If you’re looking to bring a little magic to your breakfast or brunch table, Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze are the ultimate treat. Fluffy, cocoa-scented waffles with that iconic red hue are always eye-catching, but it’s the creamy, tangy glaze poured luxuriously over the top that truly sets this dish apart. Whether you’re whipping these up for a birthday breakfast or a cozy weekend indulgence, this recipe transforms the classic red velvet experience into a morning delight you’ll want to share (or keep all to yourself!).

Ingredients You’ll Need
These Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze rely on a handful of everyday ingredients thoughtfully combined for just the right texture and flavor. Each component plays a special role, so take a peek at what you’ll need and enjoy learning why they’re so essential for waffle perfection!
- All-Purpose Flour: Lays the foundation for waffles that are fluffy but sturdy enough to hold the glaze.
- Cocoa Powder: Just enough to give a hint of rich chocolate flavor and deepen that classic red velvet taste.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness that’s balanced by the tangy glaze on top.
- Baking Powder: The key to tall, airy waffles—don’t skip it!
- Salt: A pinch makes all the flavors pop and keeps the waffles from tasting flat.
- Buttermilk: Provides signature tang and helps keep your waffles extra tender.
- Eggs: Give the batter structure for sturdy waffles that don’t fall apart.
- Melted Butter: Brings richness and a crisp outer layer.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors with a comforting aroma.
- Red Food Coloring: For that classic, show-stopping red velvet flair.
- Cream Cheese (softened): The star of the glaze—smooth, tangy, and utterly irresistible.
- Powdered Sugar: Dissolves easily to create a velvety-smooth glaze.
- Milk: Helps reach the perfect pourable consistency for drizzling.
- Vanilla Extract (for glaze): A touch of sweetness and flavor in every drop of glaze.
How to Make Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Waffle Iron
Start by plugging in your waffle iron so it’s piping hot by the time your batter is ready. A well-preheated iron gives the waffles those signature crisp edges while keeping the insides fluffy.
Step 2: Combine Your Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures everything is evenly distributed, preventing pockets of cocoa or baking powder in your waffles.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients with Signature Color
Grab a separate bowl and whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and that bold red food coloring. This vivid mixture not only gives Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze their scrumptious color but also adds moisture and depth of flavor.
Step 4: Make the Waffle Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined—overmixing is the enemy of tender waffles! A few lumps are perfectly fine and help prevent the batter from becoming tough.
Step 5: Cook the Waffles
Lightly grease your waffle iron and pour in just enough batter to cover the surface without spilling over. Cook the waffles following your waffle maker’s instructions, usually until they’re crisp on the outside and cooked through. The aroma that fills your kitchen is out of this world!
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
While those waffles are cooking, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s creamy and smooth. Add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until you have a pourable glaze. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk; if it’s too thin, mix in a bit more powdered sugar.
Step 7: Drizzle and Serve
Stack your warm Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze on a plate, then drizzle each one generously with the silky glaze. Serve immediately for the best combination of warm waffle and cool, tangy cream cheese topping.
How to Serve Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze

Garnishes
For that showstopping finish, scatter a handful of fresh berries over your waffles or top with a swirl of whipped cream. You could also add a dusting of cocoa powder or a few chocolate shavings for a touch of decadence. The contrast of colors and flavors will make every bite sing!
Side Dishes
Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze shine brightly at the center of any table, but they’re even better with a side of crispy bacon, breakfast sausage, or a refreshing bowl of fruit salad. If you want to keep things lighter, a dollop of Greek yogurt is a nice tangy companion.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your plating! Try stacking mini-waffles to create a stunning waffle “tower,” or use heart-shaped molds for a special occasion. Serve on a fancy platter for brunch parties, or let guests drizzle their own glaze to make it interactive and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze, let them cool completely before storing. Place waffles in an airtight container (keep the glaze separate) in the refrigerator for up to three days. The glaze can be stored in a sealed jar or container until you’re ready for another sweet breakfast.
Freezing
Red Velvet Waffles freeze beautifully and make a quick breakfast on busy mornings. Freeze waffles in single layers in a zip-top bag or airtight container. The cream cheese glaze should be frozen separately in a small container; just let it thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Reheating
To bring waffles back to life, pop them in the toaster or oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Warm the glaze ever so slightly in the microwave or let it come to room temperature before drizzling over your reheated waffles.
FAQs
Can I make Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze without food coloring?
Yes, you can! The red food coloring is purely for that iconic color, so skipping it won’t affect the taste. You’ll just have delicious “velvet” waffles instead.
Can I use gluten-free flour or a dairy substitute?
Absolutely. A good gluten-free baking blend works well as a replacement for all-purpose flour, and you can swap buttermilk with almond or oat milk plus a teaspoon of vinegar for a dairy-free twist. Just note that the texture may vary slightly, but the results are still delicious.
Can I make the batter or glaze ahead of time?
Yes, both the batter and the cream cheese glaze can be made the night before. Store the batter in the fridge (give it a gentle stir before using) and keep the glaze covered and chilled. This makes breakfast a breeze!
What if I don’t have a waffle iron?
If you lack a waffle iron, pour the batter onto a hot, greased griddle and make red velvet pancakes instead. You’ll still end up with fluffy, flavorful treats to drizzle with that luscious glaze.
Are Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze suitable for dessert?
Definitely! These waffles are rich and decadent enough for dessert—serve them with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a true showstopper at any gathering.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to make your next breakfast a true celebration, I can’t recommend Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze enough. They’re charming, crave-worthy, and guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face. Give them a try and let your kitchen be filled with joy and the delicious aroma of homemade happiness!
Print
Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 waffles 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent delight of Red Velvet Waffles with a luscious Cream Cheese Glaze. These vibrant waffles are perfect for a special breakfast treat or a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
Waffles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Waffle Iron: Heat your waffle iron.
- Prepare Waffle Batter: In a large bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Gently fold wet ingredients into dry until just combined.
- Cook Waffles: Grease the waffle iron, cook the batter according to the waffle maker’s instructions until golden and crisp.
- Make Cream Cheese Glaze: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mix until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle warm waffles with cream cheese glaze and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra decadence, top with whipped cream and fresh berries.
- Waffles can be made ahead and reheated in the toaster.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle with glaze
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg