Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

Name: Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature; 3 large eggs, room temperature; 1 tablespoon cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon red food coloring; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Experience the perfect blend of rich chocolatey flavor and creamy tang with this Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake. Moist and decadent, this beautiful cake is topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that brings an elegant touch to any celebration. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or a sweet treat anytime, this recipe will become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-11-17T04:46:43.761Z

This Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake is not just a dessert; it's an experience. The deep red color combined with the creamy frosting is a feast for the eyes as much as it is for the palate. Perfect for special occasions, each slice offers a delightful contrast of flavors that will leave you and your guests coming back for more.

A Classic Dessert with a Twist

Red velvet cake is a beloved classic that has earned its place in the pantheon of American desserts. Its striking red hue, combined with a subtle chocolate flavor, makes it a showstopper at any gathering. The unique flavor profile and elegant appearance are what set this cake apart from other chocolate cakes, making it a favored choice for special occasions like anniversaries and Valentine's Day. With this Bundt cake version, you get all the charm of red velvet with the added convenience of a bundt shape, which is perfect for slicing and serving.

As you prepare this cake, you’ll find that the process is straightforward and rewarding. The ingredients come together to create a moist and flavorful cake that is sure to impress. Whether you choose to make it for a festive occasion or a simple family treat, the flavor and texture are sure to delight everyone's taste buds. The addition of cream cheese frosting elevates it to a whole new level, providing a creamy contrast that beautifully balances the cake's richness.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake is more than just a pretty dessert; it's versatile enough for any occasion. From birthday parties to holiday gatherings, it serves as a delightful centerpiece that invites conversation and enjoyment. The cake's vibrant color can brighten up any dessert table, making it not just a treat but also a stunning visual addition to your celebrations.

For those who love to entertain, this cake can easily be made ahead of time, saving you stress on the day of your event. It holds up well and stays moist for days, allowing you to bake it in advance and simply frost it before serving. Whether enjoyed with coffee at a brunch or presented at an evening dinner as the grand finale, this Bundt cake never fails to impress guests.

Baking Tips for Success

To ensure your Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake turns out perfect every time, there are a few tips worth mentioning. First, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the buttermilk, eggs, and butter. This helps them mix more easily and contributes to a lighter texture. Additionally, be careful when measuring your flour; too much can lead to a dry cake. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly with the cup.

When it comes to food coloring, don't hesitate to adjust the amount to achieve your desired hue. The amount of red food coloring can affect the cake's color, so use your judgment to get the vibrant shade you're after. Lastly, remember to watch your baking time closely; ovens can vary, and the cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Following these tips will set you up for success with every bake.

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

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

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed)

Instructions

Prepare the Bundt Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan, ensuring all crevices are covered.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together oil, sugar, and buttermilk. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and food coloring.

Combine and Bake

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Finally, mix in baking soda and vinegar. Pour batter into the prepared bundt pan and bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add milk as needed to reach desired consistency.

Frost the cooled cake as desired.

Enjoy!

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for about a week. If you prefer to freeze this delicious cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to preserve its moisture. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving, and it will taste as fresh as the day you baked it.

When serving, consider pairing the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an added touch of indulgence. Fresh berries can provide a tart contrast that perfectly complements the cake's sweetness and richness.

The History of Red Velvet Cake

The origins of red velvet cake can be traced back to the early 20th century and are thought to have roots in the Victorian era. The cake gained popularity in the 1920s when it was showcased as a luxurious dessert with a touch of mystery, often linked with the notion of romance. Its deep red color is attributed to the reactions between cocoa powder and acidic ingredients like buttermilk and vinegar, originally giving it a distinct flavor and texture.

The cake's rise to fame was solidified in the 1980s, particularly with the popularity of the Velvet Cake mix and its association with the city of Atlanta. Since then, the red velvet phenomenon has only grown, becoming a staple in bakeries and homes alike, with variations such as cupcakes and cheesecakes taking the spotlight.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and frost it just before serving.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.