If you’re looking to bring a splash of color and a burst of flavor to your breakfast table, this Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles Recipe is an absolute game changer. These fluffy, tender waffles dressed in a stunning red hue combine the classic charm of red velvet cake with the fun ease of waffles. Perfect for special mornings or a delightful treat any day, this recipe creates irresistibly soft waffles with a hint of cocoa and a rich vanilla finish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, the heart shape adds a wonderful touch of whimsy, making every bite feel like a little celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients is key to nailing this recipe. Each ingredient plays an important role, from adding flavor and texture to perfecting the signature red color that makes these waffles so special.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and a light crumb to your waffles.
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a subtle chocolate note crucial for that classic red velvet taste.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just enough without overpowering the cocoa or vanilla.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the waffles rise, making them airy and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with buttermilk to tenderize and add lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Provide richness and bind everything together perfectly.
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk: Adds tanginess and moisture for tender waffles.
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the waffles moist and beautifully soft inside.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Intensifies the sweet, comforting flavor.
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring: The magic ingredient that creates those vibrant, eye-catching red waffles.
- Optional toppings: Whipped cream, fresh berries, maple syrup, or a luscious cream cheese glaze to elevate every mouthful.
How to Make Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Waffle Iron
Before diving into the batter, heat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with non-stick spray or melted butter. This step ensures your waffles won’t stick and keeps you from losing any of those gorgeous heart-shaped beauties when flipping.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients first helps them distribute evenly throughout the batter, setting a solid foundation for your red velvet waffles.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until everything is perfectly blended. The red food coloring is what will give your waffles that signature stunning color that’s impossible to resist.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here—a few lumps are totally fine. Overmixing can toughen waffles rather than keep them soft and tender.
Step 5: Cook Your Heart-Shaped Waffles
Using about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of batter per waffle (depending on the size of your waffle iron), pour the mixture onto the preheated iron. Close the lid and cook until the waffles are crisp on the outside and cooked through on the inside. Carefully remove each waffle and repeat with the remaining batter.
How to Serve Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles Recipe
Garnishes
Top your heart-shaped gems with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze for a decadent touch. Bright, fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries add a lovely burst of freshness, balancing the rich flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these waffles with crispy bacon or a side of scrambled eggs for a complete, crowd-pleasing breakfast. The combination of sweet and savory elements makes for an unforgettable brunch experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the waffles stacked high on a pretty plate, dusted lightly with powdered sugar or cocoa powder to make those vibrant reds pop even more. For extra festivity, sprinkle edible glitter or heart-shaped sprinkles on top—especially great for Valentine’s mornings or any special occasion!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any waffles left over, store them in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to two days. Just be sure they’re completely cooled before storing to keep them from getting soggy.
Freezing
These heart-shaped red velvet waffles freeze wonderfully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep perfectly for up to a month, ready for a quick breakfast fix anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the frozen waffles in a toaster or oven at medium heat until warm and crisp again. This method restores their delightful crunch and softness just like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I make these waffles without red food coloring?
You can skip the red food coloring if you prefer, but it really adds the iconic look that makes this recipe special. Without it, you’ll have delicious chocolate-infused waffles, just not the classic red velvet appearance.
What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?
Simply make a quick substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with 1 3/4 cups of milk, letting it sit for 5 minutes before using. This will give you a similar tang and help activate the baking soda for fluffy results.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
With a few swaps like flax eggs for eggs and plant-based milk with a bit of vinegar for buttermilk, plus a vegan butter or oil, you can adapt this recipe for a vegan diet and still enjoy those red velvet flavors in waffle form.
How do I make the cream cheese glaze?
Mix 4 oz of softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2–3 tablespoons of milk until smooth and pourable. Drizzle generously on warm waffles for an indulgent finish.
Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of unsweetened?
Yes, unsweetened cocoa powder is preferred to control sweetness and maintain rich chocolate flavor, but if you only have sweetened cocoa powder, reduce the sugar slightly in the recipe to balance the taste.
Final Thoughts
This Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles Recipe is sure to become a treasured favorite for breakfasts and brunches alike. With its vibrant color, tender crumb, and comforting flavors, it’s the perfect way to show a little love in the kitchen. Give it a try and watch how these heart-shaped delights brighten your mornings and bring smiles all around the table!
Print
Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 waffles
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these charming Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles, perfect for a festive Valentine’s Day breakfast or a sweet weekend brunch. Fluffy and moist with a hint of cocoa and striking red color, these waffles come together with simple pantry staples and are topped with your choice of whipped cream, fresh berries, maple syrup, or a luscious cream cheese glaze for an extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries
- Maple syrup
- Cream cheese glaze (recipe below)
Instructions
- Preheat the waffle iron: Lightly grease your waffle iron with non-stick spray or melted butter to prevent sticking and heat it up to the proper temperature.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and red food coloring thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and uniform in color.
- Combine wet and dry mixes: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. It’s important not to overmix; leaving a few small lumps in the batter is fine to ensure tender waffles.
- Cook the waffles: Pour about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of batter onto the preheated waffle iron, depending on its size, spreading it evenly. Close the lid and cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions until the waffles are crisp on the outside and cooked through.
- Remove and repeat: Carefully remove the waffle and repeat the process with the remaining batter. Keep cooked waffles warm in a low oven if desired.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the waffles warm topped with your favorite toppings like whipped cream, fresh berries, maple syrup, or a cream cheese glaze.
Notes
- To prepare the cream cheese glaze, blend 4 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2–3 tablespoons milk until smooth and pourable.
- These waffles freeze well. Reheat frozen waffles in a toaster or oven for a quick and easy breakfast.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep waffles light and fluffy.
- You can use heart-shaped waffle iron molds for a festive presentation.
