If you’re looking to wow someone special or simply treat yourself to a deliciously charming breakfast, this Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles Recipe is an absolute must-try. These waffles bring together the classic, rich flavors of red velvet cake with a crisp, perfectly textured waffle that’s as delightful to eat as it is to look at. From the vibrant red hue to the subtle cocoa undertones and creamy toppings you can add, this recipe transforms an ordinary morning into a celebration of flavor and fun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple pantry staples and a few special ingredients is all it takes to whip up these stunning waffles. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the beloved texture, color, and balance of flavors that define this recipe.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that provides the perfect structure and lightness.
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds that subtle chocolatey note crucial to red velvet’s signature taste.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just right without overpowering other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the waffles rise and achieve a fluffy interior.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to tenderize and lift the batter.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness and moisture.
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk: Tenderizes the batter while lending a subtle tangy flavor.
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the waffles moist and helps achieve a crispy exterior.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Amplifies the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring: Gives the waffles their irresistible red velvet appearance.
- Optional toppings like whipped cream, fresh berries, maple syrup, or cream cheese glaze: Add layers of flavor and personalization.
How to Make Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Waffle Iron
Start by warming up your waffle iron and lightly greasing it with non-stick spray or melted butter. This simple step ensures your waffles cook evenly and release easily, keeping their charming heart shape intact.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Taking the time to mix these well makes sure that every bite of your Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles Recipe is perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until smooth and fully blended. The buttermilk’s tang combined with the rich oil results in waffles that are tender on the inside and crisp on the outside.
Step 4: Bring the Batter Together
Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here – a few lumps are perfectly fine and help keep your waffles fluffy rather than dense.
Step 5: Cook Your Heart-Shaped Waffles
Carefully ladle about a third to half a cup of batter onto your preheated waffle iron, depending on its size, and cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions. The waffles should come out crisp, beautifully heart-shaped, and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining batter.
How to Serve Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles Recipe
Garnishes
Once your waffles are cooked, they’re a perfect canvas for creativity. Top them with a cloud of whipped cream and scatter fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing burst of flavor. For a richer touch, drizzle maple syrup or a luscious cream cheese glaze over the top – both complement the red velvet beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles Recipe with simple sides that won’t compete with its distinct flavor. Fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt make delightful companions to your sweet waffles, adding variety and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress even more? Serve the waffles layered with alternating cream cheese glaze and berries for a waffle “cake.” You can also sprinkle powdered sugar for a delicate finish or add edible flowers for an extra romantic touch that’s perfect for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any waffles left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping them well-sealed helps preserve their lovely texture and flavor so you can enjoy them later without any loss in quality.
Freezing
These waffles freeze exceptionally well. Lay them out flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. This prevents them from sticking together and makes it easy to take out just the amount you want whenever you crave a quick sweet treat.
Reheating
To bring your leftover or frozen waffles back to life, reheat them in a toaster or an oven at 350°F (175°C) until they’re warmed through and crisp again. This method keeps the exterior delightfully crunchy while warming the inside perfectly.
FAQs
Can I make these waffles without red food coloring?
Yes, you can skip the red food coloring if you prefer a more natural look. The waffles will still taste delicious, though they won’t have the classic vibrant red velvet appearance that makes this recipe so special.
What’s the best waffle iron to use for the heart shape?
Heart-shaped waffle irons are widely available and come in electric versions or stovetop models. Choose one with non-stick surfaces and good heat distribution to ensure your waffles cook evenly and release easily.
Can I substitute buttermilk with something else?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk, then letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. This gives you the acidity needed to react with the baking soda in the recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This recipe contains no meat or animal-derived gelatin, making it perfect for vegetarians who enjoy indulgent sweet breakfasts.
How can I make the cream cheese glaze?
Mix 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk until smooth and pourable. This glaze is a luxurious way to top your Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles Recipe is one of those joyful breakfast treats that feels both festive and comforting. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because you deserve something wonderful, these waffles never disappoint. So go ahead, give them a try and watch hearts melt with every bite.
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 heart-shaped red velvet waffles, a perfect sweet brunch idea for Valentine’s Day or any special breakfast. These fluffy, cocoa-infused waffles are tinted with vibrant red food coloring and served with optional toppings like whipped cream, fresh berries, maple syrup, or a creamy 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 (see Notes)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with non-stick spray or melted butter to ensure waffles do not stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened 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 until fully integrated and smooth.
- Mix Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing; a few lumps are fine to keep the waffles tender.
- Cook Waffles: Pour about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of batter (depending on your waffle iron size) onto the preheated waffle iron. Cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions until the waffles are crisp on the outside and thoroughly cooked inside.
- Serve: Carefully remove the waffles, repeat with remaining batter, and serve warm with your favorite toppings like whipped cream, fresh berries, maple syrup, or cream cheese glaze.
Notes
- To make 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 them in a toaster or oven for best results.
