Red Velvet Pancakes

Red Velvet Pancakes are a rich and decadent bite perfect for surprising your loved one. Slather them in cream cheese spread for an over the top breakfast!

 Valentine's day is one of those fun holidays that are filled with cuddles and snuggles at my house. While we take time out to make each other feel loved every day, all year long, it's nice to have a holiday that gives us an excuse to treat ourselves to an extra special day. These 10 Family Activities for Valentine's Day are some of my favorite ideas once we're up and at 'em, but I like to kick things off with a really fun breakfast and these pancakes are just that.

Red velvet pancakes are kind of like having dessert for breakfast, and honestly…what kid wouldn't want that?! The traditional Southern cake gets a morning makeover and these pancakes are just as delicious and rich as you'd hope they would be. I like to whip up a cream cheese glaze to spoon over our pancakes, but maple syrup would work just as well if you're a purist.

To make these pancakes extra special for Valentine's Day I added this super cute heart & arrow sprinkles. These pancakes were a hit with everyone in the family! While I gussied them up for the holiday, they're delicious any morning you feel like treating yourself. 

If you love this recipe, you should definitely try my fluffy homemade pancakes and peanut butter & jelly pancakes. They're crazy good!

Red Velvet Pancakes

Yum

Prep Time: 7 mins     Cook Time: 5 mins     Yield: 8-10 pancakes

Ingredients:

Pancakes:

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup milk

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon liquid red food coloring

Cream Cheese Spread:

4 ounces whipped cream cheese

1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons milk

Valentine's Day sprinkles, optional

Directions:

Pancakes

1. Place a large skillet over medium heat.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. 
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and food coloring.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until combined and smooth.
5. Melt some butter or use non-stick cooking spray to coat the hot skillet.
6. Portion the pancake batter into the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Flip once the batter firms up and begins to bubble, and then cook once the pancake has puffed up and the other side is set.
7. Transfer the pancakes to a plate and cover with a layer of cream cheese spread. Repeat with the remaining batter.
8. Once all the pancakes are on the plate, add one more layer of spread and top with sprinkles if desired. Serve immediately.

Cream Cheese Spread

1. To a medium bowl, add the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla. Use a hand mixer to beat until combined and smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar and mix until combined.
3. Add milk, and beat until smooth.
4. The spread will look a little thick, but it will be fluffy and melt into more of a glaze on the warm pancakes. 

Notes:

The pancakes themselves aren't very sweet. They need the spread or some syrup. The spread has butter in it, so you don't need to butter your pancakes either.