If you’re looking to surprise someone special or just want to add a little extra joy to your breakfast routine, this Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine crisp, perfectly cooked waffles with that unmistakable red velvet color and subtle cocoa flavor, all formed into charming heart shapes that brighten up the plate and mood. This recipe blends classic waffle comfort with the indulgent, velvety richness of red velvet cake, creating a breakfast that looks as delightful as it tastes. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a festive occasion, these waffles bring warmth, sweetness, and a touch of whimsy to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but crucial to crafting the perfect waffle batter. Each one plays a vital role, from achieving that signature velvety red color to balancing the flavors and textures, ensuring your waffles rise just right and stay moist inside with a tender crumb.
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that gives your waffles structure and a fluffy bite.
- 2 tbsp Cocoa Powder (unsweetened): Adds a subtle chocolate note and deepens the red velvet flavor.
- 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter just enough without overpowering the cocoa.
- 1 tbsp Baking Powder: Essential for that airy lift and light texture.
- 1/2 tsp Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, aromatic depth that complements the cocoa beautifully.
- 1 cup Buttermilk: Provides tanginess and helps tenderize the waffles for moistness.
- 2 Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil: Keeps the waffles tender and helps crisp up the exterior.
- 2 tbsp Red Food Coloring: The magic that gives these waffles their iconic, eye-catching red hue.
- 1/4 cup Sour Cream (or plain yogurt): Adds creaminess and a touch more tang for an irresistible flavor profile.
- 1 tbsp Milk (or more for adjusting consistency): Allows you to fine-tune the batter to just the right pourable texture.
How to Make Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Combining these dry ingredients first ensures even distribution of leavening and flavor, giving your waffles that perfect rise and balanced taste.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, red food coloring, sour cream, and milk. Whisk these together until the mixture is smooth and uniform. The buttermilk and sour cream bring moisture and tang that are signature to red velvet, while the food coloring brightens up the batter beautifully.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and gently stir until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can make the waffles tough instead of tender, so keeping the batter a bit lumpy is the key to soft, fluffy waffles.
Step 4: Heat and Grease Your Waffle Iron
Preheat your heart-shaped waffle iron until hot, then lightly brush or spray it with vegetable oil or non-stick spray. This step is essential to prevent sticking and help develop a crisp exterior on your waffles.
Step 5: Cook the Waffles
Pour enough batter into the waffle iron to fill the heart-shaped molds without overflowing. Close the lid and cook according to your waffle iron’s instructions—typically, 3-5 minutes—until the waffles are cooked through and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The deep red color and cocoa aroma will start to fill your kitchen, making it even harder to wait!
How to Serve Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles Recipe
Garnishes
These waffles are simply stunning on their own, but adding garnishes can elevate them to an indulgent breakfast masterpiece. Consider a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone for creaminess, a dusting of powdered sugar for charm, or fresh berries that provide a fresh, tangy contrast to the sweet richness. A drizzle of maple syrup or cream cheese glaze completes the look and taste.
Side Dishes
Pair your Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles Recipe with some fresh fruit salad or crispy bacon for a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The savory saltiness of bacon or sausage cuts through the sweetness of the waffles beautifully, making the meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving these waffles stacked into a little tower with layers of cream cheese frosting or whipped cream between each waffle adds a dramatic and delicious flair. You can also use edible flowers or sprinkle heart-shaped sprinkles for themed celebrations. Presenting them on a lovely plate with a dusting of cocoa powder shapes makes breakfast feel like a special event.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover waffles, let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days, retaining much of their texture and flavor for an easy, ready-to-eat breakfast.
Freezing
Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles Recipe leftovers freeze beautifully. Place cooled waffles between parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container, preventing them from sticking together. Frozen waffles can be stored for up to 1 month, making them perfect for quick breakfast solutions.
Reheating
To bring your leftover waffles back to life, toast them in a toaster or toaster oven until warmed and crisp. This method revives the crispy exterior perfectly without drying out the tender inside. Alternatively, warming in a conventional oven at low temperature works well if you want to heat several waffles at once.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without red food coloring?
You can skip red food coloring, but the waffles won’t have that vibrant red hue that defines red velvet waffles. If you prefer a natural alternative, beet juice or powder can be used, but it will alter the taste slightly and sometimes the color intensity.
What’s the best way to keep waffles crispy after cooking?
Place waffles on a wire rack instead of stacking them to avoid steam build-up that causes sogginess. Keeping them in a warm oven at around 200°F helps maintain crispiness until you’re ready to serve.
Can I substitute the sour cream with something else?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt or regular yogurt works well as a substitute. It adds the necessary tanginess and moisture, keeping the waffles tender.
Do I need a special waffle iron to make heart-shaped waffles?
For these charming heart-shaped waffles, a waffle iron with heart-shaped molds is necessary to achieve the fun shape. Standard waffle irons will still produce delicious red velvet waffles, though without the heart shapes.
How do I adjust the batter if it seems too thick or thin?
If your batter is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. If too thin, sprinkle in a bit of flour, mixing gently until the batter holds better without being overly dense.
Final Thoughts
This Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles Recipe is one of those dishes that feel like a warm hug wrapped in sweet, fluffy goodness. It’s fun, festive, and surprisingly easy to pull off with simple pantry ingredients. Whether for a romantic breakfast, a special occasion, or just treating yourself, these waffles are guaranteed to bring smiles and full bellies. Give this recipe a try and let those heart-shaped waffles brighten your mornings and make your kitchen smell absolutely wonderful!
Print
Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 waffles (4-6 servings)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these festive Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles, perfectly tender and flavored with cocoa and a hint of vanilla. This recipe combines classic red velvet cake flavors with the delightful crispiness of waffles, ideal for a special breakfast or brunch celebration. Made with simple ingredients like buttermilk and sour cream for extra moisture and richness, these waffles are a visually stunning and delicious treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 tbsp Cocoa Powder (unsweetened)
- 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar
- 1 tbsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil
- 2 tbsp Red Food Coloring
- 1/4 cup Sour Cream (or plain yogurt)
- 1 tbsp Milk (or more for adjusting batter consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat Waffle Maker: Begin by preheating your heart-shaped waffle maker to the desired temperature according to the manufacturer’s instructions so it’s ready once the batter is mixed.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and flavorings.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly, then add buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, red food coloring, sour cream, and milk. Mix until all wet ingredients are smooth and fully incorporated.
- Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture until just combined; avoid over-mixing to keep the waffles light and tender. Adjust consistency by adding a little more milk if the batter is too thick.
- Cook the Waffles: Lightly grease the preheated waffle iron to prevent sticking. Pour the appropriate amount of batter onto the waffle iron, close the lid, and cook for about 4-5 minutes or until the waffles are cooked through, crispy on the edges, and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the waffles from the iron using a non-metal utensil to keep the heart shape intact. Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as whipped cream, syrup, or fresh berries.
Notes
- Use buttermilk and sour cream for extra moisture and tangy richness in the waffles.
- Adjust milk quantity to reach the preferred batter consistency; it should be pourable but not too thin.
- If you don’t have a heart-shaped waffle maker, a standard waffle iron will work as well, though the shape will differ.
- Red food coloring intensity can be adjusted to deepen or lighten the red velvet hue according to preference.
- Waffles can be kept warm in a low oven while cooking the remaining batter.
