Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and vanilla with a stunning red hue. This cake is perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. Its moist texture and sweet cream cheese glaze make it unforgettable, standing out as a centerpiece at any table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Stunning Presentation: The vibrant red color makes this cake an eye-catching treat that’s sure to wow your guests.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder and buttermilk creates a rich, velvety flavor profile that everyone will love.
- Versatile Occasion Fit: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday celebration, or casual gathering, this cake fits right in.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create this delicious dessert.
- Decadent Topping: The optional cream cheese glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness to each slice.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather the essential tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Bundt pan or tube pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Sifter
Importance of Each Tool
- Bundt pan or tube pan: Essential for creating the perfect shape and ensuring even baking throughout the cake.
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- Sifter: Helps incorporate air into dry ingredients for a lighter cake while removing lumps.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp distilled white vinegar
- 2 cups cake flour (sifted)
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 oz (2 tbsp) red food coloring (liquid or gel)
Optional Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan or tube pan generously to ensure easy removal of the cake once baked.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 5-6 minutes.
2. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Mix in vanilla extract and distilled white vinegar until fully combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl:
1. Sift together the cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside for later use.
Step 4: Mix Buttermilk and Food Coloring
In a small bowl or cup:
1. Combine buttermilk with red food coloring until well mixed.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the batter:
1. Alternate between adding the dry mixture and the red buttermilk mixture into the batter, starting with the dry ingredients and ending with them.
2. Mix just until all ingredients are incorporated; do not overmix.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan:
1. Tap gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
2. Bake in preheated oven for 75-85 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Check at around 70 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Step 7: Cool Down
Once baked:
1. Cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Prepare Optional Cream Cheese Glaze
While your cake cools:
1. Beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually mix in powdered sugar.
3. Add milk little by little until you reach your desired pourable consistency.
4. Stir in vanilla extract before drizzling over cooled cake.
Enjoy your homemade Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze! It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!
How to Serve Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it at a special occasion or enjoying it as an everyday dessert, here are some creative ideas.
With Fresh Berries
- Serve slices of the cake topped with a mix of fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. This adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavor of the cake.
A Scoop of Ice Cream
- Pair the cake with vanilla or cream cheese ice cream. The cold creaminess complements the moist texture of the pound cake beautifully.
Coffee or Tea Pairing
- Enjoy a slice alongside your favorite coffee or tea. The warm beverages enhance the cake’s flavors, making it perfect for afternoon breaks.
Festive Garnish
- Decorate your cake slice with mint leaves or edible flowers for a pop of color and elegance. This is especially great for celebrations!
How to Perfect Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
To achieve the best Red Velvet Pound Cake, consider these helpful tips.
Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and enhances the cake’s texture.
Sift dry ingredients: Sifting flour and cocoa powder ensures there are no lumps and leads to a lighter cake. It also helps evenly distribute baking soda and salt.
Measure accurately: Use proper measuring techniques for both liquid and dry ingredients. Too much flour or sugar can affect the final outcome of your cake.
Don’t overmix: Mix just until incorporated when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of a light pound cake.
Best Side Dishes for Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
To elevate your dessert experience, consider these ideal side dishes that pair well with Red Velvet Pound Cake.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the pound cake. Toss together melons, berries, and citrus for added zest.
Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream provides a fluffy contrast to the dense texture of the cake.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over each slice adds an indulgent touch that chocolate lovers will adore.
Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a tropical twist that enhances both flavor and visual appeal.
Nut Brittle: A crunchy nut brittle adds texture and richness, creating an interesting contrast with each bite of soft cake.
Caramel Sauce: Pouring homemade caramel sauce over your slice brings an extra layer of sweetness that’s hard to resist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking the perfect Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using the wrong measurements can lead to an unbalanced cake. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups specifically designed for dry and liquid ingredients.
Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Mix just until combined after adding the dry ingredients to keep your pound cake light and fluffy.
Skipping the cooling time: Rushing to remove the cake from the pan can cause it to break. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold eggs or buttermilk can affect how well they blend into the batter. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Not checking for doneness: Baking times can vary, so it’s important to check your cake with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, it’s done; otherwise, you may risk overbaking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
- Wrap slices or whole cakes tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat and cover with a lid, heating each slice for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze:
Can I use a different type of food coloring?
You can use natural food coloring alternatives if you prefer, but it may affect the vibrancy of your cake’s color.
How do I make my own buttermilk?
Mix one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes as a substitute for buttermilk.
What should I serve with Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze?
This cake pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or whipped cream for an extra touch of sweetness.
How long does this cake last at room temperature?
If stored properly, Red Velvet Pound Cake can last up to two days at room temperature; however, refrigeration is recommended for longer freshness.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes! You can customize your pound cake by folding in chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before pouring it into the pan.
Final Thoughts
Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze is not only delicious but also versatile. Its rich flavor and beautiful color make it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize toppings or add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
Indulge in a slice of our Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze, a stunning dessert that marries rich flavors with a vibrant hue. Perfect for any occasion, this moist cake captivates with its velvety texture and sweet cream cheese topping. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or hosting a casual gathering, this cake is sure to impress your guests. Easy to prepare, even novice bakers will find joy in creating this delightful treat. With its eye-catching appearance and delicious taste, it’s destined to become a favorite at your table.
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp distilled white vinegar
- 2 cups cake flour, sifted
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 oz red food coloring
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a bundt pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one by one, then mix in vanilla and vinegar.
- Sift together cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in another bowl.
- Combine buttermilk with red food coloring in a separate cup.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients and colored buttermilk into the wet mixture alternately.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 75-85 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool before glazing with cream cheese frosting made from softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Ensure all ingredients are room temperature for best results. Sifting dry ingredients prevents lumps and promotes even baking. Customize with nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor.
