Christmas Red Velvet Cake is the ultimate holiday dessert, moist, rich, and beautifully festive. With its deep red color, creamy white frosting, and cheerful Christmas sprinkles, this cake brings a touch of elegance and nostalgia to every holiday table. Each bite is soft, buttery, and full of subtle cocoa flavor, perfectly balanced by the tangy cream cheese frosting.
Whether you’re baking it for a Christmas dinner, a family gathering, or simply to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire, this cake never fails to impress. It’s the perfect blend of style and comfort, with a festive flair that makes it a centerpiece-worthy dessert.
Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Decoration:
- Red, green, and white Christmas sprinkles
- Optional: mini candy canes, crushed peppermint, or white chocolate curls
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, then line bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- In a large bowl, whisk together oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, whisking just until smooth. Do not overmix.
Step 3: Bake the Cakes
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
- Add vanilla and salt, then gradually mix in powdered sugar one cup at a time until fluffy.
- Beat for 2–3 minutes until light and spreadable.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
- Spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
- Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides generously with the remaining frosting.
- Smooth with a spatula or create soft swirls for a rustic look.
Step 6: Decorate
- Press festive Christmas sprinkles around the sides of the cake and scatter more on top.
- Add whipped swirls, white chocolate curls, or crushed candy canes for a holiday finish.
Variations
- Peppermint Twist: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the frosting for a cool holiday flavor.
- Coconut Snow Cake: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the top for a snowy look.
- Three-Layer Celebration Cake: Divide batter into three pans for an elegant tiered cake.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Cooking Notes
- Buttermilk keeps the cake tender and gives it that classic red velvet tang.
- Red food coloring can be adjusted, use gel color for a more vibrant hue.
- Cream cheese frosting spreads best when slightly chilled but still soft.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a cup of eggnog, coffee, or hot chocolate for the ultimate holiday pairing.
- Garnish each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle of crushed peppermint.
- For a stunning presentation, serve on a white cake stand surrounded by Christmas ornaments.
Tips
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Don’t overmix once the flour is added, this helps keep the cake fluffy.
- For cleaner layers, chill the cakes before frosting.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Timing
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Baking Time: 30 minutes
- Cooling & Frosting Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (per slice, 12 servings)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make the cake layers ahead of time?
- Yes! Bake the layers a day ahead, wrap them tightly in plastic, and frost the next day.
Q2: Can I freeze the cake?
- Yes, unfrosted layers freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before frosting.
Q3: Can I use homemade buttermilk?
- Yes! Combine 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes.
Q4: Can I make cupcakes instead?
- Absolutely! Bake for 18–20 minutes in a lined muffin tin.
Q5: Can I double the frosting?
- Yes, if you love extra-thick frosting or want to pipe decorations.
Conclusion
Christmas Red Velvet Cake is a timeless holiday dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With its signature red hue, luscious cream cheese frosting, and festive sprinkles, this cake captures the joy and warmth of the season in every bite. Perfect for Christmas dinner or gifting to loved ones, it’s the kind of dessert that never fails to impress and always brings smiles around the table.