Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Elevate your dessert game with this stunning Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake, perfect for celebrations or just a cozy treat at home. With its rich cocoa flavor and delightful cream cheese frosting, this moist and fluffy cake is sure to impress at any gathering. Its vibrant red hue adds a festive touch, making it a beautiful centerpiece for any occasion.
This cake is a perfect blend of tradition and indulgence, making it an ideal choice for birthdays, holidays, or just a special occasion. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that balances the rich flavors of the cake.
A Classic with a Twist
Red Velvet Cake has a storied history steeped in Southern tradition, charming dessert lovers with its unique flavor and striking appearance. The addition of cocoa powder provides a subtle chocolate undertone that perfectly complements the tanginess of cream cheese frosting. This Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake takes the classic recipe and elevates it into an eye-catching centerpiece, ideal for birthday parties, anniversaries, or holiday gatherings. Its vibrant color and luscious texture evoke a sense of celebration, making it a beloved choice for any special occasion.
What sets this Bundt cake apart is not just its appealing aesthetics but also its moist, fluffy crumb. The combination of buttermilk and oil in the batter ensures that every bite melts in your mouth. Additionally, the vibrant red hue remains bright and inviting even after baking, creating a visual feast that captures everyone’s attention. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this cake promises to deliver a show-stopping dessert that is surprisingly easy to prepare.
Perfect Pairings
This Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake is as versatile as it is delicious. It pairs beautifully with a variety of beverages. Consider serving it alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a glass of rich red wine, both of which enhance the cake's flavors and provide a delightful taste contrast. For a festive touch, you can accompany it with a glass of bubbly champagne or sparkling cider, making it a perfect treat for toasting to special moments.
If you're looking to elevate your dessert experience even further, don’t hesitate to add a scoop of vanilla or cream cheese ice cream on the side. The cool, creamy texture of the ice cream beautifully complements the warm, moist cake, creating a decadent treat that indulgent sweet lovers will adore. You can also garnish your slice with fresh berries for a burst of freshness that not only looks appealing but also balances the richness of the frosting.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- In another bowl, mix the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar until smooth.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.
Bake and Cool
- Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting
- Beat the cream cheese and butter together until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
- Add vanilla and heavy cream as needed to reach desired consistency.
Frost and Serve
- Once the cake is cool, frost it generously with the cream cheese frosting.
- Slice and enjoy this delightful dessert!
Storage Tips
To keep your Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake fresh and tasty, it’s essential to store it correctly. Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, the cake can stay moist at room temperature for up to three days. It’s best to keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent it from drying out. For longer storage, consider refrigerating it, where it can last for up to a week without compromising flavor and texture.
If you want to prepare the cake in advance, make sure to frost it just before serving. This prevents the cream cheese frosting from softening too much in the fridge. Alternatively, you can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to three months. Just ensure it’s well-wrapped and placed in an airtight container. Thaw it at room temperature when ready to enjoy, then whip up the cream cheese frosting for a fresh finish.
Variations to Try
While the classic Red Velvet flavor is spectacular on its own, you can also experiment with variations to keep things exciting. For instance, consider adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for an added texture. The chocolate will enhance the cake’s flavor while the nuts provide a delightful crunch, creating a unique twist on this classic dessert.
For those looking to elevate the frosting, try incorporating different flavors such as orange zest or almond extract into the cream cheese frosting. This adds an intriguing element that brightens the overall flavor profile. Additionally, you can swirl in some raspberry or strawberry puree into the frosting for a fruity flavor while adding visual interest. Each of these variations gives you an opportunity to customize the cake while maintaining its fundamental loveable essence.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of food coloring?
Yes, but red food coloring works best to achieve the classic red velvet look.
→ How should I store leftover cake?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake
Elevate your dessert game with this stunning Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake, perfect for celebrations or just a cozy treat at home. With its rich cocoa flavor and delightful cream cheese frosting, this moist and fluffy cake is sure to impress at any gathering. Its vibrant red hue adds a festive touch, making it a beautiful centerpiece for any occasion.
Created by: Emma Johnson
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12.0
What You'll Need
For the Cake
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (optional)
How-To Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- In another bowl, mix the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar until smooth.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat the cream cheese and butter together until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
- Add vanilla and heavy cream as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Once the cake is cool, frost it generously with the cream cheese frosting.
- Slice and enjoy this delightful dessert!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 340mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 49g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 34g
- Protein: 4g