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 utterly delightful about waking up to a plate of fluffy, vibrant waffles that combine rich cocoa flavor and a pop of red color. The Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe makes breakfast feel like a celebration, with every bite melting into that luscious, tangy glaze you won’t be able to get enough of.

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 these red velvet waffles more times than I can count, and honestly, they never disappoint. They’re special enough for a weekend treat but simple enough for an easy weekday breakfast. Plus, the cream cheese glaze isn’t your average topping—it’s the perfect sweet-tangy combo that makes these waffles truly unforgettable.

Visual Appeal: The vivid red color paired with chocolatey cocoa makes these waffles irresistible on the plate.
Flavor Harmony: The slight tang of cream cheese glaze perfectly balances the sweet and cocoa notes of the waffle.
Quick & Easy: Using Bisquick and simple ingredients means you’ll have these on the table fast without fuss.
Customizable: You can easily tweak sweetness or add toppings for a personal spin every time you make them.

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

Each ingredient in this Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe plays a big role in that perfect texture and flavor. I love that most are pantry staples, plus a few extra touches bring that classic red velvet magic to life.

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: Acts as a ready-made base with leavening, making the waffles fluffy and light without extra effort.
Brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel sweetness that complements the cocoa without overwhelming the red velvet flavor.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the waffles that unmistakable chocolate kick that pairs beautifully with cream cheese.
Buttermilk: Brings acidity that reacts with the leavening agents, making waffles tender and slightly tangy—classic red velvet style.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess and balances the batter's consistency for waffles that are moist but crisp outside.
Red gel food coloring: Provides that vibrant red color essential for red velvet, without thinning the batter as liquid dyes might.
Egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to a nice rise and structure.
Melted butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden, crispy waffle edge.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with warm, sweet notes.
Butter & Cream Cheese (for glaze): Combine to form a smooth, creamy topping that cooks into a luscious glaze rather than a heavy frosting.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze and helps create that silky, spreadable texture.

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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

This recipe is a great canvas for your creativity. I like to adjust the sweetness or add a handful of mini chocolate chips in the batter sometimes, which gives the waffles a melty surprise inside. Try a pinch of cinnamon for a warm twist during fall!

Variation: Once, I swapped the buttermilk for almond milk and added a drop of almond extract—delicious for a nutty undertone and perfect if you want a dairy-free option.
Dietary twist: Use gluten-free baking mix instead of Bisquick for a friendlier option without losing fluffiness.
Seasonal changes: Top the finished waffles with fresh strawberries or raspberries to brighten things up in spring and summer.

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 smooth and creamy. It’s key to scrape down the sides of your bowl often here, so the glaze is perfectly smooth and lump-free. When you add the powdered sugar, whip it again until it’s light and fluffy—this texture makes the glaze so dreamy. Then stir in the milk and vanilla, adjusting the milk amount if you want it thinner or thicker. Set this aside—it’ll be your waffle’s best friend.

Step 2: Mix Your Waffle Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the Bisquick, brown sugar, and cocoa powder. I like to sift or stir really well to avoid clumps of cocoa settling. Next, pour in the buttermilk, whole milk, red gel food coloring, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything until you get a smooth, rich, and evenly colored batter. The batter should be pourable but not runny—think consistency like thick pancake batter.

Step 3: Cook Your Waffles to Perfection

Preheat your waffle iron so it’s nice and hot to ensure crisp edges. Pour about ¾ cup of batter (or whatever your waffle iron recommends) onto the plate. Close the lid and cook for about 4-5 minutes. The key sign that your waffles are ready is that they’ll lift easily without sticking, with a slight crisp on the outside but soft and tender inside. Don’t rush the process—patience pays off for that perfect texture!

Step 4: Drizzle and Devour!

Drizzle your warm waffles generously with the cream cheese glaze and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture. The glaze melts slightly on the hot waffles, turning into an irresistible sauce. Repeat cooking and glazing for the remaining batter, and watch this become a fast family favorite.

Top Tip

Making red velvet waffles with that flawless texture and flavor takes a bit of know-how from my own kitchen trial and error. These tips will save you time and guarantee your waffles come out as dreamy as mine.

Keep Ingredients at Room Temperature: Using softened butter and cream cheese helps create a smooth glaze without lumps.
Don’t Overmix Batter: Stir until combined but don’t overwork it to avoid tough waffles.
Preheat Waffle Iron Thoroughly: A hot iron creates that perfect crisp outside while keeping the inside soft.
Adjust Milk for Desired Glaze Consistency: Add a little more milk if you want a thinner drizzle or less for a thicker spread—you’ll find your favorite balance quickly.

How to Serve Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these waffles with a handful of fresh berries—strawberries or raspberries brighten the flavor and add a pop of freshness. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty finishing touch. For extra indulgence, a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts gives a lovely crunch that contrasts the tender waffles.

Side Dishes

Pair your waffles with slices of crisp bacon or turkey sausage for a savory balance. A simple green salad or lightly dressed arugula works surprisingly well if you want a lighter option. And of course, a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee perfectly round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, serve the waffles stacked in a tower layered with dollops of the cream cheese glaze between each waffle, almost like a cake. Decorate with edible flowers or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a brunch that will wow your guests. I once even served them with a dusting of edible gold powder for a festive Christmas morning!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover waffles store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When keeping them, store the waffles and the cream cheese glaze separately to prevent sogginess. This way, you can reheat the waffles crisp and add fresh glaze each time.

Freezing

I often freeze extra waffles by layering parchment paper between them in a freezer bag. They keep for up to 2 months and defrost quickly. Freezing is perfect for prep-ahead breakfasts when mornings are busy but you still want that homemade touch.

Reheating

To reheat, toast the waffles in a toaster or oven until crisp again, then drizzle fresh cream cheese glaze on top. This reheating method keeps your waffles wonderfully crispy outside and warm inside without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken — it’s a handy trick that replicates buttermilk’s acidity to ensure your red velvet waffles stay tender and flavorful.

How do I prevent my waffles from sticking to the waffle iron?

Make sure your waffle iron is well preheated and lightly greased if necessary. I like to brush a bit of melted butter or spray with non-stick cooking spray before pouring the batter, especially for the first waffle. This little step helps your red velvet waffles release easily without tearing.

Can I make the cream cheese glaze ahead of time?

Yes! The cream cheese glaze can be made up to 2 days ahead. Keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge, and bring it to room temperature with a quick whisk before drizzling over your waffles. This saves time, especially for busy mornings or when entertaining.

How do I adjust the sweetness if I prefer less sugar?

If you prefer your waffles less sweet, you can skip the brown sugar in the waffle batter or reduce it slightly. Since the cream cheese glaze is sweet on its own, this balance avoids overpowering your palate. Alternatively, serve the glaze on the side so everyone can customize their sweetness level.

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe brings that special touch to any breakfast or brunch. I hope you’ll find, like I have, that it becomes your go-to when you want something a little different but totally comforting. Whether it’s a lazy weekend treat or a festive morning with loved ones, these waffles bring smiles and happy tummies every time. Give it a try—you might just create a new family favorite!