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 downright magical about the rich color and flavor of these Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe. They aren’t just waffles—they’re a cozy, decadent breakfast that feels like a celebration any day of the week. With their tender crumb and that tangy glaze, they’re impossible to resist.

Two thick stacked bright red waffles sit on a white plate, each waffle having deep square pockets filled with small dark chocolate chips. White sauce is drizzled over the top waffle, flowing down the sides and pooling slightly on the plate. The texture of the waffles looks soft with a light crisp on the edges. The background shows a white marbled surface 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’ve made this Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe countless times for weekend brunches and special occasions, and it never disappoints. Not only does it look stunning, but the flavor combo is just perfect—rich, sweet, with a touch of cocoa and that creamy glaze bringing it all home.

Show-stopping color and flavor: The vibrant red hue and cocoa-infused batter make these waffles unforgettable.
Easy and quick: From mixing to cooking, it only takes about 15 minutes total, making it perfect for a leisurely breakfast.
Decadent cream cheese glaze: This glaze isn’t just a topping; it’s the star that adds tangy sweetness and a luscious texture.
Customizable and forgiving: Whether you adjust the sweetness or swap milk types, this recipe adapts beautifully without fuss.

A stack of three bright red waffles sits on a white plate, drizzled with white cream that fills some waffle pockets and runs over the edges. Scattered small dark chocolate chips top the cream and waffles. Another similar stack is partially visible in the background on a white plate over a blue striped cloth. To the right are a white jug filled with cream and a white bowl full of chocolate chips. All are placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe strikes a perfect balance between richness and fluffiness thanks to a thoughtful blend of ingredients, each playing its part in the final waffles and glaze. I always grab fresh buttermilk and real cream cheese, which really makes a difference in flavor and texture.

Flat lay of softened butter in a small white bowl, a block of fresh cream cheese on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with powdered sugar, a small white bowl of whole milk, a few drops of vanilla extract in a small white bowl, a mound of Bisquick mix on a white ceramic plate, a small pile of brown sugar on a plain white plate, a small heap of unsweetened cocoa powder on a white ceramic dish, a small white bowl of buttermilk, a single whole clean egg with an uncracked shell, melted butter in a small white bowl, tiny vivid red drops of gel food coloring arranged artistically on a white ceramic plate, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfect symmetry and balanced layout, 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: The base that gives the waffles structure and a tender crumb without complicated mixing.
Brown sugar: Adds warmth and subtle molasses notes that deepen the sweetness without overpowering.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides that classic hint of chocolate that balances the red velvet flavor.
Buttermilk: Delivers tanginess and moistness, helping the waffles to rise beautifully.
Whole milk: Keeps the batter smooth and rich.
Red gel food coloring: Intensifies the signature red color without affecting taste.
Egg: Binds ingredients and enriches the batter for fluffiness.
Melted butter: Adds chewiness and flavor, keeping waffles from drying out.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with warm sweetness.
Butter and cream cheese (for glaze): Together, they form the creamy, tangy glaze that perfectly complements the waffles.
Powdered sugar (for glaze): Sweetens and smooths the glaze for a luscious finish.

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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 like to tweak these waffles depending on the season or mood. Feel free to adjust the sweetness or toppings so they suit your style. For me, the real joy is making this recipe my own, and I promise it’s easy to do!

Variation: Sometimes I swap the red gel food coloring for natural beet powder for a healthier spin—it still turns out vibrant and tasty.
Lighter option: You can cut down on butter for a leaner waffle without losing much in flavor.
Extra chocolatey: Add mini chocolate chips into the batter before cooking for surprise bites of melty goodness.
Dairy-free twist: Use almond or oat milk and a vegan cream cheese to make this indulgent breakfast dairy-free.

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

Step 1: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Glaze

Start by beating the softened butter and cream cheese together until they're silky smooth. It’s important to scrape down the sides of your bowl often so you don’t end up with lumps in your glaze—it should be light, fluffy, and perfectly creamy. Once that’s ready, add powdered sugar and beat again until you get a luscious texture. Finish with milk and vanilla extract, then set the glaze aside to let the flavors meld while you make the waffles.

Step 2: Mix the Red Velvet Waffle Batter

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the Bisquick, brown sugar, and cocoa powder until evenly combined. Then pour in your buttermilk, whole milk, red gel food coloring, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything until you have a smooth, velvety batter. The batter will be thick but pourable—if it seems too thick, a splash more milk helps.

Step 3: Cook Your Waffles to Perfection

Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it if needed. Pour about ¾ cup of batter onto the hot surface (adjust quantity depending on your waffle iron’s size). Close the lid and cook for about 4-5 minutes—your waffles will be soft inside, slightly crisp outside, and have that gorgeous reddish-brown surface. They should release easily; if not, give them a little longer. Don’t rush this step—it’s where you get that perfect texture!

Step 4: Glaze and Serve Warm

Once the waffles are hot off the iron, drizzle them generously with your cream cheese glaze. I like them best right away, warm and soft with the glaze melting slightly on top. Then make more waffles with the rest of the batter, serving as you go.

Top Tip

From countless waffle mornings, here are a few tips that make a world of difference. They helped me nail the perfect fluffy yet tender texture and keep the glaze silky smooth every time.

Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs aren’t cold to mix evenly and create a smooth batter and glaze.
Don’t overload the waffle iron: Too much batter can spill over and cause sticking. Use the amount your iron maker suggests and adjust as needed.
Scrape your mixing bowl: When making the glaze, scrape the bowl often to avoid lumps and get that perfect texture.
Adjust your milk: If the glaze is too thick to drizzle, add milk slowly until you get the consistency you want.

How to Serve Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I often top these waffles with a handful of fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries, which add a lovely tart contrast to the sweet cream cheese glaze. A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts adds delightful crunch, especially if you love texture in your breakfast.

Side Dishes

For a balanced morning, I pair these waffles with crispy bacon or turkey sausage. Freshly brewed coffee or a glass of orange juice rounds out the meal perfectly. You might even enjoy a simple fruit salad alongside for a refreshing bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving these red velvet waffles stacked high, drizzled generously with cream cheese glaze, and dusted lightly with powdered sugar makes for an impressive brunch centerpiece. For special occasions, I’ve layered them with whipped cream and strawberries to create a waffle "cake" that’s a real crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let leftover waffles cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or zip-lock bag in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, they stay moist but don’t get soggy. It’s great for quick breakfasts throughout the week.

Freezing

Freezing these waffles works wonderfully! Lay them flat on a baking sheet so they don’t stick together, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months, which is perfect for prepping breakfasts ahead of time.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop frozen waffles straight into the toaster or toaster oven for a few minutes until warm and crispy again—no sogginess here! For fresh leftovers, a quick zap in the microwave works too if you’re in a rush, just know they won’t be quite as crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the cream cheese glaze ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the cream cheese glaze a day ahead and store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Before serving, give it a good stir or a quick whisk to restore its creamy texture. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it.

What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?

No worries—just mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it curdles slightly, and you’ll have a fantastic buttermilk substitute that works perfectly in this recipe.

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

You can, but I recommend gel food coloring because it provides a more vibrant color without thinning your batter. Liquid food coloring can make the batter more watery and affect the texture of your waffles.

How can I make these waffles less sweet?

If you want to reduce sweetness, skip the brown sugar in the waffle batter since the cream cheese glaze is already sweet enough. This balances the flavors without sacrificing texture or color. You can always add less powdered sugar to the glaze too, according to your taste.

Final Thoughts

Making this Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe feels like treating yourself and your loved ones to something special even on a regular morning. It’s a simple recipe with big personality, and once you try it, I bet it’ll become a go-to for your brunch repertoire. Give it a whirl—you’ll love pulling apart those warm, tender waffles waiting for that drizzle of luscious cream cheese glaze. Trust me, it’s a little slice of breakfast heaven.