Red Velvet Wreath Cake

The Red Velvet Wreath Cake is a vibrant and festive dessert that brings a touch of holiday cheer to any table. With its rich red color and delicious cream cheese frosting, this cake is not only beautiful but also incredibly tasty. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas or just want to impress your guests, this cake makes for a stunning centerpiece.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for any holiday gathering or special occasion. The striking red hue of the cake captures the festive spirit, while the delicious flavor combination of cocoa and cream cheese makes every bite delightful. Plus, it’s a fun recipe to make with family and friends. Everyone will love decorating this wreath-shaped cake, making it an enjoyable activity for all ages.

How to Make Red Velvet Wreath Cake

Ingredients:

1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
3 1/2 cups (440g) powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
2 1/2 cups (310g) all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
2 tbsp red food coloring
1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
2 large eggs
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp white vinegar
Fresh cranberries for decoration
Rosemary sprigs or other edible greenery for decoration
Powdered sugar for dusting

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat sugar and oil until combined, then add eggs one at a time. Mix in buttermilk, vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Pour the batter into the bundt pan and bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for 10-15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then stir in vanilla and salt. Adjust thickness with milk or more powdered sugar as needed.
Transfer frosting to a piping bag and pipe decorative swirls on the bundt cake. Add fresh cranberries and rosemary for decoration. Lightly dust with powdered sugar.
Serve and enjoy the holiday spirit with each slice!

How to Serve Red Velvet Wreath Cake

The Red Velvet Wreath Cake is best served at room temperature. Slice it into wedges, and you can serve it plain or with a dollop of whipped cream. It makes a lovely addition to any dessert table. Pair it with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate to enhance the indulgent experience.

How to Store Red Velvet Wreath Cake

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake will stay fresh for up to five days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to three months.

Tips to Make Red Velvet Wreath Cake

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
For a little extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter.
Feel free to play around with decorations! You can use different edible flowers or seasonal fruits as alternatives to cranberries and rosemary.

Variation

You can switch up the frosting by using a chocolate ganache instead of cream cheese frosting for a different flavor. Another option is to add chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter for added texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day or two in advance. Just make sure it is well wrapped and stored in the fridge. Frost it just before serving for the best taste and presentation.

2. Is red food coloring necessary?
While food coloring is what gives the cake its signature red color, you can reduce the amount or skip it if you prefer a less intense hue. The cake will still be delicious!

3. Can I use a different type of frosting?
Absolutely! While cream cheese frosting is traditional, you can use buttercream, whipped cream, or even a chocolate frosting if it suits your taste.