Introduction
The Festive Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a true showstopper, often called the “queen of cakes” for its striking red layers and snowy white frosting. This cake is more than just dessert—it’s a celebration of flavor, beauty, and joy. With its subtle cocoa undertones, moist and tender crumb, and the perfect balance of tangy and sweet cream cheese frosting, it’s a cake that feels indulgent yet comforting.
What makes this cake special is its dual appeal: it looks elegant and impressive, yet every bite feels familiar and heartwarming. Its festive red hue makes it the ultimate holiday centerpiece for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, weddings, birthdays, or any special celebration.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it always delivers: a moist cake, a silky frosting, and a presentation that wows guests. Unlike overly sweet cakes, this one has just the right balance of flavors—cocoa richness, a slight tang from buttermilk and vinegar, and the creaminess of cream cheese frosting. It’s indulgent but never heavy. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
This cake is a must-try because it blends simplicity with elegance. If you’ve only had bakery red velvet, making it at home will change your perspective—it’s fresher, softer, and much more flavorful. It’s also versatile: bake it as cupcakes, a layered cake, or even in jars. And once you taste the frosting, you’ll understand why it’s the star pairing for this cake.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Baking Time: 30–35 minutes
- Frosting & Assembly: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 10–12 slices
- Calories: ~380 kcal per serving
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Dessert / Celebration Cake
Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Cake:
- 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) buttermilk (room temperature)
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp red food coloring (liquid or gel)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Simple Cooking Directions
- Prepare cake batter by mixing dry and wet ingredients separately, then combining.
- Bake in two 8-inch pans at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes.
- Cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese frosting until smooth.
- Frost and assemble the cake.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Sift flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- In another large bowl, whisk buttermilk, oil, sugar, eggs, vinegar, vanilla, and red food coloring until smooth.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Do not overmix.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
Step 3: Make the Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter together until fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar slowly, mixing on low.
- Add vanilla and salt, beat until silky and smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a plate, spread frosting evenly.
- Top with second cake layer and cover entire cake with frosting.
- Smooth with spatula and decorate with cake crumbs, sprinkles, or berries.
How to Serve
- Slice into neat wedges and serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.
- Perfect with coffee, hot cocoa, or a glass of cold milk.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries or raspberries for extra elegance.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Use gel food coloring for a vibrant red without adding extra liquid.
- For extra moistness, brush cooled cakes with simple syrup before frosting.
- Chill the frosted cake for 30 minutes before slicing for clean cuts.
- Always use room-temperature ingredients for best texture.
Variations
- Cupcakes: Bake in cupcake liners for 18–20 minutes.
- Cheesecake Twist: Add a cheesecake layer between red velvet layers.
- Nutty Version: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to batter or frosting.
- Mini Jars: Layer cake and frosting in jars for individual servings.
Freezing & Storage
- Room Temperature: Covered, up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Airtight container, up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Unfrosted cake layers wrapped in plastic + foil, up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before frosting.
Special Equipment Needed
- 2 x 8-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric or stand mixer
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula or knife
Conclusion
The Festive Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a timeless dessert that combines elegance and comfort. Its velvety crumb, cocoa richness, and silky frosting make it an unforgettable treat for holidays and celebrations. Once you make this at home, it’s bound to become a family favorite and a tradition at your table.
Festive Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Description
The Festive Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a true showstopper, often called the “queen of cakes” for its striking red layers and snowy white frosting. This cake is more than just dessert—it’s a celebration of flavor, beauty, and joy.
Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Cake:
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter : Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. Sift flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In another large bowl, whisk buttermilk, oil, sugar, eggs, vinegar, vanilla, and red food coloring until smooth. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Do not overmix.
-
Step 2: Bake the Cake : Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
-
Step 3: Make the Frosting : Beat cream cheese and butter together until fluffy. Add powdered sugar slowly, mixing on low. Add vanilla and salt, beat until silky and smooth.
-
Step 4: Assemble the Cake : Place one cake layer on a plate, spread frosting evenly. Top with second cake layer and cover entire cake with frosting. Smooth with spatula and decorate with cake crumbs, sprinkles, or berries.
