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 cozy about Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe—imagine biting into warm, fluffy waffles with that luscious, tangy glaze dripping down. This combo turns any breakfast or brunch into a celebration and honestly, once you try it, it becomes a kitchen staple worth every delicious minute.

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

This Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe is one of those happy accidents I keep coming back to. The flavors are rich but balanced, and the creamy glaze is like the perfect hug for each waffle. Plus, it’s quick enough to whip up any morning when you want something special without spending hours.

Flavor Explosion: The combination of red velvet's subtle cocoa with the tangy cream cheese glaze makes each bite wonderfully indulgent.
Super Quick: You can have these waffles on the table in about 15 minutes, making them ideal for busy mornings or last-minute guests.
Customizable: Whether you want it a bit sweeter, thicker glaze, or less cocoa, it’s easy to tweak the recipe to suit your taste buds.
Visually Stunning: The rich red waffles topped with creamy white glaze make an eye-catching presentation that’ll wow family and friends.

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

The magic happens because each ingredient plays a role, from the softness of the Bisquick base to the tang of buttermilk and the smooth sweetness of cream cheese glaze. When shopping, look for quality butter and real cream cheese for that fresh, homemade edge.

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: This pre-mixed baking mix makes the waffles tender yet fluffy without too much fuss.
Brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel note that deepens the waffle’s flavor beyond just sweetness.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the distinct red velvet chocolate hint without overpowering the batter.
Buttermilk: Brings acidity which helps tenderize and gives a slight tang to balance sweetness.
Whole milk: Adds richness and keeps the batter smooth.
Red gel food coloring: Provides that classic, vibrant red color more intensely than liquid dyes.
Egg: Helps bind ingredients and adds structure to the waffles.
Melted butter: Adds moisture and a buttery flavor that enhances the waffle texture.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a sweet, aromatic touch.
Butter (for glaze): Softens the cream cheese and adds creaminess to the glaze.
Cream cheese: Key for the glaze, bringing tanginess and silkiness that pairs perfectly with the waffle.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze while keeping it 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

A favorite thing to do is play with the cream cheese glaze consistency—thicker if I want it more like frosting, or a bit thinner to drizzle like syrup. You can also tone down the red food coloring if big bold color isn’t your thing. The recipe is a great starting point to make your own version.

Variation: Once, I swapped out brown sugar for coconut sugar to get a slightly nuttier flavor and loved the subtle twist.
Dairy-free option: Try using almond milk and vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version, it still tastes fantastic!
Seasonal twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the batter in fall for a cozy seasonal flair.

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

Step 1: Whip up the Perfect Cream Cheese Glaze

I always start with the glaze because it needs a little time to chill and thicken. Beat softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and really creamy—no lumps here! Then add powdered sugar gradually, beating until the mixture is fluffy. Scrape down the bowl sides often, that’s key for smooth texture. Lastly, mix in milk and vanilla to get the glaze just the right consistency. Set it aside while you make the waffles.

Step 2: Blend the Red Velvet Waffle Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the Bisquick, brown sugar, and cocoa powder to get an even dry mix. Then pour in the buttermilk, whole milk, red gel food coloring, egg, melted butter, and vanilla—whisk gently until the batter is smooth but don’t overmix! A few small lumps are okay, and overmixing can make waffles tough.

Step 3: Cook the Waffles to Perfection

Preheat your waffle iron well—this is crucial for crisp edges. Scoop about ¾ cup of batter onto the iron (adjust amount based on your waffle iron’s size) and close the lid. Cooking times vary, but usually 4-5 minutes is just right. You’ll know the waffles are done when they lift easily and have a crisp, slightly browned surface. If you peek too early, they might stick, so patience pays!

Step 4: Drizzle and Devour

Serve the waffles hot and immediately spoon over the cream cheese glaze—you want it to melt slightly and drip just so. I find family loves when I keep the glaze in a small bowl at the side for dipping extra bites. Trust me, these waffles don’t last long once glazed!

Top Tip

From my many waffle mornings with this recipe, a few simple tips changed the game for me and can do the same for you. It’s all about texture, timing, and that perfect balance in the glaze.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to avoid lumps in your glaze and batter.
Preheat Your Waffle Iron Thoroughly: A hot iron means crisp edges and no sticking, which makes cooking and cleaning so much easier.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Just mix until combined—overmixing can make the waffles tough instead of light and fluffy.
Test Your Waffle Iron Size: The ¾ cup batter is a good starting point, but adjust to your iron's size to avoid overflow or thin waffles.

How to Serve Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a few fresh raspberries or halved strawberries on top—it brightens the plate and adds a fresh bite. A tiny dusting of powdered sugar finishes the look beautifully. Sometimes, I toss on a handful of chopped toasted pecans for crunch, which is always a hit.

Side Dishes

These waffles pair wonderfully with a simple fruit salad or Greek yogurt on the side for some tang. When hosting brunch, I like to serve crispy bacon or turkey sausage alongside to balance the sweetness with savory notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or birthdays, I’ve arranged the waffles as a stack layered with cream cheese glaze between each one, almost like a waffle cake. Topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a cherry, it’s a showstopper. You can also cut small waffle shapes and create red velvet waffle skewers—fun for kids’ parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover waffles can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find laying parchment paper between each waffle prevents sticking and keeps them fresh.

Freezing

I freeze batches individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag—this way they don’t clump together. When you want them, just pop straight in the toaster or oven. They defrost and reheat really well without losing crispness.

Reheating

To reheat, I use a toaster or toaster oven set to medium heat for 2-3 minutes. This brings back that crisp exterior while warming the inside perfectly. Avoid microwaving if you can—your waffles might turn soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Red Velvet Waffles without buttermilk?

Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk, just add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. This homemade buttermilk substitute works great in this recipe.

What makes the cream cheese glaze so special?

The cream cheese glaze adds a tangy richness that cuts through the sweetness of the waffle, creating a balanced and luxurious flavor profile that's classic to red velvet desserts.

Can I prepare the batter the night before?

You can prepare the batter the night before and keep it covered in the fridge, but because of the baking soda and other leavening agents, the waffles might not be as light and fluffy as fresh batter. I suggest mixing dry ingredients separately and combining wet ingredients fresh the next day for best results.

How do I avoid soggy waffles?

Preheating the waffle iron thoroughly and cooking the waffles until they’re lightly crisp around the edges are key to avoiding soggy waffles. Also, reheating leftovers in a toaster or toaster oven helps bring back crispness better than a microwave.

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s my go-to when I want to impress without stress, or just treat myself to something a little decadent. I hope you find the same joy in making it as I do, and that it brings those warm, comforting tastes into your home too. Give it a try soon—you won’t regret it!