Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe Heavenly Indulgence

My obsession with red velvet cream cheese bundt cake began during a spontaneous baking adventure last winter.

Sweet aromas instantly filled my kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

Layers of rich crimson cake promise decadent textures and indulgent moments.

Southern bakers understand this dessert represents more than just ingredients – it celebrates comfort and connection.

Soft cream cheese frosting creates magical swirls that make every slice irresistible.

Each forkful promises pure delight with balanced flavors that dance across your palate.

Prepare to experience a dessert that will become your new favorite celebration centerpiece.

Why Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Is Special

  • Impress family and friends with a gorgeous Bundt cake that looks professionally made but requires minimal effort.
  • Ideal for holidays, birthdays, potlucks, or any celebration that calls for a delightful dessert that combines rich flavor with eye-catching appeal.
  • Suitable for both casual gatherings and elegant events, this cream cheese-infused cake delivers a luxurious taste that everyone will love.

Ingredients for Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

Main Cake Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cake, providing structure and texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Cocoa Powder: Gives the classic red velvet rich chocolate undertone.
  • Red Food Coloring: Creates the signature vibrant red color of the cake.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil, Buttermilk: Ensures moisture and tenderness, keeping the cake soft and rich.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and enhances other ingredients.
Cream Cheese Filling and Topping:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides creamy, tangy flavor for filling and potential glaze.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps create smooth cream cheese mixture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Complements cream cheese with warm, subtle flavor.
Leavening and Binding Agents:
  • Baking Soda, Salt: Help cake rise and balance flavors.
  • White Vinegar: Activates baking soda for better rising and tender texture.

Guide to Baking Red Velvet Bundt Cake

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 10-cup Bundt pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray, then dust the interior with a light coating of flour to ensure easy cake removal.

Step 2: Create Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Whisk these dry ingredients together until well blended.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat together:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vegetable oil
  • Buttermilk
  • Eggs
  • Red food coloring
  • White vinegar
  • Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture is smooth and vibrant red.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 5: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling

In another bowl, blend:
  • Cream cheese
  • Granulated sugar
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Mix until the filling is creamy and well incorporated.

Step 6: Layer Cake Batter

Pour half the red velvet batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Carefully spoon the cream cheese filling in the center, avoiding direct contact with the pan edges. Cover with remaining red velvet batter.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Place the Bundt pan in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Release

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack and allow it to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare Glaze

Whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake and serve at room temperature. Store any remaining cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Helpful Tips for Creamy Red Velvet Bundt Cake

  • Grease Like a Pro: Use a pastry brush to evenly coat every nook and cranny of the Bundt pan with butter, ensuring no spot is missed for easy cake release.
  • Sift Dry Ingredients Carefully: Sifting flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda prevents lumps and creates a smoother, more uniform cake texture.
  • Mix Wet Ingredients Gently: Combine buttermilk, oil, and food coloring slowly to maintain the cake's moisture and achieve that signature vibrant red color.
  • Room Temperature Magic: Let eggs and cream cheese sit out for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure better incorporation and a more consistent batter.
  • Cream Cheese Frosting Trick: Chill the frosting for 15 minutes before spreading to get a thicker, more spreadable consistency that won't run down the cake.

Bundt Cake Storage and Warming Instructions

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and moist.
  • Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other flavors.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or let the cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
  • Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, storing it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Pairing Suggestions for Red Velvet Bundt Cake

  • Pair this decadent red velvet cake with a crisp, slightly sweet Moscato d'Asti to enhance the dessert's rich cream cheese flavor and soft cocoa undertones.
  • Serve alongside a cold glass of creamy milk or a smooth vanilla latte to balance the cake's velvety texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Accompany the bundt cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, which will melt deliciously into the cake's crevices and amplify its luxurious sweet profile.
  • Add a small side of fresh raspberries or strawberries to introduce a tangy, bright note that cuts through the cake's richness and adds a vibrant color element.

Creative Takes on Red Velvet Bundt Cake

  • Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
  • Vegan Red Velvet Delight: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and swap buttermilk with plant-based milk mixed with apple cider vinegar.
  • Low-Sugar Version: Replace granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining cake's rich flavor profile.
  • Chocolate Marble Variation: Swirl in dark chocolate batter alongside red velvet mixture to create a beautiful marbled effect and enhance chocolate undertones.

Red Velvet Bundt Cake FAQ Section

  • What gives red velvet cake its signature color?

The vibrant red color comes from food coloring, traditionally combined with cocoa powder to create the classic red velvet flavor and appearance.

  • Can I make this cake without a Bundt pan?

You can substitute with a 9×13 inch rectangular pan or two 9-inch round cake pans, adjusting baking time accordingly.

  • How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Thoroughly grease the pan with butter or nonstick spray, then dust with flour, ensuring every crevice is covered to help the cake release easily.

  • Is red velvet cake difficult to make?

Not at all! This recipe is straightforward and requires basic baking skills, with simple mixing techniques that even novice bakers can master.

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Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent red velvet cream cheese bundt cake brings Southern charm to dessert tables with its rich crimson layers and velvety frosting. Elegant yet simple, this classic cake promises delightful moments of pure chocolate-tinged pleasure for hungry guests.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (226 grams)
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar (350 grams)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (313 grams)
  • 1 cup buttermilk (240 milliliters)
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring (15 milliliters)

Flavor Enhancers:

  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (25 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10 milliliters)
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar (5 milliliters)

Cream Cheese Components:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (226 grams)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (113 grams)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (120 grams)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons milk (30 milliliters)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract (7.5 milliliters)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to a precise temperature of 350°F (175°C), ensuring an ideal baking environment for the red velvet cake.
  2. Thoroughly coat the interior of a 10-cup Bundt pan with a generous layer of butter or nonstick cooking spray, then dust with a light sprinkle of flour to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cake removal.
  3. Sift together the dry ingredients, creating a smooth and uniform mixture that will contribute to the cake’s delicate texture and vibrant red color.
  4. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale, incorporating air that will help the cake rise beautifully.
  5. Gradually introduce eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, blending thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth and consistent batter.
  6. Carefully fold in the vibrant red food coloring and vanilla extract, stirring until the batter achieves a rich, uniform crimson hue.
  7. Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and buttermilk to the batter, gently folding to maintain the airiness while fully incorporating all components.
  8. Pour the velvety batter into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until a slender toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and free of raw batter.
  10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Prepare the cream cheese frosting by whipping together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and spreadable.
  12. Once the cake has cooled entirely, generously drizzle or spread the cream cheese frosting over the top, allowing it to cascade down the cake’s elegant curves.

Notes

  • Select high-quality cocoa powder for a rich, deep red color and intense chocolate flavor.
  • Bring eggs and cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth, even blending.
  • Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for a more vibrant red hue without altering the cake’s texture.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense cake – mix until ingredients are just combined.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 430
  • Sugar: 38 g
  • Sodium: 280 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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