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 waking up to warm, fluffy Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe. The rich red color, cocoa undertones, and that tangy-sweet glaze make it a breakfast treat that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.

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 countless waffle recipes, but these red velvet beauties always steal the show. It’s not just the color that’s festive—it's the perfect balance of moist, tender waffles with a smooth cream cheese glaze that feels like comfort on a plate.

Vibrant and Festive: The red gel food coloring gives these waffles a striking color that’s perfect for special occasions or just brightening up your morning.
Moist Texture: Thanks to the buttermilk and cocoa powder, these waffles are wonderfully tender with just the right hint of chocolate.
Cream Cheese Glaze: This isn’t your average syrup—it's a luscious, tangy glaze that pairs beautifully with the waffles’ richness.
Quick & Straightforward: You can whip up these waffles in about 15 minutes, making them a delicious weekday or weekend treat.

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

Every ingredient here plays a vital part—from the Bisquick base that adds fluffiness to the buttermilk’s tang that keeps the waffles tender. I always recommend using fresh buttermilk or a vinegar-milk substitute if you don’t have any; it truly makes a difference.

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: A handy shortcut that gives the waffles a nice rise and crisp edges without fussing over flour types.
Brown sugar: Adds warmth and depth to the sweetness, making the waffles more flavorful than plain sugar.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Essential for that subtle chocolate flavor, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
Buttermilk: Brings tenderness and a gentle tang that complements the richness of the cream cheese glaze.
Whole milk: Used to loosen the batter, ensuring the waffles are light, not dense.
Red gel food coloring: The secret for vibrant color without altering flavor or texture.
Egg: Provides structure and stability, helping the waffles hold together.
Melted butter: Adds richness and keeps the waffles from drying out.
Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with its sweet, floral notes.
Butter and cream cheese (for the glaze): Work together for a smooth, rich texture that’s slightly tangy and sinfully creamy.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze without graininess, making it silky smooth.

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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 play around with these waffles depending on the occasion. Sometimes I skip the brown sugar for a less sweet, breakfast-friendly waffle. Other times I add crushed pecans into the batter for some crunch—you’ll find your own favorite spins, for sure.

Variation: When I’m feeling festive, a handful of white chocolate chips makes a lovely surprise inside the waffle. Try it—you’ll love the melty contrast!
Dietary tweak: You can swap whole milk for almond or oat milk and still keep the creaminess. I tested almond milk once and the result was just as delicious.
Flavor boost: Adding a pinch of cinnamon to the mix adds warmth that’s subtle but noticeable, making the waffles even more comforting.

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

Step 1: Whip up that luscious cream cheese glaze

I always start with the glaze because it tastes best at room temperature and gives the waffles time to cool slightly. Beat softened butter and cream cheese together until silky smooth—scrape the bowl sides well to avoid lumps. Then add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy. Mix in milk and vanilla to reach your desired glaze consistency. Sometimes I like it thinner to drizzle, other times thicker like frosting—adjust with extra milk as you see fit.

Step 2: Prepare your waffle batter

Mix the dry ingredients first—Bisquick, brown sugar, and cocoa powder—so everything blends evenly. Then add the buttermilk, whole milk, red food coloring, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Whisk it all together until you have a smooth, vibrant red batter. Make sure not to overmix—stop as soon as it looks homogeneous to keep the waffles tender.

Step 3: Cook your waffles just right

Heat your waffle iron according to its instructions. I pour about ¾ cup of batter in for my standard waffle iron—yours may differ—then close the lid and cook for about 4-5 minutes. Your waffles are ready when they easily lift free without sticking, have a little crisp on the outside, and a soft inside. It’s normal to see a slightly browned surface. Keep them warm on a rack while you finish cooking the rest.

Step 4: Drizzle that heavenly cream cheese glaze

Serve the waffles warm and drizzle generously with your cream cheese glaze. The combination of warm waffle and cool glaze is just divine—it melts slightly on contact, creating that perfect creamy peek. Honestly, it’s one of my favorite moments in the kitchen.

Top Tip

I’ve learned a few tricks making this recipe several times, and they make all the difference. These tips help you nail texture and flavor every time.

Use gel food coloring: It gives vibrant color without watering down the batter like liquid colorings can.
Don’t skimp on buttermilk: It’s the secret to tenderness and subtle tang, but if you don't have it, the vinegar-and-milk substitute works beautifully.
Keep your waffle iron clean and hot: For crisp edges and perfect release, wipe out leftover crumbs before each waffle and preheat well.
Adjust glaze consistency carefully: Add milk slowly to avoid a glaze that’s too runny and slides off too fast.

How to Serve Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping these waffles with a dusting of powdered sugar and a few fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries. The tart berries brighten every bite and look stunning next to the glossy cream cheese glaze.

Side Dishes

Serve with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to cut through the sweetness. Or for a lighter touch, a simple fresh fruit salad pairs beautifully for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or holiday brunches, stack the waffles into a mini tower, layering glaze between each waffle, and sprinkle with chopped nuts or edible flowers for a showstopper. I did this once for Valentine’s Day, and my guests loved it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

My favorite method is to let waffles cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They hold moisture well but still reheat nicely.

Freezing

Freeze cooled waffles between layers of parchment paper in a zip-top bag for up to a month. This way, you can enjoy a quick red velvet breakfast anytime—just pop them in the toaster or oven to reheat.

Reheating

I gently reheat waffles in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. This helps restore the crisp edges without drying them out. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep that lovely texture intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular flour instead of Bisquick?

Yes, you can substitute 2 cups of self-rising flour instead of Bisquick. Just make sure your flour contains baking powder and salt to get the right rise and texture.

How do I make buttermilk if I don’t have any?

A simple homemade substitute is to add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of whole milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens and curdles slightly, then use as you would buttermilk.

Why is my cream cheese glaze too runny?

If your glaze is too runny, try chilling it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up. You can also reduce the amount of milk added or add a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

With some ingredient swaps—like vegan butter, a plant-based cream cheese alternative, flax egg instead of regular egg, and a non-dairy milk—you can make these waffles vegan. Just expect slight texture and flavor differences.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to whenever I want to impress without stress. It’s festive, indulgent, and still surprisingly easy. I hope you enjoy making these waffles as much as I do—they’re perfect for treating yourself or loved ones any day of the week.