I have always loved experimenting with breakfast treats that feel indulgent yet are surprisingly simple to make. One morning, while playing with my waffle iron, I decided to combine two of my favorite things: the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet cake and the crisp, golden texture of waffles. The result? Red Velvet Marble Waffles—a recipe that instantly became a staple in my kitchen. Each bite delivers a beautiful swirl of red and cream, soft on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside, with a touch of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a drizzle of maple syrup.
You will love this recipe because it turns a classic dessert into a versatile breakfast treat that is both visually stunning and delicious. The marbled effect makes every waffle unique, giving it a homemade charm that will impress your family or guests. Plus, the texture is just right—soft enough to melt in your mouth but firm enough to hold toppings without getting soggy.
These waffles are incredibly versatile. You can serve them for breakfast, brunch, or even as a fun dessert. Pair them with fresh fruits, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also adapt the batter with different flavors, like adding a hint of cocoa or cinnamon, to create a personalized version without complicating the process.
Affordability is another reason this recipe is a winner. The ingredients are simple, widely available, and budget-friendly, making it easy to whip up a batch anytime. You don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets beyond a waffle iron, and the recipe yields enough waffles to feed a small crowd or allow for leftovers that taste just as good when reheated.
Ingredients for Red Velvet Marble Waffles:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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2 large eggs
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1 3/4 cups buttermilk
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1/2 cup melted butter
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Red food coloring
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1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (for marbling swirl)
How to Prepare This Recipe
Preparing Red Velvet Marble Waffles is straightforward, and you’ll be rewarded with waffles that are both visually stunning and deliciously soft. The key is to mix the batters carefully and create the marbled effect without overmixing, ensuring that each waffle has a perfect balance of red velvet and cream cheese swirls.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
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Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease it with butter or nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl: sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
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Mix wet ingredients in a separate bowl: beat the eggs lightly, then add the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
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Create the red velvet batter: pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until a smooth batter forms. Add red food coloring gradually, folding until you achieve the desired deep red shade.
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Prepare the cream cheese swirl: in a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. You may add a tablespoon of sugar if you prefer a slightly sweeter swirl.
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Marble the batter: in your waffle bowl, alternate spoonfuls of red velvet batter and cream cheese. Using a skewer or knife, gently swirl the two together, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix; distinct swirls should remain visible.
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Cook the waffles: pour the marbled batter into the preheated waffle iron, spreading gently to cover the surface. Close the lid and cook according to your waffle iron’s instructions, usually 4–6 minutes, until the waffle is golden and cooked through.
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Remove and cool slightly: carefully lift the waffle using a spatula. Place on a wire rack to prevent sogginess, or serve immediately.
Quick and Easy Tips
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Ensure your waffle iron is fully heated before pouring the batter to achieve maximum crispiness.
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You can make the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours; let it come to room temperature before cooking.
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To save time, prepare the cream cheese swirl in advance and keep it chilled until needed.
Customizable Options
This recipe allows for flexibility:
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Add chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks for extra indulgence.
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Sprinkle nuts, such as chopped pecans or walnuts, into the batter for added texture.
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Adjust sweetness by varying the sugar in the cream cheese swirl or topping with a sugar-free syrup alternative.
Popular With Many People
Red Velvet Marble Waffles are a crowd-pleaser because they are visually striking and taste indulgent without being overly rich. Children love the bright red color, while adults appreciate the subtle cocoa flavor paired with creamy swirls. Perfect for family breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or festive occasions, this recipe is versatile enough to suit a variety of tastes and dietary preferences.
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Red Velvet Marble Waffles
These Red Velvet Marble Waffles combine the soft, indulgent flavor of red velvet cake with a crisp, golden waffle texture. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they are visually stunning, easy to make, and customizable to suit any occasion.
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red food coloring
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (for marbling swirl)
Instructions
- Preheat Waffle Iron: Prepare your waffle iron by preheating and lightly greasing it with butter or nonstick spray.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until evenly mixed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat eggs lightly. Add buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth.
- Make Red Velvet Batter: Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until smooth. Add red food coloring to achieve the desired shade.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Swirl: Beat the cream cheese in a small bowl until smooth. Add sugar if a sweeter swirl is desired.
- Create Marble Effect: In the waffle bowl, alternate spoonfuls of red velvet batter and cream cheese. Gently swirl with a skewer or knife to create marbled patterns. Avoid overmixing.
- Cook Waffles: Pour marbled batter into the preheated waffle iron. Close lid and cook 4–6 minutes or until waffles are golden and cooked through.
- Serve or Cool: Carefully remove waffles and place on a wire rack or serve immediately. Top with your favorite syrup, fresh fruits, or whipped cream.
Notes
Do not overmix the batter when swirling; the distinct marble pattern is key.
For extra crispiness, allow waffles to cool slightly on a wire rack.
Batter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 6
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before cooking, let it come to room temperature and give it a gentle stir.
2. Can I freeze the waffles?
Absolutely. Allow the waffles to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster or oven for best results.
3. Can I use a dairy-free alternative?
Yes, substitute buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice, and replace butter with a non-dairy alternative. The texture will remain soft and flavorful.
4. How do I get the perfect marble effect?
Alternate spoonfuls of red velvet batter and cream cheese, then gently swirl with a skewer or knife. Avoid overmixing to maintain distinct marbling.
5. Can I make smaller or larger waffles?
Yes, adjust the amount of batter per waffle based on your waffle iron size. Cooking times may vary slightly, so check for golden-brown color and firmness.
6. What toppings work best with Red Velvet Marble Waffles?
Popular options include fresh berries, whipped cream, maple syrup, chocolate drizzle, or a dusting of powdered sugar. You can also try a fruit compote or a scoop of ice cream for dessert-style waffles.