If you’re craving a breakfast treat that’s as vibrant as it is delicious, I simply must share my absolute favorite Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe. These waffles combine the rich, chocolatey depth of red velvet cake with the crisp, fluffy texture of a perfectly cooked waffle, all topped off with a luscious cream cheese glaze that’s truly irresistible. Whether it’s a special weekend brunch or a fun way to brighten up any morning, this recipe is sure to wow your taste buds and your guests alike!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with beige flour sits on a white marbled surface, surrounded by smaller clear glass containers holding light yellow oil, brown cinnamon, white granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a small dark bottle. Two white eggs and a small bottle of red food coloring are placed near the bottom of the image. A glass measuring cup filled with white milk is positioned in the upper part of the frame. The setup is neat and the colors are soft and natural, emphasizing the ingredients' textures and tones. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward waffle magic, and the Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe is delightfully straightforward. Each ingredient has been chosen to create that signature red velvet flavor and tender texture, while the glaze adds a silky sweet finish that ties everything together beautifully.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives your waffles structure and helps them crisp up nicely.
3 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the cocoa.
2 tablespoons cocoa powder: Brings that classic subtle chocolate flavor essential for red velvet.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Makes sure the waffles rise, resulting in a light and airy texture.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
2 cups milk (any kind): Keeps the batter smooth and adds moisture for tender bites.
2 eggs: Provide richness and help bind the batter together perfectly.
3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil): Ensures the waffles stay moist and create a crisp exterior.
2-3 teaspoons liquid red food coloring: It’s your star for that iconic red hue — just enough to get that deep, inviting color.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet aroma that rounds out the flavor beautifully.
4 oz cream cheese (half a block): The creamy centerpiece of the glaze, bringing tang and luscious texture.
3-4 tablespoons milk (any kind): Thins the cream cheese for a smooth glaze perfect for drizzling.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds extra flavor and sweetness to the glaze.
½ cup confectioner’s sugar (powdered sugar): Sweetens and smooths the glaze for that perfect finish.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Start by combining the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This step is key to evenly distributing your leavening agents and chocolate flavor, ensuring every waffle bite is consistent and perfectly balanced.

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and your red food coloring. The color is important here—add enough to get a bold red rather than pink to capture that classic red velvet spirit.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir them just until combined. Don’t overmix! You want a few small lumps here and there to keep the waffles fluffy instead of tough.

Step 4: Heat the Waffle Iron

Preheat your waffle iron and check your manufacturer’s instructions on whether it needs greasing. A well-heated iron makes all the difference between a crispy outside and a tender inside.

Step 5: Cook the Waffles

For each waffle, pour about ½ cup of batter onto the iron (adjust this if you have a Belgian waffle maker). Cook for 2-3 minutes, or according to your waffle iron’s guide, until the waffles have that perfect light golden color mixed with red hues and a bit of crispness on top.

Step 6: Cool Before Serving

Carefully remove your finished waffles and place them on a wire rack. This is a little trick I swear by to keep them from steaming and getting soggy as you finish cooking the batch.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

Microwave the cream cheese, milk, and vanilla extract in a safe bowl for 30-45 seconds until soft. Stir well, then add powdered sugar gradually until the glaze is smooth and pourable. You can add a splash more milk if you want it runnier. This glaze is the crowning glory that makes the Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe so special.

How to Serve Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

A clear glass bowl filled with smooth, bright red batter that has a creamy texture. A metal whisk with a black handle is resting inside the bowl, partially covered with the red batter. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries add bright contrast and a refreshing twist, while a sprinkle of crushed nuts or a dusting of extra cocoa powder can enhance both texture and presentation. Don’t forget a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Side Dishes

Pair these waffles with crispy bacon or savory sausage for a perfect balance of sweet and salty. A side of fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad can add freshness and lighten the overall meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack waffles with layers of cream cheese glaze between them for a waffle cake, or serve them as a base for an ice cream sundae with chocolate drizzle and sprinkles. Making a red velvet waffle sandwich with mascarpone and fresh fruit is another show-stopper idea your guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep them from turning soggy, separate layers with parchment paper and store the glaze separately to apply fresh when serving.

Freezing

Freezing is an excellent option for this recipe. Lay cooked waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then stack them with parchment paper in between and seal in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month, ready for quick breakfasts or treats.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated waffles in a toaster, toaster oven, or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes until warm and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make waffles soggy. Once heated, drizzle the cream cheese glaze freshly made or warmed slightly for the full experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different color food coloring instead of red?

Absolutely! While traditional red velvet calls for red coloring, you can get creative with other colors for festive occasions, like pink for Valentine’s Day or green for Christmas. Just remember that the cocoa powder will still give a slight chocolaty tint.

Is there a dairy-free option for the cream cheese glaze?

Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and your favorite plant-based milk to make a delicious vegan glaze. Coconut or almond milk works wonderfully and keeps the glaze smooth and flavorful.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Though it’s best to cook waffles right after mixing for fluffiest results, you can refrigerate the batter for up to 24 hours. Give it a gentle stir before pouring onto your waffle iron, but avoid overmixing.

What if I don’t have a waffle iron?

This batter can be adapted for pancakes! Simply pour onto a hot griddle or non-stick pan and cook like pancakes. The cream cheese glaze is still a perfect topping for an equally delightful experience.

How do I know when the waffles are perfectly cooked?

Look for a light golden brown on the crispy edges, mixed with the distinct red color on top. The waffles should lift easily from the iron without sticking, and feel crisp outside but soft and tender inside.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like the joy of biting into warm, crisp Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe, especially when shared with loved ones. This recipe is straightforward enough to whip up on any weekend yet special enough to impress for holidays or celebrations. Once you try it, these waffles might just become your new go-to breakfast love affair. So preheat that waffle iron and get ready to enjoy a colorful, indulgent start to your day!