Get ready to indulge in a world of rich, velvety goodness! Red velvet cake has long been a beloved favorite among dessert enthusiasts, and for good reason. The unique combination of cocoa powder, buttermilk, and food coloring creates a decadent treat that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Whether you’re looking to make a statement with a towering layer cake or satisfy your sweet tooth with a bite-sized cupcake, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll be sharing 18 mouth-watering red velvet recipes that will take your celebrations to the next level. From classic cake recipes to creative twists on traditional desserts, these treats are sure to impress.
Let’s start with the classics…
Classic Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Experience the iconic charm of a classic Southern dessert with this recipe for moist and flavorful red velvet cake, paired with a tangy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons red food coloring
– 1 cup buttermilk
For the frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together dry ingredients. Add softened butter; mix until combined.
3. Beat in eggs, then add red food coloring and buttermilk. Mix until smooth.
4. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes per cake, plus time for cooling and frosting.
Red Velvet Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Glaze
These moist and flavorful red velvet cupcakes are elevated by a creamy vanilla bean glaze, making them perfect for any occasion. With a subtle cocoa flavor and a hint of tartness from the buttermilk, these treats are sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon red food coloring
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before glazing.
Vanilla Bean Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
Whisk together until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cupcakes and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
Elevate your brownie game with these rich and fudgy treats, infused with the subtle tang of red velvet cake and a velvety cheesecake swirl.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 2 cups (250g) sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 and 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon red food coloring
– 1 cup (120g) granulated sugar
– 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and red food coloring. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, eggs, and cocoa powder. Stir until smooth.
4. Add flour mixture and melted butter; stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan.
6. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time.
7. Drizzle cheesecake mixture over brownie batter. Use a knife to create a swirly design.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Red Velvet Layer Cake with Whipped Cream Filling
This iconic cake is a staple of American baking, known for its deep red color and subtle cocoa flavor. Moist and velvety, it’s the perfect treat to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons red food coloring
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Whipped cream filling (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
5. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Whipped Cream Filling:
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Combine cream and sugar in a medium bowl. Whip until stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes.
Red Velvet Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache
Elevate your dessert game with this rich and decadent red velvet bundt cake, smothered in a velvety chocolate ganache. Perfect for special occasions or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons red food coloring
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add softened butter; mix until crumbly.
3. Beat in eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Alternate adding buttermilk, mixing just until combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Let cool completely before drizzling with Chocolate Ganache (recipe below).
Chocolate Ganache:
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Melt chocolate chips in microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 10 seconds. Stir in heavy cream until smooth.
Red Velvet Cake Pops with White Chocolate Coating
Elevate your dessert game with these bite-sized Red Velvet Cake Pops smothered in a rich white chocolate coating. Perfect for parties, snacks, or just because.
Ingredients:
– 1 box red velvet cake mix
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup cream cheese frosting
– 1/4 cup crushed pecans (optional)
– White chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
Instructions:
1. Bake the cake according to package instructions and let cool completely.
2. Crumb the cooled cake into a large bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together confectioners’ sugar and cream cheese frosting until smooth.
4. Add the crumbled cake to the frosting mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Roll the mixture into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
6. Melt white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl for 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
7. Dip each cake ball into the melted white chocolate using a fork or dipping tool.
8. Place coated pops on parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Cooking Time: None
Tips: To ensure the coating sets properly, chill the pops in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. You can also add crushed pecans or other toppings to the cake balls before coating for extra flavor and texture.
Red Velvet Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Icing
This classic Southern dessert combines the richness of red velvet cake with the tanginess of cream cheese icing, all wrapped up in a convenient sheet cake format.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons red food coloring
For the icing:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cocoa powder, buttermilk, eggs, and red food coloring; mix until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Let cake cool completely before spreading with icing.
6. Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
7. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until combined.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Red Velvet Pancakes with Maple Syrup Drizzle
These tender and moist pancakes are infused with the deep flavor of red velvet cake, topped with a sweet and tangy maple syrup drizzle. Perfect for a special brunch or breakfast treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons red food coloring
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– Maple syrup (for drizzling)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, red food coloring, and melted butter.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until smooth batter forms.
5. Drop by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet or griddle.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
7. Flip and cook an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
8. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Red Velvet Ice Cream Cake with Oreo Crust
Red Velvet Ice Cream Cake with Oreo Crust: A Decadent Treat for Any Occasion
This show-stopping dessert combines the classic flavors of red velvet cake, creamy ice cream, and crunchy Oreos to create a truly unique treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup crushed Oreos
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup red velvet cake mix
– 1 cup whole milk
– Whipped cream and chopped Oreos for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, mix crushed Oreos, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Pour in red velvet cake mix and whisk until smooth. Fold in whole milk until fully incorporated.
3. Pour ice cream mixture over Oreo crust and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Top with whipped cream and chopped Oreos, if desired.
Cooking Time: 4+ hours (freezing time)
Red Velvet Marble Cake with Raspberry Jam
Experience the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this stunning red velvet marble cake, featuring a sweet and tangy raspberry jam surprise.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons red food coloring
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1/4 cup raspberry jam
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, eggs, and red food coloring. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
5. Divide batter evenly between two prepared pans. Dollop raspberry jam on top of one cake; use a knife or spatula to marble the jam throughout.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Red Velvet Muffins with Cream Cheese Swirl
Experience the perfect combination of moist red velvet cake and tangy cream cheese swirl in these scrumptious muffins. A delightful twist on traditional breakfast treats, these muffins are sure to start your day off right.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons red food coloring
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Cream cheese swirl:
+ 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
+ 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and egg until smooth. Add red food coloring and mix well.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. For cream cheese swirl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Dollop on top of each muffin.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Red Velvet Donuts with Powdered Sugar Dusting
These moist and flavorful donuts get their signature red color from cocoa powder and a hint of vinegar, while the powdered sugar dusting adds a sweet and elegant touch.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons red food coloring
– 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add milk, melted butter, eggs, red food coloring, and cocoa powder; mix until smooth.
4. Cover dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Fry donuts in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Let donuts cool before dusting with powdered sugar.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (frying time)
Red Velvet Trifle with Layers of Whipped Cream
Elevate your dessert game with this stunning red velvet trifle, featuring layers of whipped cream and moist cake.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of red velvet cake mix (15 ounces)
– 2 cups of heavy whipping cream
– 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
1. Prepare the red velvet cake according to package instructions.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream and confectioners’ sugar until stiff peaks form. Add salt and mix well.
3. Cut the cooled red velvet cake into 1-inch cubes.
4. Begin assembling the trifle by placing a layer of whipped cream at the bottom of a large serving dish. Top with half of the cake cubes, followed by another layer of whipped cream. Repeat this process one more time, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None (assembly only)
Red Velvet Whoopie Pies with Marshmallow Filling
Treat your taste buds to a sweet surprise with these tender Red Velvet Whoopie Pies, filled with a fluffy and airy marshmallow cream.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons red food coloring
– Marshmallow filling (recipe below)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, milk, eggs, and red food coloring until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of batter onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Marshmallow Filling:
– 1 cup marshmallows
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Combine marshmallows, powdered sugar, and butter in a bowl. Whip with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy.
Assemble:
1. Allow the whoopie pies to cool completely.
2. Sandwich a dollop of marshmallow filling between two cooled whoopie pie halves.
3. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Red Velvet Tiramisu with Coffee Soaked Layers
Elevate your tiramisu game with this show-stopping Red Velvet version, featuring layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a creamy mascarpone cheese mixture.
Ingredients:
– 12-16 ladyfingers
– 1 cup strong brewed coffee
– 8 oz (225g) red velvet cake crumbs
– 8 oz (225g) mascarpone cheese
– 2 cups heavy cream, whipped
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine coffee and red velvet cake crumbs. Dip each ladyfinger into the mixture for about 3-5 seconds on each side.
2. In a separate bowl, mix mascarpone cheese, whipped cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Assemble the tiramisu by spreading half of the mascarpone mixture in the bottom of a serving dish. Arrange 4-6 coffee-soaked ladyfingers on top.
4. Repeat steps 2-3, finishing with a layer of mascarpone on top.
5. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Cooking Time: None! Just assemble and chill.
Red Velvet Macarons with Cream Cheese Filling
Elevate your macaron game with these stunning red velvet shells and a tangy cream cheese filling. Perfect for special occasions or just a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
For the shells:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) almond flour
– 1 cup (200g) confectioners’ sugar
– 3 large egg whites
– 1/4 cup (60g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
– 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup (115g) confectioners’ sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together almond flour and confectioners’ sugar.
3. In a large bowl, whip egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add granulated sugar and red food coloring. Fold in the sifted almond flour mixture.
4. Pipe shells onto prepared baking sheet. Tap gently to remove air bubbles.
5. Allow shells to set at room temperature for 30 minutes. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until firm.
6. Prepare filling by beating cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and butter until smooth.
7. Sandwich a dollop of filling between two cooled macaron shells.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes per batch
Red Velvet Crepe Cake with Chocolate Drizzle
Experience the rich flavors of red velvet cake in a delicate crepe form, topped with a velvety chocolate drizzle. This show-stopping dessert is perfect for special occasions or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup whole milk
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon red velvet powder (or 1 tablespoon red food coloring)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, eggs, sugar, milk, and salt.
2. Add red velvet powder or food coloring, melted butter, and whisk until smooth.
3. Cook crepes in a non-stick pan with a small amount of butter over medium heat.
4. Stack cooked crepes with whipped heavy cream and confectioners’ sugar.
5. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave (30-second intervals, stirring between).
6. Drizzle melted chocolate over the cake.
7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes (depending on crepe cooking time).
Red Velvet Cookie Sandwiches with Buttercream Filling
Elevate your snack game with these decadent cookie sandwiches featuring red velvet cookies and a rich buttercream filling. Perfect for parties or as a sweet treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon red food coloring
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 egg
– Buttercream filling (store-bought or homemade)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and red food coloring; mix well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture; mix until combined.
5. Scoop 1-inch balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Sandwich a dollop of buttercream filling between two cooled cookies; dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the rich and velvety goodness of red velvet cake! This collection of 18 decadent recipes offers a variety of sweet treats perfect for celebrations, from classic cakes to creative twists. From moist layer cakes with whipped cream filling to cupcakes with vanilla bean glaze, brownies with cheesecake swirls, and even donuts with powdered sugar dusting, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for inspiration, these recipes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests.
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