Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles

If you’re looking to sweep someone off their feet (or treat yourself to a little indulgence), these Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles are the way to go. Imagine starting your day with a stack of perfectly golden waffles, rich with that signature red velvet flavor—soft, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweetness. Top them with cream cheese glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar, and you’ve got yourself a breakfast (or brunch) that feels like a celebration. Trust me, whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, these waffles are a total showstopper!

Why You’ll Love Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles

Festive and Fun

These heart-shaped waffles are absolutely perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any time you want to add a touch of romance to your meal. They’re as beautiful as they are delicious, making breakfast feel extra special.

Rich, Decadent Flavor

The red velvet flavor is a mix of cocoa and a hint of vanilla, making these waffles just the right balance of rich and indulgent without being overwhelming.

Easy to Make

You don’t need to be a waffle expert to get these right. The batter comes together quickly, and with a waffle iron, you can have them cooked and ready in no time.

Versatile Toppings

While they’re stunning on their own, these waffles are even better with some whipped cream, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of syrup or chocolate ganache. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Waffles:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for your waffle batter. It gives these waffles their soft and fluffy texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds that classic red velvet flavor with a bit of richness.
• Baking Powder: Helps the waffles rise and get that crispy exterior with a soft interior.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the waffles just enough to balance out the cocoa.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavors and brings out the sweetness.
• Eggs: Adds structure and moisture to the waffles.
• Buttermilk: A must for red velvet waffles. The tanginess pairs perfectly with the cocoa flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: For richness and flavor, making the waffles perfectly golden and tender.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of warmth and sweetness.
• Red Food Coloring: To get that signature red velvet look. A few drops are all you need.
• Vinegar: Helps the red velvet color pop and balances the flavors.

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• Cream Cheese: The base for your glaze. It adds that signature tangy flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens up the glaze and gives it a smooth, glossy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the cream cheese flavor.
• Milk: Thin the glaze to the right consistency, making it easy to drizzle over the waffles.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Prepare the Waffle Batter:

1. Preheat the waffle iron: Heat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and lightly grease it with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Add a few drops of red food coloring (start with 2-3 drops and add more if you want a deeper red color).
4. Combine the dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—lumps are perfectly fine.

Cook the Waffles:

5. Cook the waffles: Pour a generous amount of batter into your preheated waffle iron, making sure not to overfill. Cook according to the waffle iron instructions (usually 3-5 minutes) until the waffles are golden brown and crispy.
6. Shape the waffles: For heart-shaped waffles, you can use a heart-shaped waffle iron or simply use a round one and cut the waffles into heart shapes after cooking. (Alternatively, you can serve them as regular waffles if you don’t have a heart-shaped iron!)

Make the Cream Cheese Glaze:

7. Prepare the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a little milk. Adjust the amount of milk until the glaze is smooth and drizzly.

Serve:

8. Serve the waffles: Stack the waffles on a plate, drizzle with the cream cheese glaze, and add toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, or syrup. For a fun touch, sprinkle some extra powdered sugar on top.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 400
Fat per serving: 18g
Carbs per serving: 55g
Protein per serving: 6g
Sugar per serving: 28g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles

As a Special Breakfast or Brunch:

These waffles are the perfect way to start the day on a sweet note. Serve them with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of syrup.

For a Sweet Dessert:

Why not enjoy these waffles for dessert? Top them with chocolate syrup, more cream cheese glaze, and a sprinkle of crushed nuts for extra crunch.

With Ice Cream:

For an indulgent treat, serve these waffles with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Perfect for special occasions!

Additional Tips

Make Them in Advance:

You can make the waffles ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just reheat them in a toaster or waffle iron before serving.

Color Variations:

While red food coloring gives these waffles that iconic red velvet look, feel free to experiment with other colors for different occasions (think pink for Mother’s Day, or green for St. Patrick’s Day!).

Make It Dairy-Free:

If you need a dairy-free version, substitute the buttermilk with a dairy-free milk (like almond or oat milk) and use dairy-free butter and cream cheese for the glaze.

Add Some Extras:

For extra flavor, add a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter before cooking.

Serve with a Side:

Pair these waffles with some crispy bacon or sausage to balance out the sweetness and make the meal more hearty.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a regular waffle iron instead of a heart-shaped one?
A1: Yes! If you don’t have a heart-shaped waffle iron, simply use a regular one and cut the waffles into heart shapes after cooking, or serve them as round waffles.

Q2: Can I make these waffles ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can make the waffles in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster or waffle iron before serving.

Q3: How do I store leftover waffles?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, place the waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Q4: Can I freeze these waffles?
A4: Yes! Freeze the waffles after they’ve cooled, and then reheat them in the toaster for a quick breakfast.

Q5: How can I make these waffles gluten-free?
A5: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour, and ensure that the rest of your ingredients are gluten-free.

Q6: Can I make the cream cheese glaze without milk?
A6: Yes! You can omit the milk for a thicker glaze or substitute it with a dairy-free milk or heavy cream if desired.

Q7: How can I make the waffles extra fluffy?
A7: Be sure not to overmix the batter. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, leaving some lumps in the batter. This helps to keep the waffles light and fluffy.

Q8: Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
A8: Absolutely! Chocolate chips would be a great addition to the batter for even more of a red velvet cake flavor.

Q9: How do I know when the waffles are done?
A9: The waffles are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. If your waffle iron has a light that indicates when the waffles are ready, use that as a guide.

Q10: Can I make these waffles dairy-free?
A10: Yes! Simply substitute the buttermilk with a dairy-free milk (like almond milk) and use dairy-free butter and cream cheese for the glaze.

Conclusion

These Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles are the perfect way to add a little love to any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating with someone special or treating yourself, they’re a sweet, indulgent, and beautiful dish that’s sure to impress. Get ready to fall head over heels in love with breakfast!

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