Name: Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter, softened; ½ cup cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; ½ cup whole milk; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups Bisquick mix; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup buttermilk; ½ cup whole milk; 30 drops red gel food coloring; 1 egg; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

There’s something undeniably indulgent about Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe that just brightens any morning. The rich, tender red velvet waffles paired with that dreamy, tangy cream cheese glaze create a flavor combo that feels like a hug on a plate. You’re going to love how easy and special this breakfast or brunch treat turns out.

Two thick, bright red waffles are stacked on a white plate with a white marbled background. The waffles have a classic grid pattern with deep squares filled with small dark chocolate chips. White creamy sauce is drizzled over the top waffle, dripping into the squares and slightly down the sides. The texture of the waffles looks soft with a little crisp on the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I whipped up these red velvet waffles – the aroma was so inviting, and the texture was just perfect. This recipe feels like a fun twist on everyday waffles that anyone can make without fuss. Plus, the cream cheese glaze takes it from simple to spectacular.

Deliciously moist waffles: The buttermilk and cocoa powder keep the waffles tender with just the right density.
Easy cream cheese glaze: It’s quick to whip up but tastes like you spent hours perfecting it.
Striking color and flavor: The red gel food coloring and subtle cocoa pair beautifully for a classic red velvet vibe.
Customizable and forgiving: You can adjust sweetness and thickness of the glaze or swap ingredients without worry.

A stack of three bright red waffles sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The waffles have a crisp texture with deep square pockets filled with dripping white creamy sauce. Small dark chocolate chips sprinkle on top and inside the pockets, adding contrast. In the background, another plate with red waffles covered in the same white sauce and chocolate chips is partly visible. Next to it, a white jug with more creamy sauce and a white bowl filled with chocolate chips rest on the white marbled surface with a light blue cloth underneath one plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe plays a key role to create that signature red velvet taste and texture. The combination is simple but thoughtful — and you can pick up most items at any grocery store easily.

Flat lay of a small pile of soft butter, a wedge of fresh cream cheese, a mound of powdered sugar, a small white bowl filled with whole milk, a tiny white bowl with clear vanilla extract, a neat pile of Bisquick mix, a few heaping tablespoons of brown sugar, a small heap of unsweetened cocoa powder, a small white bowl with buttermilk, a single whole brown egg with clean shell, a small white bowl containing melted butter, and a few drops of vibrant red gel food coloring, all arranged symmetrically on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Bisquick mix: Acts as the convenient base with leavening already included, so your waffles rise perfectly.
Brown sugar: Adds a touch of deep sweetness that complements the cocoa and cream cheese.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Vital for the subtle chocolate undertone essential to red velvet.
Buttermilk: Reacts with the baking mix for tenderness and adds a slight tang, just right for red velvet.
Whole milk: Balances the liquids for a smooth batter consistency.
Red gel food coloring: The secret to that eye-catching red hue without watery batter.
Egg: Binds ingredients and gives structure to the waffle.
Melted butter: Infuses richness and keeps the waffles moist.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm sweetness.
For the cream cheese glaze – butter & cream cheese: Their creaminess is the core of this luscious topping.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens without grit and thickens the glaze nicely.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with this Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe depending on the occasion or mood. Sometimes, I add a bit of cinnamon into the batter for warmth or switch up the glaze consistency to suit the day.

Variation: When I want a less sweet breakfast, I skip the brown sugar in the waffles and lean fully on the cream cheese glaze to give just enough sweetness without being overpowering.
Dietary modification: You can easily swap whole milk for a plant-based milk like almond or oat, and the flavor still holds up beautifully.
Seasonal twist: During the holidays, I sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top of the glaze—adds crunch and festive sparkle.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Whip up the Cream Cheese Glaze

Start with the glaze since it benefits from some resting time. Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until totally smooth and creamy. This step is key—any lumps will show up later, so scrape the bowl sides often. Once smooth, add the powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Finally, mix in the milk and vanilla extract. The glaze should be thick but pourable; add a splash more milk if needed. Set it aside while you focus on the waffles.

Step 2: Mix the Waffle Batter

Preheat your waffle iron to get it ready to go. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the Bisquick, brown sugar, and cocoa powder. This dry blend forms the flavorful base you want. Next, add in buttermilk, whole milk, your red gel food coloring, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything until smooth—don’t overdo it but make sure there aren’t any flour pockets hiding at the bottom.

Step 3: Cook Your Waffles

Pour about ¾ cup of batter onto your heated waffle iron and close the lid. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, but keep an eye because waffle irons vary. You’ll know the waffles are done when they easily pull away and are slightly crisp on the outside, soft inside, with a hint of browning on top. Transfer them to a cooling rack while you cook the rest.

Step 4: Serve with Cream Cheese Glaze

Drizzle the luscious cream cheese glaze over the warm waffles right away. The glow of that glaze over vibrant red waffles is almost too pretty to eat—almost! Dig in while it’s warm for the best flavor and texture combo.

Top Tip

In my experience, the trickiest part of this recipe is getting the cream cheese glaze just right. Here are some tips that have saved me time and hassle:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use softened butter and cream cheese—cold ingredients won't blend smoothly, leaving lumps in your glaze.
Scrape the Bowl: Make sure to scrape down the mixing bowl sides often when beating the glaze to keep it lump-free and airy.
Adjust Glaze Thickness: If you like a thinner drizzle, add milk gradually to avoid making it too runny. If thicker, reduce milk or add a bit more powdered sugar.
Waffle Iron Know-How: Each waffle iron has quirks; I suggest experimenting with your iron beforehand to find the perfect cook time and batter amount for your machine.

How to Serve Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance, or some fresh berries bring a pop of color and fresh flavor. Sometimes, I top with whipped cream if it’s a weekend treat or special occasion.

Side Dishes

These waffles go great with crispy bacon or sausage on the side for a savory balance. Fresh fruit salad or even a smoothie bowl works beautifully if you want something lighter and fresher to complement the richness of the waffles.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch party, I like stacking my red velvet waffles in a neat tower and drizzling the cream cheese glaze artistically over the edges. Adding edible flowers or crushed nuts takes it up another notch and wow’s guests every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover waffles in an airtight container in the fridge and they stay surprisingly fresh for up to 3 days. Just don’t add the glaze until serving to keep the waffles from getting soggy.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! I cool the waffles completely then layer them between parchment paper in a freezer bag. They’re perfect for quick breakfasts anytime, lasting up to 2 months frozen.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the toaster oven or regular toaster. It crisps up the edges like they’re freshly made. Microwave works in a pinch but can make waffles a little chewy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, stir 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice into 1 cup of regular milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly. This homemade buttermilk substitute works wonderfully in this recipe.

How do I store the cream cheese glaze if I make it ahead?

The cream cheese glaze keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Before serving, give it a good stir or briefly beat it to bring back the fluffy texture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the Bisquick mix with a gluten-free baking mix that includes leavening agents. Just make sure to pick one suitable for waffles and follow the same measurements.

What’s the best way to get the perfect red color?

Using gel food coloring is key because it’s concentrated and won’t thin out your batter like liquid food coloring does. Add the drops gradually and mix well to get that vibrant, even red color.

Final Thoughts

To me, Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe isn’t just breakfast – it’s a little celebration. I hope you find the same joy and ease in making it as I have. Whether it’s for a weekend brunch or a cozy morning treat, these waffles bring something special to the table. So, grab your waffle iron and get ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share these with you!