Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake recipe is one of my favorite treats. The rich, red hue paired with a creamy topping creates a stunning dessert that never fails to impress. I still remember the first time I baked a red velvet cake, the aroma flooded the kitchen and brought back memories of special celebrations.
What is Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake?
Red velvet cake is a classic dessert that has become a staple in many households. Its velvety texture and vibrant color make it unique. Traditionally, it’s made with cocoa powder, buttermilk, and a hint of vanilla along with the distinct red color, which can come from food coloring or natural ingredients.
One of the most exciting parts about baking red velvet cake is seeing that intense red color develop. The contrast between the cake’s smooth crumb and the cream cheese icing is visually delightful.
Ingredients for Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake
When gathering ingredients, quality matters. Here’s what you will need to make this delicious cake:
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp heavy cream (optional for consistency)
How to Make Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake
1. Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and flouring your Bundt pan is crucial to prevent the cake from sticking. I always give it a good spray with cooking spray and then dust it with flour.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures an even distribution, which helps achieve a perfect bake.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Use a whisk to combine everything well. The vinegar and baking soda will react to create a light, tender cake.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mixing on low speed prevents lumps and helps maintain the cake’s fluffy texture.
5. Pour Batter into Bundt Pan
Once the batter is well combined, pour it into the prepared Bundt pan. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove air bubbles.
6. Bake in the Oven
Place the Bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the cake should come out clean.
7. Cool the Cake
After baking, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. It is essential to let the cake rest before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
1. Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and butter until combined and smooth. This usually takes 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Add the vanilla extract and continue to mix until everything is well blended.
3. Adjust the Consistency
If the frosting appears too thick, you can add a tablespoon of heavy cream to thin it out. Mix until it reaches your desired consistency.
How to Frost the Bundt Cake
Once the cake cools completely, it’s time for frosting. I like to place my Bundt cake on a serving platter.
1. Drizzle the Frosting
Use a spatula or piping bag to drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the cake. The dripping effect creates an elegant look.
2. Optional Garnish
For extra flair, consider adding some red velvet cake crumbs on top or fresh berries. The added color brings life to the cake and enhances its appearance.
Storing Red Velvet Cake
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store the cake in an airtight container. It stays fresh for about 3-4 days at room temperature. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week.
Freezing the Bundt Cake
To freeze, wrap the completely cooled cake in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. This method protects it from freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Pairing Suggestions
Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake pairs beautifully with beverages. Here are a few enjoyable options:
- A warm cup of coffee adds a lovely contrast.
- A glass of cold milk balances the sweetness perfectly.
- A sweet red wine can enhance the flavors of the cake.
Tips for Best Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake
Baking can sometimes be tricky. Here are some of my go-to tips to ensure your cake turns out impeccably:
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, stir just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps to create a smooth batter and achieve even baking.
- Check for Doneness: Always use a toothpick test in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Be Patient: Let the cake cool fully before frosting it. It prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off.
FAQ About Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake
What Makes Red Velvet Cake Red?
The red color is traditionally due to cocoa interacting with acidic ingredients. However, most recipes today use food coloring to enhance the hue.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Certainly! Using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour can work well. Just be sure to check the measurements for best results.
Can I Add More Cocoa Powder?
You can increase the cocoa slightly, but too much can affect the texture. A tablespoon more usually works well if you want a more chocolatey flavor.
How Can I Make It A Layer Cake?
You can easily use this recipe to make a two-layer cake. Divide the batter evenly between two round cake pans and adjust the baking time if needed.
Enjoying the Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake
Every bite of this cake conjures memories. The smooth cream cheese paired with the rich cake brings comfort and joy.
Baking is more than just following a recipe; it’s about creating moments and sharing them with others. Whether this cake adorns your birthday table or simply serves as a weekday treat, it will always find a special place in your heart and on your plate.
