Red Velvet Bundt Cake

If there’s one cake that screams classic elegance and festive charm, it’s the Red Velvet Bundt Cake. With its vibrant red hue, a subtle hint of cocoa, and a touch of tangy buttermilk flavor, this cake is a showstopper for any occasion. The crowning glory? A silky, luscious cream cheese icing drizzled over the Bundt, adding just the right amount of sweetness and richness.

This Red Velvet Bundt Cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or an indulgent weekend treat. It’s moist, tender, and packed with flavor while maintaining a delicate crumb. Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to the world of Bundt cakes, this recipe is approachable, reliable, and utterly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Flavor: Combines the signature tangy buttermilk with a subtle cocoa undertone.
• Moist and Tender: Balanced fat and sugar ratios keep the cake soft and tender.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: The Bundt shape paired with drizzled cream cheese icing is beautiful for any celebration.
• Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert: Can be baked in advance, stored, and iced when ready to serve.
• Flexible Serving: Cut into generous slices or smaller portions for parties.

This recipe stands out because it balances flavor, texture, and aesthetics perfectly, giving you both a delicious and visually impressive dessert.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 12–14 slices. Follow these exact measurements for best results.

Red Velvet Cake

• 3 cups (390 g) all-purpose flour (measured correctly)
• 1/4 cup (29 g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 2 1/2 cups (518 g) sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp vinegar
• 1 oz red food color (or 1 tsp red gel icing color)
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk

Cream Cheese Icing

• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 3/4 cups (201 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2–3 tbsp heavy cream

Tools & Equipment Needed

• 12–14 cup Bundt pan
• Non-stick baking spray or butter/flour for greasing
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk and spatula
• Cooling rack
• Spoon or piping bag for icing

Having the right tools ensures your cake bakes evenly and looks as good as it tastes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare a 12–14 cup Bundt pan with non-stick baking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, oil, and sugar on medium speed for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
5. Mix in vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food color until fully combined.
6. Add half of the dry ingredients and mix just until incorporated. Add buttermilk, mix until combined, then add remaining dry ingredients. Do not overmix.
7. Pour batter into prepared Bundt pan and spread evenly.
8. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool cake in the pan for about 20 minutes, then invert onto a cooling rack and allow to cool completely.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Icing

1. Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
3. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream, mixing to achieve a smooth consistency. Add more cream if needed to reach a drizzling consistency.
5. Check consistency by drizzling icing over the side of the bowl; it should flow slowly and settle without running off completely. Adjust with more cream or powdered sugar as needed.

3. Assemble the Cake

1. Drizzle the cream cheese icing evenly over the cooled Bundt cake.
2. Serve at room temperature.
3. Store leftovers in an airtight container or cake carrier in the fridge. For best taste and texture, enjoy within 3–4 days.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute for Heavy Cream: Use milk, but reduce quantity slightly, as cream is thicker.
• Extra Chocolate Flavor: Add 1 tsp instant espresso powder to dry ingredients to intensify the cocoa notes.
• Decorative Touches: Top with chocolate shavings, red sprinkles, or edible flowers.
• Mini Bundt Cakes: Bake in mini Bundt pans for individual servings; reduce baking time to 25–30 minutes.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

The Red Velvet Bundt Cake is rich yet light, with a moist crumb and a subtle cocoa undertone. The tang from the buttermilk enhances the sweetness of the cake while the cream cheese icing provides a velvety, tangy balance.

Suggested Side Dishes

• Fresh berries or raspberry sauce
• Vanilla or chocolate ice cream
• Whipped cream for added indulgence

Nutritional Overview (Per Slice)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	515 kcal
Protein	6.3 g
Carbohydrates	75.3 g
Sugars	52.9 g
Fat	21.9 g
Cholesterol	87.2 mg
Sodium	335.7 mg
Fiber	~2 g

Dietary Notes: Contains dairy, egg, and gluten.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Cake Batter: Can be prepared a few hours in advance and refrigerated.
• Icing: Prepare up to a day in advance; cover tightly and refrigerate.
• Assembling: Ice the cake just before serving to maintain freshness.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but add 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice per cup of milk to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.

2. Can I bake at a higher temperature to reduce baking time?
Avoid increasing the oven temperature; Bundt cakes need slow, even baking to cook through without burning the edges.

3. How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the Bundt pan?
Generously grease and flour the pan or use a non-stick baking spray. Ensure all crevices are coated.

4. Can I store this cake at room temperature?
Due to the cream cheese icing, refrigerate if not serving immediately. Bring to room temperature before serving.

5. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Task	Time
Prepare batter	15 min
Bake cake	45–55 min
Cool cake	20 min in pan + 30 min on rack
Prepare icing	10 min
Assemble	5–10 min

Serving Suggestions

• Drizzle icing slowly for beautiful drips around the Bundt ridges.
• Garnish with chocolate curls or sprinkles for festive occasions.
• Slice generously and serve with a dollop of whipped cream for a café-style treat.

Recipe Variations

1. Chocolate Red Velvet: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate taste.
2. Red Velvet Marble Cake: Swirl vanilla and red velvet batter for a marbled effect.
3. Cream Cheese Glaze with Cocoa: Mix a teaspoon of cocoa into the icing for a mocha twist.
4. Mini Bundt Cakes: Perfect for individual servings or party favors.

Ingredient Spotlight

Buttermilk: Provides moisture, tenderness, and tang, enhancing the classic red velvet flavor.

Cream Cheese Icing: Balances the sweetness with a silky, tangy finish. Proper cream cheese and room-temperature ingredients ensure smooth, luscious icing.

Pro Baking Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Eggs, butter, and cream cheese should be at room temperature for better emulsification.
• Measuring Flour: Spoon and level for accuracy; too much flour can dry out the cake.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Toothpick should come out clean with a few crumbs, not completely dry.
• Icing Consistency: Drizzle slowly and check flow to ensure perfect coverage without pooling.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Bundt Cake: Wrap in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Icing: Can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for 1–2 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly; thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature.

Expanded Conclusion

This Red Velvet Bundt Cake is the ultimate combination of elegance and classic flavor. Its moist crumb, subtle cocoa flavor, and signature red color make it perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any celebration. The cream cheese icing provides a creamy, tangy finish that elevates this cake to a true showstopper.

Baking this cake at home is easier than you think, and the results are impressive. Slice, serve, and enjoy the perfect balance of color, flavor, and texture. Once you’ve mastered this Bundt cake, it’s sure to become a go-to dessert for your family and friends.

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