Red Velvet Christmas Cake

Classic Red Velvet Christmas Cake with smooth cream cheese frosting. Soft, festive and perfect for holiday gatherings.

I made this Red Velvet Christmas Cake on a quiet December evening when I wanted to bring a warm and festive touch to our home. The deep red color and soft crumb reminded me of the holiday desserts my mother prepared when I was young. As the cake cooled on the counter the sweet scent filled the kitchen and brought a calm feeling to the day.

The smooth frosting on top pairs beautifully with the rich cake below. Each slice brings a soft vanilla flavor with a gentle cocoa note that feels perfect for the season. When my family gathered around the table they were eager to try it. My wife smiled before finishing the first bite which told me the recipe worked exactly the way I hoped.

This cake is simple enough for busy days yet special enough for holiday gatherings. You can serve it at a family dinner or bring it to a party and it will hold up well. The frosting spreads easily and the cake stays moist even after a full day. These qualities make it a trustworthy recipe that fits into real life. I believe your home will enjoy it as much as mine did.

Questions You May Have About This Recipe

Can I use store bought frosting
Yes. It works well if you do not have time to make your own.

Can I bake this in a round pan
Yes. Adjust the bake time slightly and keep an eye on the center.

Can I freeze the cake
Yes. Freeze it without frosting and add the frosting after thawing.

Can I use a different food color
You can, but red creates the classic holiday look.

Can I make this a day ahead
Yes. It stays moist and the flavor improves slightly by the next day.

What You Need To Make Red Velvet Christmas Cake

2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup sugar

1 cup buttermilk

2 eggs

1 cup vegetable oil

2 tbsp cocoa powder

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp vinegar

1 tbsp red food color

Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened

4 tbsp butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

How To Make Red Velvet Christmas Cake

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Mix flour, sugar and cocoa powder in a bowl.

Add buttermilk, eggs, oil and vanilla to the dry ingredients.

Stir until smooth.

Mix baking soda and vinegar in a small bowl then add to the batter.

Stir in the red food color.

Pour batter into a greased baking pan.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let cool before frosting.

Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.

Frost the cooled cake and add sprinkles if desired.

Tips

Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

Add extra red food color for a deeper shade.

A light dusting of sprinkles gives a festive look.

Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother frosting.

Reader Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Moist and festive. My family asked me to bring this to Christmas dinner next year. Linda G

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great color and simple steps. The frosting was smooth and rich. Carol M

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This cake tasted as good as the ones my grandmother made. Wonderful recipe. Nancy T

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very nice texture. I added a bit more vanilla and it turned out perfect. Ruth P

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Easy to follow and the result looked beautiful on the table. Patricia H

Printable Recipe

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