The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the delicious aroma of baked goods wafting through the air. Picture this: a stunning Rich Red Velvet Christmas Cake that not only captivates the eye with its deep crimson hue but also tantalizes the taste buds with layers of decadently creamy frosting. As you slice into this beauty, the soft crumb reveals itself, inviting you into a world of flavor and festivity.
Let me take you back to a memorable Christmas gathering where my Aunt Edna made her infamous red velvet cake. The moment I walked in, I was greeted by the sweet smell of chocolate mingled with vanilla buttercream. It was like being wrapped in a cozy holiday blanket. Every bite was a celebration, and now it’s time for you to create your own festive moments with this delightful treat!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Rich Red Velvet Christmas Cake is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Its rich flavor profile combines chocolatey goodness with cream cheese frosting for an indulgent treat.
- Visually stunning, this cake will become the centerpiece of your holiday table.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve at any occasion beyond Christmas!
Ingredients for Rich Red Velvet Christmas Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use about 2 ½ cups for a tender cake that holds its shape beautifully.
- Cocoa Powder: A couple of tablespoons adds just the right hint of chocolate flavor without overpowering.
- Sugar: You’ll need around 1 ½ cups; granulated sugar sweetens and balances the richness.
- Vegetable Oil: About one cup keeps the cake moist and fluffy throughout.
- Eggs: Three large eggs are essential for binding everything together while adding richness.
- Buttermilk: One cup; it not only adds tanginess but also helps achieve that velvety texture.
- Red Food Coloring: Don’t be shy; use around two tablespoons to achieve that iconic red hue!
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: These two work together to leaven the cake and keep it light.
For the Frosting:
- Cream Cheese: Use one block (8 oz) at room temperature for the perfect spreadable texture.
- Butter: Half a cup of softened butter gives richness and depth to your frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: About four cups will help create that smooth, sweet frosting everyone loves!
End with: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Rich Red Velvet Christmas Cake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans so nothing sticks when it’s time to reveal your masterpiece.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This mixture is your foundation—think of it as building a solid home for your cake.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat together sugar and vegetable oil until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by buttermilk and food coloring. Mix until everything is beautifully blended!
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want that delicate crumb.
Step 5: Bake
Pour equal amounts of batter into each prepared pan. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely on wire racks before frosting.
Step 6: Frosting Time!
For the cream cheese frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until creamy and fluffy! Once cakes are cooled, spread frosting between layers and on top generously.
Transfer to plates and serve this stunning cake during family gatherings or just because it’s Tuesday!
You Must Know
- This Rich Red Velvet Christmas Cake is not just a treat; it’s a festive masterpiece that transforms any gathering into a celebration.
- With its striking red color and decadent cream cheese frosting, it’s sure to be the star of your holiday dessert table.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix your dry ingredients first, then cream together the butter and sugar before adding in your eggs and buttermilk. Finally, blend in the red food coloring for that signature hue while your cake layers bake to perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap buttermilk with yogurt for tanginess or use a gluten-free flour blend if you’re accommodating dietary needs. You can also add chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture, making this cake uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Rich Red Velvet Christmas Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it, and when serving, let it sit out for about 30 minutes to regain its moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a visually stunning cake, use a serrated knife to level the tops of your layers before frosting.
- Be cautious not to overmix your batter; it keeps the cake light and fluffy.
- Always taste test your frosting before spreading it on; it should be perfectly sweet!
The first time I made this Rich Red Velvet Christmas Cake, my family devoured it within minutes. The smiles on their faces as they savored each bite were priceless!
FAQs :
What ingredients are needed for Rich Red Velvet Christmas Cake?
To make a delicious Rich Red Velvet Christmas Cake, you will need all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and cream cheese for the frosting. These ingredients come together to create a moist and flavorful cake that is perfect for festive celebrations. You can also add a touch of holiday spirit with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg if you wish.
How long does it take to bake the Rich Red Velvet Christmas Cake?
Baking the Rich Red Velvet Christmas Cake typically takes about 25 to 30 minutes, depending on your oven and the size of your cake pans. After baking, it’s essential to let the cakes cool completely before frosting them. This cooling period ensures that the cream cheese frosting doesn’t melt off the warm cake. Overall, including preparation time, you should plan for about an hour and a half to two hours for this delightful dessert.
Can I make the Rich Red Velvet Christmas Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Rich Red Velvet Christmas Cake in advance. Bake the cake layers one to two days before your event and store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them. If you want to frost it later, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap after cooling. The flavors will even deepen when left overnight. Just be sure to frost it on the day you plan to serve it for optimal freshness.
What makes Rich Red Velvet Christmas Cake unique?
The unique combination of rich cocoa flavor and vibrant red color makes the Rich Red Velvet Christmas Cake stand out during holiday celebrations. The cake’s tender crumb comes from using buttermilk, while its signature tanginess pairs beautifully with cream cheese frosting. The visual appeal adds festivity to any table setting. This cake isn’t just a treat; it’s a centerpiece that embodies holiday cheer.
Conclusion for Rich Red Velvet Christmas Cake :
In conclusion, the Rich Red Velvet Christmas Cake offers a perfect blend of flavors and festive charm ideal for holiday gatherings. With simple ingredients like flour and cocoa powder combined with buttermilk and cream cheese frosting, this cake is both easy to make and delightfully indulgent. Remember that making this cake ahead can enhance its taste even further. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or gifting it during the holidays, this cake will surely impress everyone at your celebration.
Rich Red Velvet Christmas Cake
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in this visually stunning Rich Red Velvet Christmas Cake, layered with creamy frosting that promises to be the star of your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vinegar
- ½ tsp salt
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.
- In another bowl, beat together sugar and vegetable oil until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in buttermilk and red food coloring until blended.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined.
- Pour equal amounts of batter into each prepared pan. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely on wire racks.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until creamy and fluffy.
- Once the cakes are cooled, spread frosting between layers and generously on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: For added tanginess, substitute buttermilk with yogurt. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend. Enhance texture by adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter.
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