Perfect Red Velvet Christmas Cake Recipe for Holiday Magic

Mixing red velvet magic creates a festive dessert that sparkles with holiday cheer.

Whispers of cocoa and cream cheese frosting dance through this classic treat.

Winter celebrations become extraordinary with each slice of this magnificent confection.

Soft, velvety layers promise delightful moments of pure indulgence.

Generations of bakers have treasured this beloved recipe, passing down sweet traditions.

Crisp decorations and rich colors make you dream of cozy gatherings.

Bake this showstopping dessert and watch faces light up with pure joy.

Red Velvet Cake That’s Dressed for Christmas

Whip Up Holiday Magic: Festive Cake Delight

• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfectly crafted recipe for home bakers of all skill levels, with simple steps and minimal professional techniques required.
• Show-Stopping Presentation: Stunning red velvet cake transforms into a gorgeous Christmas centerpiece with cranberries, mint leaves, and sparkling sugar details that wow guests.
• Stress-Free Holiday Dessert: Quick preparation and make-ahead potential make this cake a stress-reducing option for busy holiday entertaining, allowing more time for family and festivities.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Elegant enough for special gatherings yet simple enough for casual family celebrations, appealing to both kids and adults with its festive appearance and delicious flavor.

Gingerbread Loaf Cake with Buttercream Frosting Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Fine white powder for cake structure.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps with cake texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Provides rich chocolate flavor.
• Baking Powder: Helps cake rise and become fluffy.
• Baking Soda: Additional leavening agent.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor.

• Egg: Binds ingredients together.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and subtle tang.
• Vegetable Oil: Creates soft cake texture.
• Red Food Coloring: Gives signature red velvet color.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet flavor.
• White Vinegar: Helps activate baking soda.

• Heavy Cream: Creates rich, smooth base.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to cream flavor.

• Cranberries, Mint Leaves, Holly Leaves: Festive cake topping.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates snowy effect.
• Gold Edible Glitter: Optional sparkly decoration.

Red Velvet Christmas Cake Baking Guide

Step 1: Prepare Cake Batter

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

• Egg
• Buttermilk
• Vegetable oil
• Red food coloring
• Vanilla extract
• White vinegar

Mix wet and dry ingredients until smooth and vibrant red. Pour batter into a greased cake pan.

Step 2: Bake The Cake

Slide the pan into a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.

Step 3: Create Luscious Cream Filling

• Heavy cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whip until stiff peaks form, being careful not to overbeat.

Step 4: Assemble The Cake

Slice cake horizontally into layers. Place first layer on serving plate. Spread cream filling between each layer. Frost the entire cake with remaining cream.

Step 5: Decorate With Festive Touches

• Fresh cranberries
• Mint leaves
• Gold edible glitter

Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

Step 6: Chill And Serve

Refrigerate cake for 1-2 hours to set. Slice and serve to delighted guests!

Cake Tips That Make Red Velvet Shine at Christmas

• Master the Cake Crumb: Avoid overmixing batter to maintain a tender, soft texture that melts in your mouth.
• Boost Color Intensity: Add an extra drop of red food coloring for a vibrant, festive crimson that pops against white frosting.
• Chill for Perfect Layers: Refrigerate cake layers for 30 minutes before slicing to prevent crumbling and ensure clean, precise cuts.
• Whip Cream with Precision: Stop whipping when stiff peaks form to prevent butter-like separation and maintain a silky, light consistency.
• Decorate with Seasonal Flair: Use fresh cranberries and mint leaves to create a stunning Christmas-themed presentation that looks professionally crafted.

Storing Red Velvet Christmas Cake For Later

• Place cake in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent cream from spoiling.
• Wrap cake securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Store covered at cool room temperature for maximum 1 day if cream cheese frosting is used. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas.
• Separate individual slices with wax paper before storing to prevent sticking and maintain cake's texture when reheating.

Fig and Pomegranate Wreath Salad Tips

Festive Flavor Companions: Pairing Suggestions for Red Velvet Christmas Cake

• Spiced Mulled Wine Complement: Warm red wine infused with cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest perfectly balances the cake's sweet richness, creating a cozy holiday flavor harmony.
• Creamy Eggnog Match: Traditional holiday eggnog's smooth, nutmeg-kissed profile provides a luxurious counterpoint to the cake's velvety texture, enhancing the festive dessert experience.
• Mint Hot Chocolate Duo: Rich, peppermint-infused hot chocolate echoes the cake's decorative mint leaves, delivering a refreshing and indulgent companion that elevates the Christmas dessert.
• Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Accent: Smooth, cold vanilla bean ice cream offers a delightful temperature and taste contrast, cutting through the cake's sweetness with its creamy, pure flavor.

Gingerbread Loaf with Frosted Top

• Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Christmas Cake: Substitute egg with flax egg, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and choose plant-based food coloring to create a dairy-free, animal-product-free version.
• Low-Sugar Holiday Cake: Swap regular sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the festive red velvet flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Cream Alternative: Replace buttermilk with almond milk, use coconut whipped cream instead of heavy cream, and select vegetable-based margarine for a lactose-free option.

FAQs

• Why does the recipe use vinegar?

Vinegar helps activate the baking soda, creating a tender and light cake texture while enhancing the cake’s signature reddish color.

• Can I make this cake without buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk by mixing 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.

• How do I prevent my red velvet cake from turning brown?

Use gel food coloring instead of liquid, and avoid overbaking. Check the cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time to maintain its vibrant red color.

• What makes red velvet cake different from chocolate cake?

Red velvet cake has a subtle cocoa flavor with a distinctive tangy taste from buttermilk and vinegar, and it uses less cocoa powder compared to traditional chocolate cake.

Red Velvet Christmas Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive red velvet Christmas cake brings holiday magic to dessert tables with rich crimson layers and creamy frosting. Elegant yet simple, this sweet centerpiece promises delightful celebration and joyful memories you’ll treasure.

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Ingredients

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Main Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel preferred)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

Sweeteners:

• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and coating an 8×8-inch cake pan with grease and flour. Sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl.
2. Whisk egg, buttermilk, vegetable oil, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar in a separate container. Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring until the batter achieves a smooth, uniform consistency without overmixing.
3. Transfer the crimson batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
4. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack, ensuring it reaches room temperature before further preparation.
5. Chill a mixing bowl in the freezer for 15 minutes to prepare for cream assembly. Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, taking care not to overwhip.
6. Carefully slice the cooled cake horizontally into two or three uniform layers using a serrated knife.
7. Position the first cake layer on a serving plate, spreading a generous layer of whipped cream. Repeat with subsequent layers, creating a delicate cream-filled structure.
8. Coat the entire cake with remaining cream, ensuring smooth and even coverage on top and sides.
9. Decorate with fresh cranberries and mint leaves, creating an elegant holiday presentation.
10. Dust the cake’s surface with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar, mimicking a delicate winter snowfall. Optional: Add a touch of gold edible glitter for festive sparkle.
11. Refrigerate the cake for 1-2 hours to allow the filling to set and flavors to meld.
12. Slice and serve this festive red velvet masterpiece to eager guests.

Notes

• Customize food coloring intensity by adjusting drops for deeper or lighter red velvet color.
• Select high-quality cocoa powder for richer chocolate undertones in the cake.
• Ensure buttermilk is room temperature to help ingredients blend smoothly and create tender crumb.
• Prevent food coloring stains by wearing disposable gloves during preparation.
• Whip cream carefully to avoid turning it into butter; stop when stiff peaks form with soft, glossy texture.
• Use cold mixing bowl and chilled whisk for faster, more stable whipped cream.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for dairy-free alternative.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg