Festive Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Introduction

Few desserts have the same wow factor as a red velvet cake — that vibrant red hue, moist crumb, and luxurious cream cheese frosting make it a true showstopper. Traditionally popular in the American South, red velvet cake has now become a holiday and celebration classic worldwide. Its soft, velvety texture and subtle cocoa flavor, paired with the tang of cream cheese frosting, create a harmony that’s irresistible.

This Festive Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any time you want a dessert that looks as beautiful as it tastes. Its striking red layers with creamy white frosting make it not just a cake, but a centerpiece dessert that draws everyone in.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines both flavor and beauty. Unlike overly sweet cakes, red velvet has a balanced taste — a hint of cocoa, a slight tang from buttermilk, and the richness of cream cheese frosting. It’s indulgent but not overwhelming.

I also love how special and festive it feels. Whenever I bring this cake to a gathering, it gets instant attention and compliments. Decorating it is a joy too — whether you keep it simple with smooth frosting or add festive sprinkles, berries, or piped swirls.

It’s also a cake with tradition and nostalgia, reminding me of celebrations and holidays, making it more than just dessert — it’s a memory-maker.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

The Festive Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not just any dessert — it’s a showstopper. The striking red layers contrasted with silky white frosting make it visually stunning, the kind of cake that instantly draws everyone’s attention at a celebration. But beyond its beauty, it’s the flavor and texture that make it unforgettable.

• The cake is moist, tender, and velvety, with just the right balance of cocoa and vanilla.
• The cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious tangy richness that perfectly complements the sweet cake.
• It’s incredibly festive and versatile — ideal for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any occasion where you want a dessert that impresses.
• It’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both chocolate and vanilla lovers alike.

This cake is a must-try because it’s more than just dessert — it’s an experience. From the first slice, you get elegance, comfort, and indulgence all in one. It’s the perfect centerpiece for holidays and gatherings, creating sweet memories that linger long after the last bite.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Cooling & Frosting Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: ~2 hours
• Servings: 12–14 slices
• Calories: ~420 per slice
• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: American (Southern Classic)

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring (liquid or gel)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Oven & Pans
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment paper).
2. Make the Cake Batter
   • In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk oil, sugar, and eggs until well combined.
   • Add buttermilk, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla; mix well.
   • Gradually fold in dry ingredients until smooth (do not overmix).
3. Bake
   • Divide batter evenly between pans.
   • Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
   • Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Frosting
   • Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
   • Add vanilla and powdered sugar gradually, beating until fluffy.
5. Assemble the Cake
   • Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting on top.
   • Add the second layer, then frost the entire cake generously.
   • Decorate with crumbs from trimmed cake edges, sprinkles, or festive toppings.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat oven, prepare pans.
2. Mix dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, cocoa, salt).
3. Mix wet ingredients (oil, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, food coloring, vinegar, vanilla).
4. Combine wet and dry; mix until smooth.
5. Bake 28–32 minutes, cool completely.
6. Prepare cream cheese frosting.
7. Layer, frost, and decorate.

How to Serve

• Serve chilled or at room temperature, sliced into even portions.
• Garnish with fresh berries, edible glitter, or holiday sprinkles for extra festivity.
• Pair with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.

Recipe Tips

• Use gel food coloring for a richer red without altering texture.
• Don’t skip the vinegar — it helps with leavening and keeps the cake fluffy.
• Always use room temperature ingredients for smoother batter and frosting.
• Chill the cake slightly before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Variations

• Cupcakes: Make red velvet cupcakes instead of a whole cake (bake ~18–20 min).
• Layer Cake: Make a 3-layer version for an even grander look.
• Festive Twist: Add peppermint extract to frosting for a Christmas flavor.
• Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between layers.
• Chocolate Red Velvet: Add 2 more tablespoons cocoa for a stronger chocolate taste.

Freezing & Storage

• Room Temperature: Keep frosted cake up to 2 days covered.
• Refrigerator: Store up to 5 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing (Unfrosted): Wrap cooled cake layers in plastic + foil, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before frosting.
• Freezing (Frosted): Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly, up to 2 months.

Special Equipment Needed

• Two 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls (medium & large)
• Hand or stand mixer
• Cooling racks
• Offset spatula or cake scraper for frosting

Conclusion

This Festive Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is more than a dessert — it’s a holiday tradition. With its bold red color, delicate cocoa flavor, and rich, tangy frosting, it makes every occasion feel special. It’s beautiful enough to be the centerpiece of your table and delicious enough to keep everyone coming back for seconds. Whether for Christmas, Valentine’s, or just because, this cake is the perfect way to spread love and joy through baking.

Print Recipe

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Festive Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Desserts

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 25 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 55 mins

Servings: 14 Calories: 420kcal per slice

Description

Few desserts have the same wow factor as a red velvet cake — that vibrant red hue, moist crumb, and luxurious cream cheese frosting make it a true showstopper. Traditionally popular in the American South, red velvet cake has now become a holiday and celebration classic worldwide.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 the For Red Velvet Cake: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour ,1 ½ cups granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda,1 teaspoon salt,1 teaspoon cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 16 the For Cream Cheese Frosting: oz (450 g)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven & Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment paper).
2. Make the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In a large mixing bowl, whisk oil, sugar, and eggs until well combined. Add buttermilk, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla; mix well. Gradually fold in dry ingredients until smooth (do not overmix).
3. Bake: Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla and powdered sugar gradually, beating until fluffy.
5. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting on top. Add the second layer, then frost the entire cake generously. Decorate with crumbs from trimmed cake edges, sprinkles, or festive toppings.

Keywords: Festive Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting