If you’re searching for a dessert that’s as charming as it is delicious, the Festive Southern Red Velvet Christmas Cake Recipe is exactly what you need on your holiday table. This cake brings together the rich, velvety texture with a vibrant red hue that feels like a celebration on every slice. Perfectly moist and tender, with just the right hint of cocoa and a tangy kick from buttermilk and vinegar, it’s complemented beautifully by the classic cream cheese frosting that just melts in your mouth. This recipe captures the warmth and joy of the season with each bite, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser no matter who’s gathered around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, accessible ingredients is the first joyful step in creating this Festive Southern Red Velvet Christmas Cake Recipe. Each component plays a vital role — from the tang of the buttermilk to the subtle cocoa notes that deepen the flavor and the red food coloring that gives this cake its signature festive look.
- 1 cup whole buttermilk (room temperature): Provides moisture and a tangy depth that balances sweetness.
- 3 large eggs (room temperature): Binders that add richness and structure to the cake.
- 1.75 cups sugar: Sweetens while contributing to a tender crumb.
- 1 tbsp white vinegar: Activates the baking soda for perfect rise and slightly sharpens flavor.
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract: Adds warm, fragrant notes that elevate the cake’s profile.
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil): Keeps the cake moist and soft with a light texture.
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings in that classic red velvet richness without overpowering the cake.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Leavens the cake giving it a light and airy feel.
- 2 tbsp red food coloring (gel or liquid): Gives the signature festive red hue that makes this cake stand out.
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, ensuring perfect body and texture.
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.
- Double-batch cream cheese frosting: For a luscious, tangy topping that turns this cake into a true southern holiday favorite.
How to Make Festive Southern Red Velvet Christmas Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans or line them with parchment paper to ensure your cake releases easily after baking. This step is key to getting those perfect layers without any sticking or crumbling.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. This ensures all your dry ingredients are evenly mixed for consistent flavor and rise throughout the cake. Taking this extra care here guarantees a tender, flawless crumb.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat the sugar and oil until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring. This blend is where the magic begins, creating the signature moistness and vibrant red color you’re craving for this Festive Southern Red Velvet Christmas Cake Recipe.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, mixing just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy. The batter should be smooth with a gorgeous red sheen, ready to bake.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans, smoothing the tops. Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cakes cool completely in their pans, then transfer to a wire rack. Proper cooling is essential before frosting so that your cream cheese layer remains silky and doesn’t melt.
Step 6: Frost the Cake
Using your double-batch of cream cheese frosting, generously spread the creamy frosting between layers and over the entire cake. This rich, tangy frosting not only enhances the cake’s flavor but also adds festive elegance to your presentation.
How to Serve Festive Southern Red Velvet Christmas Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Festive Southern Red Velvet Christmas Cake Recipe truly pop, consider topping it with fresh cranberries, edible gold stars, or a dusting of powdered sugar. These simple garnishes add gorgeous color contrast and a holiday sparkle that delights the eye and the palate.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. If you’re serving during a meal, light, refreshing fruit salads or tangy citrus sorbets complement the richness perfectly without overpowering the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive holiday centerpiece, serve your cake on a decorated cake stand surrounded by pinecones and holly leaves. You can also slice individual portions into festive cupcake liners if you’re looking for easy grab-and-go treats for holiday parties. Presentation is all about enhancing that warm festive vibe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Festive Southern Red Velvet Christmas Cake Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly covered, it stays fresh and moist for up to 4 days, making it perfect for enjoying a slice or two the day after your party.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cakes before frosting by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then frost as usual. This method allows you to prep ahead without losing any of the cake’s classic moistness or flavor.
Reheating
Since this cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you prefer a slightly warm slice, briefly microwave a single piece for 10-15 seconds. This softens the cake slightly without melting the frosting into a mess.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While regular milk can be substituted, buttermilk is preferred because its acidity reacts with the baking soda to give the cake its signature tender crumb and slight tang that sets this recipe apart.
Is red food coloring necessary for the cake?
Yes, the red food coloring is essential to achieve that classic, vibrant red look everyone associates with a true southern red velvet cake. Using gel or liquid forms works equally well.
Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?
This traditional recipe relies on eggs, buttermilk, and cream cheese frosting, which aren’t vegan or dairy-free. However, you can experiment with plant-based substitutes, though it might affect the texture and taste slightly.
How do I prevent the cake from collapsing?
Make sure to measure ingredients precisely, avoid overmixing the batter, and don’t open the oven door during baking. Also, using room temperature ingredients helps the cake rise evenly and stay sturdy.
Can I double or triple this recipe for a larger gathering?
Absolutely! Just remember to adjust baking times and use larger or multiple pans. This Festive Southern Red Velvet Christmas Cake Recipe scales beautifully, perfect for sharing the holiday joy with more friends and family.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like sharing a slice of the Festive Southern Red Velvet Christmas Cake Recipe with loved ones during the holidays. Its perfect balance of flavor, moist texture, and festive color will make it a treasured tradition in your kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it year after year to fill your celebrations with sweetness and warmth.
Print
Festive Southern Red Velvet Christmas Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Festive Southern Red Velvet Christmas Cake is a vibrant and moist cake perfect for holiday celebrations. Infused with buttermilk and a touch of cocoa powder, this classic dessert features a striking red color enhanced by red food coloring. Topped with smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting, it delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and richness that will delight family and friends.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup whole buttermilk (room temperature)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 2 tbsp red food coloring (gel or liquid)
Dry Ingredients
- 1.75 cups sugar
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
Frosting
- Double-batch cream cheese frosting (Philadelphia cream cheese recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the room temperature buttermilk, eggs, white vinegar, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and red food coloring. Whisk until fully blended and smooth.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, all-purpose flour, and kosher salt to remove lumps and ensure even distribution.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Pour and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Remove cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the cakes onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve your festive red velvet cake at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and cake texture.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and moist.
- Red food coloring can be adjusted to reach desired redness; gel types provide more vibrant hues with less quantity.
- The double-batch cream cheese frosting ensures you have enough to generously frost the cake and decorate if desired.
- This recipe yields a rich cake best served fresh but can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
