If you adore the decadent charm of red velvet cake but crave a fun, crispy twist for breakfast or brunch, you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Drizzle Recipe. Imagine waking up to waffles that are beautifully vibrant, just a hint of chocolatey richness, and topped with a luscious cream cheese drizzle that perfectly balances sweetness and tang. Whether it’s a special occasion like Valentine’s Day or simply a weekend indulgence, these red velvet waffles bring that celebratory feeling to your plate and instantly lift your morning mood.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with a smooth red mixture that looks like a batter or sauce, with a metal whisk resting inside the bowl. The mixture covers the entire bowl evenly and has a slightly shiny texture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the magic starts with just a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that iconic red hue. Each component plays its role — from the cocoa powder enriching the waffles with subtle chocolate notes to the buttermilk adding that tender fluffiness you want every bite to have.

All-purpose flour (1½ cups): The base of the batter, providing structure and body to your waffles.
Granulated sugar (2 tbsp): Sweetens the batter while helping to create a light crust on the outside.
Cocoa powder (2 tbsp): Adds just the right hint of chocolate flavor without overpowering the red velvet character.
Baking powder (2 tsp): Gives your waffles the lift needed for that perfect fluffy texture.
Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances and balances the flavors beautifully.
Buttermilk (1 cup): Adds tang and moisture, making waffles tender with a slight tang that complements the cream cheese drizzle.
Egg (1 large): Binds the mixture and contributes to a rich, custardy crumb.
Melted butter or oil (¼ cup): Infuses the waffles with richness and helps keep them moist inside.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
Red food coloring (1 tbsp): Creates the signature rich red color, making these waffles visual showstoppers.
Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): The star of the drizzle, adding creamy tang and decadence.
Powdered sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the cream cheese drizzle to perfection.
Milk (2–3 tbsp): Thins the glaze to a drizzle-friendly consistency.
Vanilla extract (½ tsp): Rounds out the cream cheese drizzle with subtle sweetness.

How to Make Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Drizzle Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Waffle Batter

Begin by preheating your waffle iron so it’s nice and hot when the batter is ready. This helps achieve that irresistibly crisp exterior. Next, whisk together the dry ingredients — flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt — in a large bowl, making sure they’re well combined. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, melted butter or oil, vanilla extract, and the luscious red food coloring until smooth and vibrant in color.

Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently stir just until the mixture comes together. Remember, the secret to light and fluffy waffles lies in not overmixing. Some small lumps are totally fine and will help the waffles keep their delicate texture. This Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Drizzle Recipe really shines with the batter’s tenderness.

Step 3: Cook the Waffles

Lightly grease your preheated waffle iron to prevent sticking. Pour enough batter onto the iron to fill but not overflow, then close the lid and cook until the waffles are crisp on the outside and fluffy inside, usually around 3 to 5 minutes. The vibrant red color gets even more appealing here, and the subtle chocolate aroma starts to fill your kitchen, building delicious anticipation.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Drizzle

While your waffles cook, prepare that dreamy cream cheese drizzle. Whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until silky smooth. This luscious glaze is the perfect finishing touch that gently melts over warm waffles, adding moist richness and just the right sweetness balance.

Step 5: Serve It Up!

Once your waffles are cooked through, transfer them to plates and generously drizzle the cream cheese mixture over the top. It’s truly irresistible when served immediately, with the warm waffles creating a slight melt that makes every bite heavenly. Now you have a plate of stunning Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Drizzle Recipe that’s ready to wow your friends and family.

How to Serve Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Drizzle Recipe

A white plate holds a single deep red waffle topped with fresh bright red strawberry halves scattered evenly across the surface. A white creamy sauce is generously drizzled over the strawberries and waffle, creating smooth, flowing lines of contrast. The texture of the waffle shows a crisp exterior with deep squares. A woman's hand holds a silver fork, ready to dig into the dish. The background is a white marbled surface, with a blurry white bowl and red berries faintly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar, a handful of fresh raspberries, or a scattering of mini chocolate chips add charming pops of color and texture to your waffles. These garnishes not only look stunning but elevate the flavor profile, making each bite feel like a celebration. A few mint leaves can also add freshness and a lovely aroma.

Side Dishes

Pair these rich waffles with some crisp bacon or savory sausage to balance the sweetness, or offer a fresh fruit salad to lighten the meal. Creamy yogurt or whipped cream on the side also harmonize beautifully with the cream cheese drizzle, creating a well-rounded brunch spread everyone will adore.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your red velvet waffles high with layers of cream cheese drizzle between them as a fun waffle cake. You can also cut them into smaller shapes using cookie cutters for a party platter that’s as tasty as it is adorable. Serving with a drizzle of warm maple syrup or a splash of raspberry coulis adds a touch of unexpected sweetness that dazzles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover waffles, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. Keep the cream cheese drizzle in a separate container and add it fresh when ready to serve, ensuring it stays smooth and creamy.

Freezing

For longer storage, red velvet waffles freeze beautifully. Place cooled waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month, making this Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Drizzle Recipe perfect for prepping ahead of time.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated waffles by popping them in a toaster or oven until warm and crispy. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that satisfying crisp exterior. When warmed, drizzle your cream cheese glaze fresh over the top for a delightful experience every time.

FAQs

Can I make these waffles without red food coloring?

Absolutely! While red food coloring gives the signature vibrant red hue, you can omit it if you prefer. Your waffles will still taste fantastic but with a more subtle reddish-brown tint from the cocoa powder.

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

You can substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free or vegan cream cheese alternative and use plant-based milk to keep the drizzle creamy and delicious while catering to dairy restrictions.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, but to mimic the tangy flavor and acidity of buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This helps achieve the waffle’s tender texture and subtle tanginess.

How do I keep my waffles crispy longer?

Cook the waffles slightly longer than usual to crisp them up more, and place cooked waffles on a wire rack in a warm oven to prevent sogginess while keeping their crisp exterior until serving.

Can I make the cream cheese drizzle ahead of time?

Yes! The drizzle can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just whisk it well before serving to restore its smooth, pourable consistency.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about serving a batch of warm, colorful Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Drizzle Recipe, especially when shared with loved ones on a cozy morning. Easy to make yet impressively delicious, these waffles will quickly become a beloved favorite in your breakfast or brunch rotation. So go ahead, whisk up that batter, heat your waffle iron, and prepare yourself for a sweet, fluffy delight that tastes as joyful as it looks!