There’s something downright magical about waking up to Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles, especially when you’re celebrating a special morning with someone you love (or treating yourself to a well-deserved breakfast moment!). Rich cocoa flavor, a tender and fluffy crumb, that gorgeous deep red hue—these waffles look like pure joy on a plate. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or any “just because” occasion, these heart-shaped beauties bring a celebration to your breakfast table and remind everyone that little acts of sweetness go a long way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simple ingredients coming together to create something unforgettable. Each one brings a unique touch—think deep chocolatey notes, classic waffle fluffiness, and that vivid pop of red—that makes Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles impossible to resist.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of your waffles, giving them structure and a light, fluffy bite every time.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides that distinct red velvet flavor and a subtle, chocolatey depth.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten the batter without going overboard—so toppings can shine!
- Baking powder: Ensures a delicious rise and keeps the waffles airy and soft inside.
- Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to create extra lift and tenderness.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Buttermilk: The secret to tangy flavor and that dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness to the waffles.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds unbeatable flavor and creates that slightly crisp waffle edge we all love.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the chocolate flavor and brings warmth to every bite.
- Red food coloring (liquid or gel): The magic touch for that iconic, eye-catching red velvet hue.
- Nonstick spray or additional butter: Keeps your waffles from sticking and helps get that perfectly golden finish.
How to Make Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles
Step 1: Prep Your Waffle Iron
Before anything else, switch on your waffle iron so it’s ready to go when your batter is prepped. Whether you have a classic heart-shaped waffle maker or a standard round one, preheating ensures that first waffle turns out just as beautiful as the rest. A properly preheated iron guarantees golden exteriors and tender centers every single time.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Grab your largest mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step distributes all the leaveners and cocoa evenly, making sure each waffle is as delicious as the next—and keeps those pops of flavor consistent throughout your Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles.
Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and that splash of red food coloring. Whisk until everything is smooth and that iconic red color is evenly distributed. If you’d like to play up the flavor even more, add a dash of almond extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon right now!
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture into your dry ingredients, and then gently stir with a spatula or whisk until just combined. Don’t worry if a few lumps remain—over-mixing makes waffles tough, and we want these Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles to be ultra-tender inside. Just stir until you can’t see big streaks of flour, and you’re golden.
Step 5: Cook the Waffles
Lightly grease your preheated waffle iron with nonstick spray or melted butter. Scoop enough batter to just cover the grids—don’t overfill, as the batter will spread a bit as it cooks. Close the lid and cook until each waffle is set, slightly crisp at the edges, and easy to lift out. Repeat with the rest of the batter and get ready for some serious heart-shaped happiness.
How to Serve Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles
Garnishes
Serve your Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles stacked high and let everyone dress them up to their heart’s content! Classic toppings like a drizzle of cream cheese glaze, dollops of whipped cream, and fresh berries (strawberries or raspberries are a match made in heaven) make the perfect finishing touches. For extra sparkle, try a dusting of powdered sugar or a few chocolate shavings.
Side Dishes
Make your breakfast a full-on feast by adding crispy bacon, sausage links, or a bowl of fresh fruit salad alongside your waffles. A tall glass of cold milk or a strong cup of coffee just takes this breakfast experience to the next level. If you’re planning brunch, Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles pair beautifully with savory egg dishes, too!
Creative Ways to Present
Ready to make them Instagram-worthy? Stack two or three Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles slightly askew, scatter colorful berries, and tuck in mini chocolate chips or edible flowers. Or set up a waffle bar with bowls of toppings so guests can build their own dreamy breakfast creations. For a truly special touch, serve each waffle on a pretty plate with a little love note tucked underneath—it’s all about those joyful surprises!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you miraculously have leftovers, allow your Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles to cool completely on a rack, then stack them with pieces of parchment between each layer. Store in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps them from getting soggy and makes breakfast a breeze for the next few mornings.
Freezing
Want to save some magic for later? Place cooled waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container (with parchment between each one). They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months, always at the ready for a quick and cheerful breakfast.
Reheating
Skip the microwave for best results—pop Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles straight from fridge or freezer into a toaster or oven. Toasting brings back their crisp edges and warm, cakey centers. If using the oven, a quick 5 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit works wonders. Serve immediately, and you’ll never know they weren’t made that very morning!
FAQs
Do I need a heart-shaped waffle iron to make Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles?
While a heart-shaped waffle iron delivers those adorable* results, you can definitely make this recipe in any regular waffle iron and still enjoy the same fantastic flavor and texture. The heart shape just adds a little extra charm for special occasions!
Can I use a natural red coloring instead of food dye?
Absolutely! Beet juice or natural food colorings can replace commercial dyes; just note that the hue may be softer and less vivid. Whichever you use, the cocoa and buttermilk combination is what truly creates the classic red velvet experience.
Is it possible to make these waffles dairy-free?
You sure can! Substitute your favorite non-dairy milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar (to mimic buttermilk’s tang), and use melted coconut oil or plant-based butter for richness. The result will still be utterly delicious and festive.
What’s the best way to get crisp edges on my waffles?
Preheating your waffle maker thoroughly, greasing it well, and letting the waffles cook until the exterior darkens slightly are the keys to crisp edges. Laying finished waffles on a wire rack, rather than stacking them, keeps them crispy until serving time.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, this recipe scales up easily! Just make sure your mixing bowl is large enough for double the volume, and you’ll have plenty of Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles to share with every hungry guest at your table.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you find as much joy in making and sharing Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles as I do each time they grace my table. They’re a guaranteed way to turn any breakfast into a celebration—so go ahead, whip up a batch, and spread the love, one heart-shaped bite at a time!
Print
Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (8 waffles)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles are a delightful and festive breakfast treat perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day. The rich red color and cocoa flavor make them a standout dish that’s sure to impress your loved ones!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (liquid or gel)
Additional:
- Nonstick spray or additional butter for greasing the waffle iron
Instructions
- Preheat the Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until well combined.
- Combine Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Cook Waffles: Lightly grease the waffle iron, pour batter, close the lid, and cook until waffles are done. Repeat with remaining batter.
- Serve: Serve warm with cream cheese glaze, whipped cream, or fresh berries.
Notes
- To make them heart-shaped, use a heart-shaped waffle maker.
- For extra flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract or a pinch of cinnamon.
- Leftovers can be frozen and reheated in a toaster or oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 waffles
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
