Red Velvet Pancakes with Sweet Cream Cheese Topping

INGREDIENTS

PANCAKES:

1 1/2 cups

all-purpose flour

2 tbsp

unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tbsp

granulated white sugar

1/3 cup

powdered sugar

1 1/2 tsp

baking powder

1/2 tsp

baking soda

1 tsp

ground cinnamon

1 tsp

salt

1 1/2 cups

buttermilk (or make your own buttermilk)- or add a little more if the batter appears to be too thick

large eggs

1 tsp

vanilla extract

2 tbsp

white vinegar

1 tbsp

red food coloring (red gel paste will get the dark red seen in the recipe)

4 tbsp

salted butter, melted

KICKED-UP SWEET CREAM CHEESE TOPPING:

2 8 ounce packages

cream cheese, softened

1/2 tsp

freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 cups

powdered sugar

/ 2 cup ricotta cheese

1 tsp

vanilla extract

2 tbsp

prepared strong coffee

1 tsp

rum (optional)