Red Velvet Layer Cake for Christmas Recipe

Introduction

Celebrate the holidays with a classic Red Velvet Layer Cake that’s moist, flavorful, and beautifully festive. This cake combines a subtle cocoa flavor with a vibrant red color, topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting that’s sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well combined.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until the batter is smooth and even.
5. Step 5: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
6. Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
8. Step 8: For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
9. Step 9: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
10. Step 10: Once the cakes have fully cooled, frost each layer and stack them carefully to assemble the cake.

Tips & Variations

• Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and even baking.
• Substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and vinegar or lemon juice if you don’t have buttermilk on hand.
• For a more intense red color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid.
• Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the cocoa flavor without adding a coffee taste.
• Decorate the cake with red berries or edible glitter for extra holiday sparkle.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. Before serving, let the cake come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw completely before frosting.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake without red food coloring?

Yes, but the classic red velvet appearance will be missing. You can omit the food coloring for a mild chocolate cake, or try natural alternatives like beet juice, though the color will be less vivid.

Can I use a different frosting?

Absolutely. While cream cheese frosting is traditional, you can use buttercream frosting or whipped cream for a lighter option depending on your preference.

Red Velvet Layer Cake for Christmas Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 120 reviews

• Author: Lana
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

This festive Red Velvet Layer Cake is a perfect Christmas dessert featuring moist, vibrant red layers with a rich cream cheese frosting. The cake balances a subtle cocoa flavor with the tang of buttermilk and the smoothness of cream cheese frosting, making it a beloved holiday treat for gatherings and celebrations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

Frosting Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cake layers.
2. Prepare pans: Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
3. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder, mixing well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
4. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until fully blended.
5. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until the batter is smooth and well combined without overmixing.
6. Divide batter: Evenly pour and spread the batter into the three prepared cake pans.
7. Bake: Place pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool cakes: Remove cakes from the oven and let them cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
9. Prepare frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
10. Add sugar and vanilla: Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture, beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
11. Assemble cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one layer, stack the next layer on top, and repeat until all layers are stacked and covered with frosting. Smooth the sides and top as desired.

Notes

• Ensure all refrigerated ingredients, like eggs and buttermilk, are at room temperature for better batter consistency.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and moist.
• Use high-quality red food coloring for vibrant color and avoid any off flavors.
• Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
• Store cake covered in the refrigerator; bring to room temperature before serving.
• The cake can be made a day ahead to enhance flavors and ease of assembly.

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

Keywords: Red Velvet Cake, Christmas Cake, Layer Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting, Holiday Dessert, Festive Cake