The holidays are upon us, and nothing screams festive more than a stunning Red Velvet Christmas Cake. Imagine cutting into a velvety, deep red slice that contrasts beautifully with fluffy, cream cheese frosting. The aroma wafts through the air, bringing warmth and delight that only a homemade dessert can. This cake doesn’t just taste good; it feels like a celebration on your taste buds.
Every year during the holiday season, my family gathers around the kitchen to whip up this delightful masterpiece. It’s become a tradition that sparks laughter and memories, especially when someone accidentally spills flour everywhere—thanks, Uncle Bob! Whether it’s a festive dinner or simply to impress your friends at a holiday gathering, this cake is sure to bring joy and deliciousness to your table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Red Velvet Christmas Cake is easy to prepare and perfect for holiday gatherings.
- The rich chocolate flavor combined with tangy cream cheese frosting creates a delightful taste experience.
- Its vibrant red color makes it an eye-catching centerpiece for any occasion.
- You can customize the decorations to match your style or theme effortlessly.
Ingredients for Red Velvet Christmas Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of our cake, providing structure and tenderness.
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for depth in flavor without adding extra sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and balances the cocoa’s bitterness.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise beautifully and create that fluffy texture.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist; you can also use melted butter for extra flavor.
- Buttermilk: Adds richness and acidity, which helps activate the baking soda.
- Eggs: Essential for binding ingredients together and adding moisture.
- Red Food Coloring: The star of our show! It gives our cake its iconic color.
- Vanilla Extract: For that aromatic hint of sweetness and warmth.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: A must-have topping; its tanginess complements the sweetness of the cake perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Red Velvet Christmas Cake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While you wait, grease and flour two round cake pans so your cakes don’t stick like my aunt Judy’s infamous fruitcake.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting is important because it helps prevent lumps—just like avoiding awkward family conversations at dinner!
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until well blended. Feel free to channel your inner artist while mixing; after all, we’re creating something beautiful here!
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture while stirring gently until no lumps remain. Pour this gorgeous red batter evenly into your prepared pans—look at that color! It’s practically begging to be baked.
Step 5: Bake Your Cakes
Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Use this time wisely; maybe check Facebook or scroll through endless cat videos—because priorities!
Step 6: Frost and Decorate
Let cakes cool completely before removing them from pans. Once cooled, layer with cream cheese frosting between each layer and coat the top and sides with more frosting. Get creative with decorations—think sprinkles or festive berries!
Transfer to plates and serve slices of joy adorned with laughter and cheer! Enjoy every bite as you bask in compliments from family and friends alike.
Now you’re ready to impress everyone with your culinary skills while enjoying every scrumptious bite of this Red Velvet Christmas Cake!
You Must Know
- This delightful Red Velvet Christmas Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a holiday centerpiece!
- Its rich color and velvety texture make it a showstopper.
- Plus, it’s perfect for festive gatherings and will have your guests asking for seconds—maybe even thirds!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To create the ultimate Red Velvet Christmas Cake, start by preheating your oven and preparing your cake pans. Mix your dry ingredients separately while creaming the butter and sugar. Combine everything for smooth batter before pouring it into the pans.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this cake by adding chocolate chips or using buttermilk instead of regular milk for extra moisture. You could also experiment with different frostings like cream cheese or a peppermint-infused vanilla buttercream.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover Red Velvet Christmas Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy that fresh-baked taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always sift dry ingredients to avoid lumps; this ensures a smooth batter.
- Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and fluffiness.
- When frosting, let the cake cool completely to prevent melting your icing into a gooey mess.
I still remember the first time I made this cake for my family’s holiday gathering. The look on their faces as they took their first bite was priceless—a mix of shock and delight that I had managed to bake something so festive!
FAQs:
What is a Red Velvet Christmas Cake?
A Red Velvet Christmas Cake is a festive dessert that combines the rich flavors of cocoa and buttermilk with vibrant red color, making it perfect for holiday celebrations. This cake typically features layers of moist red velvet, often frosted with cream cheese or buttercream icing. The unique flavor profile and striking appearance make it a popular choice during Christmas, adding a touch of elegance to any dessert table.
How do I store Red Velvet Christmas Cake?
To preserve the freshness of your Red Velvet Christmas Cake, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate the cake, where it can last for about a week. For extended storage, consider freezing individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I decorate my Red Velvet Christmas Cake?
Absolutely! Decorating your Red Velvet Christmas Cake allows for creativity and personalization. You can top it with festive decorations such as sprinkles, edible glitter, or seasonal fruits like pomegranates. Adding holiday-themed decorations like candy canes or gingerbread cookies can enhance its visual appeal, making it even more festive for your holiday gatherings.
What are some serving suggestions for Red Velvet Christmas Cake?
Red Velvet Christmas Cake pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments. Consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to balance its richness. A hot cup of coffee or spiced tea also complements the flavors well. Additionally, you could serve slices alongside fresh fruit or chocolate sauce for added indulgence during festive occasions.
Conclusion for Red Velvet Christmas Cake:
In summary, the Red Velvet Christmas Cake is a delightful treat that adds joy and color to any holiday celebration. Its moist texture and rich flavor make it a favorite among many dessert lovers. By following simple storage tips and exploring creative decoration ideas, you can ensure this cake remains a centerpiece at your gatherings. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with delicious accompaniments, this festive cake will surely impress your guests during the holiday season.
Red Velvet Christmas Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in this festive Red Velvet Christmas Cake, featuring velvety layers and creamy frosting that will elevate your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together sugar, vegetable oil (or melted butter), buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients while stirring gently until no lumps remain. Pour the batter evenly into prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely before removing from pans.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; mix until well blended.
- Once cakes are cooled, layer with cream cheese frosting between each layer and frost the top and sides of the cake as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: - Add chocolate chips to the batter for extra indulgence. - Customize your frosting by incorporating crushed peppermint or seasonal sprinkles for a festive touch.




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