Imagine biting into a slice of Christmas Red Velvet Cake, where the rich cocoa flavor dances with cream cheese frosting like it’s the star of the holiday party. The combination of velvety texture and festive red hue makes it impossible to resist. As you take in the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen, you can’t help but feel that holiday spirit bubbling up inside you.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Christmas Red Velvet Cake</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?
- What makes red velvet cake taste different?
- How do I achieve the perfect red color?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This cake isn’t just a treat; it’s an experience that brings back memories of family gatherings, laughter, and perhaps a little too much eggnog. The moment I first baked this beauty, my kitchen transformed into Santa’s workshop, filled with joy and cheer. It’s the perfect centerpiece for Christmas celebrations or cozy winter evenings when all you want is something delightful to share with loved ones.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Christmas Red Velvet Cake is simple to prepare, ensuring even novice bakers can impress their guests
- Its rich chocolatey flavor combined with creamy frosting creates a delightful taste explosion
- Visually stunning in its vibrant red hue, it adds festive flair to any gathering
- This versatile cake is perfect for holidays or simply indulging yourself on a chilly evening
Every time I serve this cake, my friends’ eyes light up like kids on Christmas morning.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Cake Flour: Use high-quality cake flour for that light and tender crumb everyone loves.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetener helps balance the flavors while lending a lovely texture.
Cocoa Powder: Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder to add depth without overpowering sweetness.
Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Both leavening agents ensure your cake rises perfectly and stays fluffy.
Vegetable Oil: Using oil instead of butter keeps the cake moist and enhances its richness.
Buttermilk: The acidity in buttermilk adds tenderness and a slight tanginess that balances sweetness beautifully.
Red Food Coloring: A few drops bring out that iconic red velvet color—don’t skimp!
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enriches the flavor profile with warm undertones.
Eggs: They act as binding agents, adding structure and richness to your cake.
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients (Butter, Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar): These create the luscious frosting that makes every bite unforgettable.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Christmas Red Velvet Cake
Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans so nothing sticks later.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder until well combined; this ensures even texture throughout.
Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, food coloring, and vanilla extract until smooth—a vibrant mixture that screams holiday cheer!
Blend wet and dry: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing gently; avoid overmixing to keep that lovely airy texture intact.
Bake it: Pour equal amounts of batter into each prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean—your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time!
Cool down: Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks; let them cool completely before frosting.
Frost with joy: For the frosting, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until creamy; gradually add powdered sugar until smooth. Generously frost between layers and on top of the cooled cakes.
By following these steps closely while showering your kitchen with love (and maybe a bit of flour), you’ll have created a Christmas Red Velvet Cake that’s sure to impress!
You Must Know
- Baking the perfect Christmas Red Velvet Cake requires patience and precision, but it rewards you with a stunning dessert
- The vibrant color and rich taste bring joy to any festive table
- Embrace the process, and you’ll create memories along with deliciousness
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Preheat your oven while preparing the batter to save time. Mix dry ingredients first, then combine them with wet ingredients for a smooth texture. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, ensuring a moist cake.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different frostings like cream cheese or whipped cream for unique flavors. Add festive sprinkles or edible glitter on top to elevate the holiday look of your Christmas Red Velvet Cake.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, for up to three months.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your Christmas Red Velvet Cake is always a hit, remember that using fresh baking powder is essential for proper rise
- Letting the cake cool completely before frosting prevents melted icing disasters
- Finally, use quality cocoa powder for deeper flavor and color
Baking my first Christmas Red Velvet Cake was a joyous disaster; I spilled flour everywhere but received the sweetest compliments from friends who helped clean up!
FAQ
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it one day ahead and frost it just before serving.
What makes red velvet cake taste different?
The unique flavor comes from cocoa powder and buttermilk which adds richness.
How do I achieve the perfect red color?
Use high-quality red food coloring and ensure your cocoa powder is Dutch-processed for best results.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Christmas Red Velvet Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate holiday treat with this Christmas Red Velvet Cake. With its rich cocoa flavor and luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is not just a dessert but a delightful experience that will fill your home with holiday cheer. Its striking red hue and velvety texture make it an eye-catching centerpiece for any festive gathering or cozy family night.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups cake flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, sift together cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, red food coloring, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients into the wet mixture without overmixing.
- Divide the batter between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy; gradually add powdered sugar until smooth. Frost the cooled cakes generously.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg





