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dennys red velvet puppies with cream cheese icing

Red Velvet Pancake Puppies Recipe

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp red food coloring
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 3 to 4 tbsp milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for icing)

Method
 

  1. Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, red food coloring, and vanilla, then pour into the dry ingredients and stir until just smooth.
  2. Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, sift in the powdered sugar, then add 3 to 4 tbsp milk and the vanilla for the icing. Stir until thick but pourable. Set aside.
  3. Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Drop the batter by rounded tablespoons in batches of 4 to 5, frying 2 to 3 minutes per side until deep red-brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
  4. Pile the warm puppies on a serving plate, drizzle cream cheese icing over the top, and set the remaining icing in a small bowl alongside for dipping.

Notes

These are best eaten right out of the oil while the outside is still crisp. If you're making them for a group, keep finished batches warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven on a wire rack while you fry the rest. The icing can be made up to a day ahead and kept covered in the fridge; just stir in a splash of milk to loosen it before serving.