Red Velvet Wreath Cake Recipe
This festive Red Velvet Wreath Cake is a beautiful and delicious holiday centerpiece. Featuring a moist, tender red velvet bundt cake layered with creamy cream cheese frosting, it’s elegantly decorated with fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs for a seasonal touch. Perfect for celebrations, this cake combines classic flavors with stunning presentation that impresses both in taste and appearance.
- Author: mia
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Cake Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
Frosting Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Decoration
- Fresh cranberries
- Rosemary sprigs or other edible greenery
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Red food coloring for additional frosting (optional)
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt to ensure even distribution and remove lumps.
- Mix wet ingredients with sugar and oil: In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar and vegetable oil until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to incorporate fully.
- Add liquids and food coloring: Stir in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring until the mixture is smooth and evenly colored.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and tender.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and flavorings: Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, continuing to beat. Adjust the frosting thickness as needed by adding more powdered sugar or a small amount of milk for desired consistency.
- Assemble and decorate: Pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake. Decorate with fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs or other edible greenery, and dust with powdered sugar for a festive finish. Optionally, tint some frosting with red food coloring and use it for additional decorative piping.
- Serve and enjoy: Present your beautiful Red Velvet Wreath Cake for celebrations and enjoy its rich, creamy flavor and festive appearance.
Notes
- Be sure to let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- If you prefer a more vibrant red velvet color, increase the red food coloring slightly, but avoid overuse as it may affect flavor.
- You can substitute buttermilk with milk + 1 tbsp vinegar if needed.
- Fresh cranberries provide a tart contrast, but you can substitute with other red berries or pomegranate seeds.
- Use a bundt pan with decorative ridges to enhance the wreath shape and texture.
- For a sturdier frosting suitable for piping, chill it briefly after mixing.
Keywords: red velvet wreath cake, holiday cake, cream cheese frosting, bundt cake, festive dessert, Christmas cake, holiday baking