This cake looks bright and feels soft. It fits a small party or a big one. The red color and white frosting make it feel like a gift. If you like sweet small cakes, see a fun take on cherry red velvet cupcakes for more ideas.

why make this recipe

You make this cake for its color and soft taste. It uses simple things you can find at home. It looks nice on a holiday table. It fits a crowd and it keeps well. For a lighter cake idea, you can look at fluffy red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting.

how to make Red Velvet Christmas Cake

Make the cake in a few clear steps. You mix dry things first, then wet things. You join them to make a red batter. You bake the cake, let it cool, and add cream cheese frosting. You can layer the cake if you want. For a fun change, try a layered dish like red velvet cake trifle.

Ingredients :

2.5 cups all-purpose flour (substitute cake flour for lighter texture)
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1.5 cups granulated sugar
1 cup buttermilk (substitute with 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
1 cup vegetable oil (or ¾ cup oil + ¼ cup applesauce)
2 large eggs (room temperature)
2 tablespoons high-quality red food coloring (or beet powder)
1 teaspoon white vinegar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
16 ounces cream cheese (softened)
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch salt
Holiday decorations (sugared cranberries, rosemary sprigs, white chocolate snowflakes)

Directions :

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
In a bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mix aside.
In a second bowl, whisk the sugar, oil, eggs, red food coloring, vinegar, vanilla, and buttermilk until smooth.
Pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir gently until the batter is smooth and even.
Put the batter in the pans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Turn them out and cool all the way on a wire rack.
To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until light.
If the cakes are cool, level the tops if needed. Spread frosting between the layers, on the sides, and on top.
Add holiday decorations like sugared cranberries, rosemary sprigs, and white chocolate snowflakes.
Serve at room temperature or cool for a firmer slice. For a small sweet bite, see a fun take like red velvet crush cupcakes.

how to serve Red Velvet Christmas Cake

Cut the cake in even slices. Use a warm knife for clean cuts. Serve with a cup of hot drink or cream. Add a few sugared cranberries on each plate. For small servings, try ideas from red velvet cupcakes.

how to store Red Velvet Christmas Cake

Cover the cake with a lid or wrap it in plastic wrap. Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer hold, freeze slices in a sealed bag up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

tips to make Red Velvet Christmas Cake

Use room temp eggs for a smooth batter.
Sift the powdered sugar for a smooth frosting.
Do not over mix the batter. Mix until just smooth.
Cool the cake well before frosting to avoid a runny top.
If you want less oil, use applesauce as part of the oil.

variation (if any)

Make a simple version by baking in a sheet pan and cutting shapes for kids.
Use beet powder for natural red color.
Make a small layer cake or many small cupcakes.
Add a thin layer of jam between the cake and frosting for a fruity note.

FAQs

Q: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
A: Yes. Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar and let sit 5 minutes. Use that as buttermilk.

Q: Can I make this cake a day ahead?
A: Yes. You can bake and frost a day ahead. Keep it in the fridge and bring to room temp to serve.

Q: How do I fix thin frosting?
A: Add more sifted powdered sugar a little at a time and beat until it firms up.

Q: Can I skip the food coloring?
A: Yes. The cake will be brown-red from cocoa. Use beet powder if you want natural red.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Use two pans or bake in batches and stack the layers.

Conclusion

This Red Velvet Christmas Cake makes a bright and soft dessert for your meal. For a full tested recipe and more tips, see the original Red Velvet Christmas Cake.

Red Velvet Christmas Cake