Festive Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Festive Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is an iconic holiday dessert that never fails to impress. With its striking deep red hue, soft velvety crumb, and rich layers of luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious.

Every bite melts in your mouth — the soft, moist cake combined with the slightly tangy cream cheese frosting creates a perfect harmony of flavors that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it brings together everything that makes holiday baking magical — vibrant colors, irresistible flavor, and pure comfort. The rich red sponge paired with creamy white frosting feels festive and luxurious, yet the flavor remains beautifully balanced — not too sweet, not too heavy.

There’s something about the way the cocoa and buttermilk play together — it’s subtle yet unforgettable. And when you frost it with silky cream cheese icing, the result is decadent perfection.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Festive Red Velvet Cake is a must-try because:

• It’s the ultimate Christmas dessert — rich, colorful, and celebratory.
• The texture is divine — soft, moist, and perfectly tender.
• The vibrant red color makes it a stunning centerpiece for any table.
• The cream cheese frosting adds luxurious tang and creaminess.
• It’s easy to bake yet impressive enough for holidays or special occasions.

This cake captures the joy of Christmas in every slice — bth visually and flavorfully.

Preparation and Cooking Details

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Baking Time: 30 minutes
• Cooling and Frosting Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: ~1 hour 55 minutes
• Servings: 10–12 slices
• Calories: ~420 kcal per serving
• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: American (Southern-inspired)

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel preferred for vibrant color)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven: to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In another large bowl, whisk sugar, oil, and eggs until smooth. Stir in vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring.
4. Alternate mixing: Add half the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then pour in half the buttermilk. Repeat until fully combined.
5. Pour into pans: Divide batter evenly between the two pans.
6. Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Cool: Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on wire racks.
8. Prepare frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla; mix until smooth.
9. Frost cake: Layer one cake, spread frosting, top with second cake, and frost the entire cake evenly.
10. Decorate: Optionally, top with red velvet crumbs, festive sprinkles, or sugared cranberries.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare cake pans.
Step 2: Sift flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk sugar, oil, and eggs until smooth.
Step 4: Add vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring.
Step 5: Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing just until combined.
Step 6: Divide batter between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes.
Step 7: Cool cakes completely before frosting.
Step 8: Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add sugar and vanilla; mix until fluffy.
Step 9: Frost one layer, stack the second, and spread frosting all around.
Step 10: Chill for 20 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.

How to Serve

• Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
• Slice into neat wedges and serve on a cake stand for an elegant presentation.
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee, cocoa, or mulled wine for a festive treat.
• Garnish each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries for a sophisticated touch.

Recipe Tips

• Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth, even batter.
• Do not overmix — it can make the cake dense.
• Use gel food coloring for a deep red hue without thinning the batter.
• Cool completely before frosting — warm cake will melt the frosting.
• Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes before slicing to get perfect, clean layers.

Recipe Variations

1. Mini Red Velvet Cupcakes:
   Make bite-sized cupcakes for parties — reduce baking time to 15–18 minutes.
2. Layered Holiday Red Velvet Trifle:
   Cube the cake and layer with cream cheese frosting and fresh berries in glass cups.
3. Chocolate Red Velvet:
   Add 2 extra tablespoons of cocoa powder and top with chocolate ganache for a richer version.
4. Eggless Red Velvet Cake:
   Replace eggs with ½ cup of yogurt or applesauce.
5. Red Velvet Bundt Cake:
   Bake in a bundt pan and drizzle with cream cheese glaze for an elegant twist.
6. Spiced Red Velvet Cake:
   Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm Christmas spice profile.

Freezing and Storage

• Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 1 day in a cool place.
• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer:
  • Unfrosted cake layers can be wrapped and frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Frosted cake can be frozen (sliced or whole) for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Two 9-inch round cake pans
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Wire cooling racks
• Offset spatula for frosting
• Cake stand or serving plate

Conclusion

The Festive Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is more than just a dessert — it’s a Christmas masterpiece. Its stunning red layers and velvety texture symbolize celebration, love, and indulgence. The cream cheese frosting adds a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, making every bite heavenly.

Whether it’s for a holiday dinner, Christmas party, or as a gift for loved ones, this cake never fails to impress. It’s a classic that feels timeless yet festive — the perfect way to sweeten your holiday memories.