Red Velvet Heart-Shaped Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fluffy red velvet pancakes shaped like hearts and topped with a smooth cream cheese glaze, perfect for a Valentine’s Day breakfast treat. This american-inspired valentine’s day ready in about 30 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tbsp cocoa powder, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt until combined.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup buttermilk, 1 large egg, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 2 tbsp red food coloring, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; batter will be thick and slightly lumpy.
  4. Step 4: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with oil. Using a heart-shaped mold or freehand, pour about 1/4 cup batter per pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form on surface and edges look set, then flip and cook 1-2 minutes until cooked through and edges are lightly browned.
  5. Step 5: For glaze, beat 4 oz softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 2 tbsp milk until smooth and pourable.
  6. Step 6: Stack pancakes and drizzle generously with cream cheese glaze before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Red Velvet Heart-Shaped Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Red Velvet Heart-Shaped Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Red Velvet Heart-Shaped Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Red Velvet Heart-Shaped Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Red Velvet Heart-Shaped Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze?

American valentine’s day like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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