Red Velvet Pancakes Recipe

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">240g plain flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp cocoa powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp baking powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp baking soda</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">300ml buttermilk (or 300ml milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 large eggs</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp vegetable oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp white vinegar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2-3 tbsp red food coloring (gel preferred)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Butter or oil for cooking</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the cream cheese drizzle:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g cream cheese, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g icing sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3-4 tbsp milk</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp vanilla extract</li></ul>

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Non-stick frying pan or griddle</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Mixing bowls</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Whisk</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Ladle or measuring cup</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Spatula</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. The cocoa powder gives these pancakes their signature red velvet flavor, while the combination of baking powder and baking soda ensures they rise properly and develop a light texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, oil, vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. The buttermilk and vinegar provide that classic tangy flavor essential to red velvet, while also reacting with the baking soda to create fluffiness. Start with 2 tablespoons of food coloring and add more if needed for a deeper red color.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently whisk until just combined. It's important not to overmix - a few small lumps are perfectly fine! Overmixing develops too much gluten, which makes pancakes tough rather than tender. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to allow the leavening agents to activate.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>While the batter rests, prepare the cream cheese drizzle. Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then add the icing sugar, milk, and vanilla. Mix until you achieve a pourable consistency, adding more milk if needed. Transfer to a piping bag or a small jug for easy serving.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Heat a non-stick frying pan or griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil and spread it evenly. When the surface is hot (test by flicking a drop of water - it should sizzle), use a ladle or measuring cup to pour about 60ml (1/4 cup) of batter for each pancake.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges begin to look set, about 2-3 minutes. This is the perfect time to flip - when bubbles appear but before they all pop. Flip carefully with a spatula and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the second side is golden. The pancakes should spring back slightly when touched in the center.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Transfer cooked pancakes to a warm plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm while you cook the remaining batter. If needed, you can keep them warm in an oven at 100°C.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Serve the pancakes stacked on plates, drizzle generously with the cream cheese mixture, and add your favorite toppings if desired - fresh berries, chocolate chips, or a light dusting of icing sugar all complement the red velvet flavor beautifully. Enjoy while warm!</li></ol>