories.
All in all, these stacks are a delightful treat for special occasions or when you want to impress someone you love.
Here’s What You’ll Need!
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
– 2 tablespoons red food coloring
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup milk
– Fresh mint leaves and rose petals for garnish (optional)
**Serves:** About 4-6 people. Perfect for brunch guests or a cozy family breakfast!
How to Make Red Velvet Pancake Stacks?
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well combined.
2. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and red food coloring. Whisk until smooth and the color is evenly distributed.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Remember, a few lumps are totally okay—overmixing can lead to dense pancakes!
4. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter.
5. Pour about 1/4 cup of pancake batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. Flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
6. While the pancakes are cooking, prepare the cream cheese drizzle: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and milk until smooth and creamy.
7. Once all the pancakes are cooked, stack them on a serving plate. Drizzle that heavenly cream cheese mixture generously over the top and between layers.
8. Finish with fresh mint leaves and rose petals if you’re feeling particularly fancy. Serve the pancakes warm, and get ready to indulge!
Tips for a Flawless Pancake Experience!
Want to elevate these pancake stacks even further? Here are a few tips and variations:
– **Add-ins:** Feel free to toss in some chocolate chips or walnuts for an extra crunch!
– **Pancake Size:** If you’re short on time, you can make smaller pancakes for quick snacking.
– **Storing Leftovers:** If you happen to have any leftovers (which I doubt you will), just pop them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat for a delicious treat later on.
There you have it! My favorite recipe for Red Velvet Pancake Stacks that are sure to bring a smile to your face and brighten your morning. Please let me know if you decide to give this recipe a try—I’d love to hear how they turned out! Happy cooking! 🍽️
