If you’re on the lookout for a breakfast that feels like a warm hug and looks absolutely delightful, this Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles Recipe is the one to try. Imagine fluffy, tender waffles with the rich touch of cocoa and that iconic red velvet hue—perfect for cozy mornings or impressing someone special. Every bite offers a perfect balance of sweet and slightly tangy from the buttermilk, wrapped in the fun and festive shape of hearts. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that lifts your spirits and brightens up your day with flavor and charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples, but each one plays a crucial role in bringing together the perfect texture, color, and flavor of this Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles Recipe. From the tender crumb created by the flour and baking powder to the rich color given by the red food coloring, it all comes together beautifully.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure and lightness to your waffles.
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds that subtle chocolate depth, essential for true red velvet flavor.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Gives just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps your waffles rise perfectly fluffy and airy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to create a tender crumb and lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the batter together and add richness.
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk: Imparts tanginess and moisture for tender waffles.
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the waffles moist and helps with a crisp outer texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds sweet, aromatic warmth for an inviting aroma.
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring: Gives those iconic, vibrant red velvet waffles their pop of color.
- Optional: whipped cream, fresh berries, and maple syrup: Perfect toppings to elevate your waffle experience.
How to Make Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Waffle Maker
Begin by warming up your heart-shaped waffle maker, giving it a light spray of nonstick oil to ensure your red velvet waffles don’t stick. This step is essential to achieving those pretty, intact heart shapes that are the star of the show.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients thoroughly helps your batter be smooth and ensures an even rise.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and whisk until light and frothy. Then stir in the buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and the magical red food coloring. This mixture is what gives the waffles their tender texture and that gorgeous red velvet tone.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold everything together. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay! Overmixing can make your waffles tough rather than fluffy.
Step 5: Cook Your Waffles
Pour enough batter into your waffle maker to fill the heart-shaped mold without overflowing. Close the lid and let the waffles cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until they’re crisp on the outside and cooked through. Remove carefully and repeat with remaining batter.
How to Serve Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles Recipe
Garnishes
To make these waffles truly shine, whip up some fresh cream and scatter vibrant berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries on top. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup adds the perfect finishing touch that makes every bite feel special.
Side Dishes
Complementing the rich flavor of your Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles Recipe with crisp bacon or savory sausage creates an irresistible balance of sweet and savory. Adding a side of fresh fruit salad brightens the plate and keeps breakfast light and fiesta-ready.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering these waffles with alternating layers of whipped cream and berries to create a festive breakfast stack. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert twist or use heart-shaped cutters to transform regular waffles if you don’t have a heart-shaped iron.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra waffles (as tempting as it is to eat them all fresh), simply let them cool completely, then layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they’ll keep well for up to 2 days.
Freezing
The Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles Recipe is freezer-friendly! Freeze individual waffles between parchment paper in a sealed bag or container, and they’ll be ready whenever you want a quick breakfast treat that feels freshly made.
Reheating
To bring back that crispy exterior, reheat frozen or refrigerated waffles in a toaster, toaster oven, or conventional oven rather than a microwave. This method ensures your waffles keep their delightful texture and stay fluffy inside.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of all-purpose flour?
All-purpose flour is recommended for the right texture, but if you want a lighter waffle, you could try cake flour as a substitute. Just note this might slightly change the density of your waffles.
What if I don’t have red food coloring?
Without red food coloring, the waffles lose that signature velvet red tone but still taste delicious. You could experiment with natural beet juice as a substitute, though it may change the flavor slightly.
Can I make these waffles gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking, you can enjoy this recipe gluten-free. Just be sure your blend includes xanthan gum for texture.
How do I know when the waffles are cooked fully?
Your waffle maker’s indicator light and the golden crisp edges are good signs. Usually, 3 to 5 minutes is enough, but when the steam slows down significantly, that’s a reliable cue the waffles are done.
Can I make these waffles vegan?
To veganize this recipe, consider replacing the eggs with flax eggs and using a plant-based milk mixed with vinegar to mimic buttermilk. Use oil as is and check that your waffle maker is nonstick or lightly greased with vegan-friendly spray.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making breakfast that feels like a celebration, and the Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles Recipe does exactly that. Whether it’s a holiday morning, a birthday, or just because you deserve a treat, these waffles bring color, warmth, and joy to the table. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a beloved staple you look forward to making again and again.
Print
Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 waffles 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles are a fun and festive twist on classic waffles, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special breakfast occasion. Made with a blend of cocoa and red food coloring, they deliver a beautiful red hue and a subtle chocolate flavor. Served warm with whipped cream, fresh berries, and maple syrup, they make a delightful treat that is visually appealing and delicious.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon 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
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Waffle Maker: Preheat your waffle maker and lightly grease it with nonstick spray to ensure the waffles do not stick and come out easily.
- 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.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Then add buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, stirring well to blend all liquids thoroughly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the waffles tough.
- Cook Waffles: Pour an appropriate amount of batter into your preheated waffle iron—enough to fill the mold without overflowing. Close the lid and cook the waffles according to your waffle maker’s instructions, usually about 3–5 minutes, until they are crisp and cooked through.
- Remove and Repeat: Carefully remove the cooked waffles from the iron and repeat the process with the remaining batter.
- Serve Warm: Serve your heart-shaped red velvet waffles warm with optional toppings like whipped cream, fresh berries, and maple syrup for a delicious breakfast or brunch treat.
Notes
- If you don’t have a heart-shaped waffle maker, use a regular waffle maker and cut the waffles into heart shapes with a cookie cutter.
- To make ahead, cook the waffles fully, let them cool, and freeze them between parchment paper layers.
- Reheat frozen waffles in a toaster or oven to restore crispness.
