Introduction
Hosting a Galentine’s Brunch? These Red Velvet Waffles are the ultimate “Girls’ Day” breakfast. They are vibrant red, fluffy, and drizzled with a warm cream cheese glaze that tastes just like the frosting on the cake. It’s dessert for breakfast, and we are here for it.
The “Secret” Ingredients for Deep Flavor
The secret to real red velvet flavor is Buttermilk and Cocoa Powder. It’s not just about red food dye; you need that tangy buttermilk reaction and a hint of chocolate to get the authentic taste.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Flour, 2 tbsp Cocoa Powder.
- 1.5 cups Buttermilk.
- 2 Eggs, 1/3 cup Melted Butter.
- 1 tbsp Red Food Coloring.
- Glaze: 4 oz Cream Cheese melted with 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar and 2 tbsp Milk.
Instructions
- Whisk: Combine dry ingredients. Whisk wet ingredients (including dye) separately.
- Combine: Fold wet into dry. don’t overmix!
- Cook: Pour batter into a preheated waffle iron. Cook until crispy.
- Serve: Drizzle generously with warm cream cheese glaze.
Variations & Substitutions
- Chicken & Waffles: Skip the cream cheese glaze and serve these with fried chicken and spicy maple syrup for a savory-sweet brunch.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter for extra decadence.
- Beet Powder: If you are strictly anti-food-dye, you can use beet powder for color, though the red won’t be quite as vibrant.
Pro-Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix: Just like pancakes, if you whisk the batter too much, the waffles will be rubbery. Lumps are okay!
- Rest the Batter: Let the batter sit for 10 minutes while your waffle iron heats up. This allows the flour to absorb the liquid and results in a fluffier interior.
- Keep Them Crisp: As you cook batches, place the finished waffles directly on the rack of a 200°F oven. This keeps them warm and crisp while you finish the rest. Stacking them on a plate makes them soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I freeze these? Absolutely. Let them cool completely, then freeze in a zip-top bag. Reheat them in the toaster for a quick weekday breakfast.
- Why aren’t mine crispy? You might not have enough fat in the batter, or your iron wasn’t hot enough. Make sure the “Ready” light is on before pouring.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat in a toaster or toaster oven—never the microwave, unless you like floppy waffles!