Red Velvet Waffles Maple

The weekend my niece turned seven, she demanded something spectacular for breakfast—not pancakes, not ordinary waffles, but something that looked like dessert. I stood in my kitchen at 7 AM, food coloring in hand, wondering if bright red batter was really the way to start a Sunday. When those ruby waffles emerged from the iron, steaming and impossibly fluffy, I understood exactly why she insisted on the dramatic choice.

Last Valentines Day, I made these for a quiet morning at home. The way the butter melted into every little square, pooling with the maple syrup, felt infinitely more romantic than any restaurant reservation could have been. Sometimes the most loving gestures happen in pajamas with a plate of something slightly ridiculous and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives these waffles structure and the perfect tender crumb
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder: Just enough to add depth without making these taste like chocolate cake
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness that balances perfectly with maple syrup later
• 2 tsp baking powder: Works with the buttermilk to create that spectacular rise
• 1/2 tsp baking soda: Reacts with the acidic buttermilk for extra fluffiness
• 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing flavors
• 1 3/4 cups buttermilk: The secret ingredient for tangy flavor and the most tender texture
• 2 large eggs: Provides structure and helps the waffles rise beautifully
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps create crispy edges
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors with warm sweetness
• 1 tbsp red food coloring: Creates that signature vibrant red color that makes these so fun
• Maple syrup and additional butter: For serving because some traditions are sacred

Instructions

Get your waffle iron heating:

Preheat according to manufacturers instructions so its ready when your batter is perfectly mixed

Whisk the dry ingredients together:

In a large bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well incorporated

Mix up the wet ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and red food coloring until the mixture turns a beautiful uniform pink

Combine everything gently:

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until combined—some lumps are your friend here and promise tender waffles

Prepare your waffle iron:

Give the hot iron a quick spray of nonstick coating or brush with melted butter

Cook the waffles:

Pour about 1/2 to 3/4 cup batter onto the iron, close the lid, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until crisp and cooked through

Repeat and serve:

Keep cooked waffles warm in a low oven while you finish the rest, then serve immediately with butter and warm syrup

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My friend accidentally used gel food coloring instead of liquid once, and the color was so intensely vibrant that her kids thought she had performed kitchen magic. Now she keeps both types in her pantry just for when she wants to impress someone with breakfast theatrics.

Getting the Texture Right

The contrast between a crisp exterior and soft interior is what elevates good waffles to great ones. I learned that letting the batter rest for just 5 minutes before cooking gives the flour time to hydrate properly, resulting in more evenly cooked waffles with better texture throughout.

Make-Ahead Magic

You can actually freeze these waffles after cooking and pop them in the toaster later for a quick weekday treat. Just let them cool completely on a wire rack first—stacking warm waffles makes them steam and lose that precious crispness you worked so hard to achieve.

Serving Suggestions

While butter and maple syrup are classic, these waffles are incredibly versatile. They are sophisticated enough for a holiday brunch but playful enough for a Tuesday morning surprise.

• Whipped cream and fresh berries make these feel like a proper celebration
• Cream cheese glaze drizzled over top turns them into dessert for breakfast
• Crushed pecans add a lovely crunch that complements the soft waffle interior

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These waffles have become my go-to when someone needs cheering up or celebrating. Something about that bright red color on the plate makes even ordinary mornings feel special.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What gives the waffles their red color?

Red food coloring is added to the batter, providing the signature vibrant hue without altering the flavor.

→ Can I substitute buttermilk in this dish?

Yes, use regular milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar as a buttermilk substitute to maintain tanginess.

→ How do I avoid overmixing the batter?

Gently stir until ingredients combine; a few lumps are fine to keep waffles tender and fluffy.

→ What is the best way to serve these waffles?

Serve warm with melted butter and a generous drizzle of maple syrup for a rich, sweet finish.

→ Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Adding mini chocolate chips enhances richness and texture, perfect for extra indulgence.