Red Velvet Wreath Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, this Red Velvet Wreath Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. With a moist, tender crumb deeply infused with that classic red velvet flavor and wrapped in creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, this cake is a festive masterpiece. The wreath design adorned with fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs brings a beautiful, holiday-inspired touch that will make every bite feel like a celebration. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because you want to treat yourself, this Red Velvet Wreath Cake Recipe is bound to become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple yet essential, these ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of flavor, color, and texture in this Red Velvet Wreath Cake Recipe. Each element plays its part, from the cocoa powder adding depth to the vibrant red food coloring bringing that iconic hue to life.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body of the cake for a tender texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps keep the cake moist and soft.
• Vegetable oil: Adds richness and keeps the cake incredibly moist without heaviness.
• Red food coloring (gel recommended): Delivers that stunning red velvet signature color.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds subtle chocolate notes that balance the sweetness beautifully.
• Baking soda: The leavening agent that helps the cake rise perfectly.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
• Buttermilk: Moisturizes the cake while giving a slight tang for flavor depth.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
• White vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to help the cake rise and boosts the red color intensity.
• For the cream cheese frosting: Unsalted butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt create a luscious, smooth topping that’s the perfect partner to the cake’s texture and flavor.
• Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs: Offer a festive and natural “wreath” look to your cake.
• Powdered sugar (for dusting): Adds a gentle snowy finish enhancing the cake’s visual appeal.

How to Make Red Velvet Wreath Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing your bundt pan with a generous coating of grease and flour to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together—this ensures an even distribution of dry ingredients, key for a light crumb.

Next, beat the sugar and vegetable oil in a large bowl until they blend into a smooth, luscious mixture. Add the eggs one by one, beating thoroughly after adding each to create a silky base. Then pour in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring, mixing gently to meld everything perfectly. Finally, fold in the dry ingredients gradually, being careful not to overmix or you might lose some of the cake’s tenderness.

Step 2: Baking the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your bundt pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to get an even rise. Bake in the oven for 45 to 50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean — a classic test for doneness. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes to loosen the edges, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. Patience here rewards you with a clean, beautiful shape for decorating.

Step 3: Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until silky and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition to prevent lumps and achieve the perfect consistency. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and add a tantalizing depth. If the frosting is too stiff, a splash of milk can soften it; if it’s too runny, more powdered sugar will thicken it up, giving you total control.

Step 4: Assembling and Decorating the Wreath Cake

Fill a piping bag fitted with a star tip with your cream cheese frosting. Pipe decorative swirls around the top edge of the cooled bundt cake to mimic a festive wreath shape. Nestle fresh cranberries on each swirl to look like cheerful ornaments and tuck in rosemary sprigs or other edible greenery to simulate pine branches. As a final touch, dust the entire cake lightly with powdered sugar to recreate a soft snowfall effect. Place it on a cake stand and get ready to wow your guests with this stunning centerpiece.

How to Serve Red Velvet Wreath Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh cranberries and rosemary are the classic garnishes here, perfectly matching the holiday vibe. You can also add edible gold leaf or drizzle a little white chocolate for extra flair. The key is to keep it visually festive and flavorful.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a simple cup of hot cocoa or spiced coffee, which highlight its rich and tangy notes. For gatherings, serve alongside a creamy whipped topping or berry compote to enhance the dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the cake on a rustic wooden platter surrounded by pine cones and fairy lights for a cozy effect. Alternatively, slice the cake into individual servings and plate with a sprig of rosemary and a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Boxes or cellophane wrap the slices for charming party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled, store your Red Velvet Wreath Cake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh and the cake moist. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert for holiday hosting.

Freezing

If you want to keep the cake longer, freeze it without frosting wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and decorating to maintain the perfect texture.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer it warm, reheat slices gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid overheating to preserve the delicate crumb and creamy frosting.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Regular milk can be substituted if you add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. This homemade buttermilk substitute will give you the acidity needed for the cake’s tender texture and classic tang.

What if I don’t have a bundt pan?

You can bake this cake in two 9-inch round cake pans, adjusting baking time to about 30–35 minutes. Just be sure to grease the pans thoroughly and watch carefully for doneness.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes! The cream cheese frosting can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature and give it a quick whip before piping for best results.

How do I get the red color to be vibrant?

Gel red food coloring tends to be more concentrated and doesn’t thin the batter, resulting in a brighter, more vibrant red. Adding vinegar also helps set the color without affecting taste.

Is it possible to make this cake vegan?

While this traditional recipe isn’t vegan, you can experiment with plant-based alternatives like flax eggs, vegan butter, and cream cheese substitutes. Keep in mind that texture and flavor might differ slightly, but it can still be delicious with the right adjustments.

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Wreath Cake Recipe is truly a magic combination of flavor, texture, and visual delight that brings festive joy to any table. The creamy frosting, moist cake, and elegant decoration make it a breeze to impress friends and family. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy the warmth and celebration baked right in every slice!

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