Irresistible Red Velvet Cream Cheese Holiday Cake Recipe

Imagine slicing through a luscious Red Velvet Cream Cheese Holiday Cake, revealing its rich crimson layers and fluffy cream cheese frosting. The sweet aroma wafts through the air, tickling your senses and making your mouth water with anticipation. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a festive celebration on a plate, perfect for family gatherings or holiday parties.

I can still hear my grandmother’s laughter as she whipped up this delightful treat every Christmas. The kitchen would fill with warmth and joy, and I’d sneak in bites of the frosting when no one was looking. It’s that same nostalgia combined with the excitement of holidays that makes this cake so special. Not to mention, it’s an absolute showstopper that will leave your guests swooning!

Every time I make this cake, my friends can’t help but ask for seconds—who could resist that creamy frosting?

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for creating the perfect cake texture; sift it well to avoid lumps.

• Cocoa Powder: Use high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa for a deep, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with red velvet.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is essential; adjust slightly based on your taste preference!

• Baking Soda: This leavening agent will give your cake its delightful rise and fluffy texture.

• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the sweetness in the cake—don’t skip it!

• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender; feel free to substitute with melted coconut oil if desired.

• Buttermilk: Adds richness and tanginess; if you don’t have any, mix milk with vinegar as a substitute.

• Eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients together; bring them to room temperature for best results.

• Red Food Coloring: This vibrant hue is what makes your cake stand out—opt for gel food coloring for best results.

• Vanilla Extract: A splash adds wonderful depth to the flavor profile of your cake.

• Cream Cheese: The star of the frosting! Choose full-fat cream cheese for that luscious texture we love.

• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens up the frosting perfectly; sift it before using to keep things smooth.

• Butter: Use unsalted butter for frosting; it balances sweetness beautifully.

• Lemon Juice or Vanilla Extract (for frosting): A hint of acidity from lemon juice brightens up the cream cheese flavor—use both if you’re feeling adventurous!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Red Velvet Cream Cheese Holiday Cake

Prepare Your Oven and Pans: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round baking pans with nonstick spray and line them with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined. This helps ensure even distribution of leavening agents.

Create Wet Mixture: In another bowl, beat together sugar and vegetable oil until well blended. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition until smooth.

Add Color and Flavor: Stir in buttermilk, red food coloring, and vanilla extract into the wet mixture until fully incorporated—expect a vibrant red batter that looks downright magical!

Combine Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined—be careful not to overmix!

Bake Your Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in pans before transferring them onto wire racks.

Create Frosting: While cakes cool, beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and lemon juice or vanilla extract—taste test along the way!

Assemble Your Cake: Once cooled completely, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread an even layer of frosting on top before adding the second layer. Frost generously around sides and top of the cake.

Enjoy this masterpiece adorned with festive decorations like sprinkles or fresh berries!

Now you’re ready to share slices of joy at any gathering! Whether it’s Christmas dinner or simply indulging during cozy family nights at home—you’ll be glad you made this Red Velvet Cream Cheese Holiday Cake!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To master this cake, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your cake pans with a light coat of grease and flour. Mix the dry ingredients separately before adding them to your wet mixture to avoid lumps. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to get creative! Swap out buttermilk for yogurt if you’re in a pinch or add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different food coloring shades; after all, who says red velvet must be red? For a little crunch, consider folding in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter.

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Red Velvet Cream Cheese Holiday Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to store it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. When reheating, place slices in the microwave on low power just until warmed through—avoid overheating, or you might end up with a rubbery texture.

Nothing says love quite like baking this cake; my friends once declared it “the best dessert ever” after I served it at a holiday party, leaving me grinning from ear to ear.

FAQ

What is the origin of Red Velvet Cake?

Red Velvet Cake has roots tracing back to the early 1900s in Canada and the United States. It gained popularity during World War II when bakers used cocoa powder and red food coloring as a substitute for expensive ingredients like butter and sugar due to rationing.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Using a gluten-free flour blend can yield delicious results without sacrificing taste or texture. Just ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free.

How do I know when my cake is done baking?

The best way to check if your cake is done is by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, it’s ready!

Can I freeze leftover cake?

Yes! To freeze leftover cake, slice it first and wrap each piece in plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container. This helps maintain moisture and flavor while stored in the freezer.

Conclusion for Red Velvet Cream Cheese Holiday Cake

In conclusion, whipping up a Red Velvet Cream Cheese Holiday Cake is not just about following steps but creating memories around the kitchen table. With its rich flavor profile and eye-catching appearance, this cake will surely become a favorite during any celebration. Remember to play around with flavors and presentation styles—after all, every great baker has their secret twist! Enjoy every slice as you bask in compliments from delighted family and friends!

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Red Velvet Cream Cheese Holiday Cake

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x

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Description

Indulge in the festive delight of our Red Velvet Cream Cheese Holiday Cake, a stunning centerpiece for any celebration. With its rich crimson layers and luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake combines nostalgia and elegance in every bite. Perfect for family gatherings or holiday parties, its irresistible flavor will leave everyone asking for seconds. Elevate your baking skills with this foolproof recipe that guarantees impressive results every time!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder (Dutch-processed)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp red food coloring (gel)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 oz cream cheese (full-fat, softened)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice or vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round baking pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine sugar and vegetable oil until mixed well. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in buttermilk, red food coloring, and vanilla.
4. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. While cakes cool, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and lemon juice or vanilla.
7. Once cooled, layer cakes with frosting in between and on top.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Substitute buttermilk with yogurt if needed. Experiment with different food colorings for a unique twist. For added crunch, fold chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter.