Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles Recipe
If you’re searching for a breakfast that combines indulgent flavor with irresistible charm, Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles are simply perfect. These vibrant waffles are tender, chocolaty, and just a little bit tangy, all thanks to classic red velvet ingredients and that iconic splash of red. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re treating your family on a cozy Sunday morning or making a romantic Valentine’s Day brunch extra special. With a crisp exterior, pillowy center, and brilliant color, these waffles turn any breakfast into a celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for these delightful Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles is a breeze, and every item plays an important role in creating that signature taste, texture, and look. Simple pantry staples, a few fridge favorites, and a splash of vibrant food coloring come together in the most delicious way.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the batter, this gives your waffles structure and fluff.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Just enough to lend those subtle chocolate notes that red velvet fans love.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the cocoa flavor.
- Baking powder: Gives a lovely rise and those signature airy pockets in each bite.
- Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk for an extra tender waffle inside.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Large eggs: Essential for a rich, cohesive batter and extra fluffiness.
- Buttermilk: Provides that telltale tang and keeps the waffles moist and tender.
- Unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Gives the waffles flavor, moisture, and a crisp golden edge.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the cocoa with delicate warmth.
- Red food coloring: Brings that signature red velvet color—feel free to adjust until it’s just right for you!
- Optional toppings: Whipped cream, fresh berries, and maple syrup all make for delicious finishing touches.
How to Make Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles
Step 1: Preheat the Waffle Iron
Start by preheating your heart-shaped waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A properly preheated iron is crucial—it ensures even cooking and those beautiful golden edges. If you’re using a standard waffle maker, you’ll still get the same delicious results (and can always get creative by cutting out hearts later).
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This simple step ensures everything is well distributed, making sure each bite of your Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles is perfectly flavored and fluffy.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, add the eggs, buttermilk, melted and cooled butter, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Whisk until smooth and the color is vibrant throughout—this is where the magic happens! Take a moment to enjoy that luscious red hue, because it sets the stage for the waffles’ classic look.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour your wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; a few small lumps are okay! The key to tender Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles is not overmixing—overdoing it can make them tough rather than light and airy.
Step 5: Cook the Waffles
Lightly grease your preheated waffle iron with nonstick spray or a little melted butter. Ladle in enough batter to fill the center (the amount depends on your waffle maker size) and close the lid. Let the waffles cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they’re set and slightly crisp on the edges. The first batch is always a taste-test, and the aroma will let you know you’re in for a treat!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove your finished waffles and repeat with the remaining batter. Serve them hot, garnished with your favorite toppings—maybe a swoosh of whipped cream or a tumble of fresh berries. These waffles are best enjoyed warm and shared with people you love.
How to Serve Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles

Garnishes
These waffles cry out for personalization. I love topping my Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles with clouds of whipped cream, a handful of juicy strawberries or raspberries, and a generous drizzle of maple syrup. Sprinkles, chocolate chips, or even a dusting of powdered sugar take them to the next level and add a playful touch.
Side Dishes
Pair your waffles with sides that complement and balance their richness. Crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage, a fruit salad bursting with color, or a fluffy scramble on the side work beautifully. A tall glass of fresh orange juice or a creamy latte rounds out the meal with true brunch vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, stack your Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles in a tower with whipped cream between each layer, or cut out extra hearts with a cookie cutter and stagger them on a platter for sharing. Sprinkle edible flowers or candies for a special occasion, or serve breakfast-in-bed style on a fancy tray with a handwritten note. Presentation can make these waffles a memory as well as a meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with a few extra waffles (it does happen sometimes!), simply let them cool to room temperature before storing. Place them in an airtight container, layering parchment or wax paper between each to prevent sticking. They’ll keep happily in the refrigerator for up to three days without losing too much of their fresh-out-of-the-iron charm.
Freezing
Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles freeze wonderfully. Arrange cooled waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay tasty for up to two months, making it easy to pull out a special breakfast anytime that craving hits.
Reheating
For the best reheating, pop waffles straight from the fridge or freezer into the toaster or oven. This method revives their crisp edges and soft interior—just avoid the microwave, which can make them a bit soggy. A few minutes in a 350°F oven or a quick toast, and breakfast is served.
FAQs
Can I make Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles without a heart-shaped waffle iron?
Absolutely! Use a regular waffle maker and, once cooked, cut the waffles into heart shapes with a cookie cutter for that adorable touch. The taste and texture remain just as wonderful.
What type Breakfast
Unsweetened natural cocoa powder brings out the classic red velvet flavor and pairs perfectly with the slight tang from the buttermilk. Dutch-processed cocoa can be used, but it will make the color a little darker and more chocolatey.
How can I make these waffles even more vibrant red?
If your waffles aren’t as red as you’d like, feel free to add a little more food coloring. Gel food coloring works especially well since a small amount goes a long way for a bold hue.
Can I substitute buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, make your own in a pinch by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 3/4 cups of milk. Let it sit until it thickens slightly—this will add the right tang and help your waffles rise nicely.
Are Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles good for special diets?
These waffles are vegetarian as written. For dairy-free or gluten-free needs, you can use a plant-based milk with a bit of lemon juice and a gluten-free flour blend, though the results may vary slightly in texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about sharing homemade Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles, whether it’s a love note in breakfast form or a treat for yourself. With their vibrant color, tender crumb, and customizable toppings, these waffles are bound to become a favorite in your kitchen too. Give them a try and start your morning with something a little bit extraordinary!
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Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 waffles 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Waffles are a delightful treat perfect for a special breakfast, especially on Valentine’s Day. The rich cocoa flavor combined with the vibrant red color makes them both visually appealing and delicious. Top them with whipped cream, fresh berries, or maple syrup for an extra touch of indulgence.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the Waffle Iron: Preheat a heart-shaped waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s 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 another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until well combined.
- Combine Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until incorporated; do not overmix.
- Cook Waffles: Lightly grease the waffle iron, pour batter into the center, and cook until waffles are set and slightly crisp, about 3–5 minutes.
- Serve: Carefully remove waffles and repeat with remaining batter. Serve warm with desired toppings.
Notes
- If you don’t have a heart-shaped waffle iron, use a standard one and cut waffles into heart shapes with a cookie cutter.
- These waffles freeze well—just reheat in a toaster or oven for a quick breakfast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 80mg