Velvety Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe

Dreamy Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe for Beginners

Decadent swirls of red velvet cream cheese bundt cake dance with rich, luxurious flavors that promise pure indulgence.

Soft crimson layers melt seamlessly against tangy cream cheese frosting, creating a dessert that captivates every sense.

Bakeries across the country showcase this classic Southern treat with passionate pride.

Each slice reveals a stunning crimson interior that beckons with irresistible charm.

Velvety crumbs promise a moist, tender experience that elevates simple baking into an art form.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this showstopping dessert that turns ordinary moments into celebration.

You’ll want to savor every delectable bite of this stunning bundt cake.

Instructions For Red Velvet Bundt Cake

  • Warm Up the Oven and Prep the Pan

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F. Give your Bundt pan a generous massage of butter or cooking spray, then dust it with a light coating of flour to help the cake slide out perfectly.

  • Whip Up the Creamy Filling

Blend cream cheese with sugar, egg, and vanilla until silky smooth. Set this decadent mixture aside while you work on the cake base.

  • Create the Vibrant Cake Batter

Mix dry ingredients in one bowl – flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud. Add eggs one by one, then splash in vanilla, vinegar, and that signature red food coloring. Gently fold in dry ingredients and buttermilk, stirring until the batter looks like a gorgeous crimson velvet dream.

  • Layer and Construct

Pour half the batter into the pan. Carefully spoon the cream cheese filling across the surface, keeping it away from the edges. Cover with remaining batter and smooth the top for a professional finish.

  • Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean. Let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then flip onto a cooling rack.

  • Drizzle with Dreamy Glaze

Whisk cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla into a silky glaze. Generously drip and drizzle over the cooled cake, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Tips For A Smooth Bundt Cake Finish

  • Cream Cheese Swirl Secret: Create a mesmerizing marbled effect by gently swirling the cream cheese filling into the red velvet batter using a knife, ensuring a beautiful pattern throughout the cake.
  • Room Temperature Magic: Always use room temperature ingredients like eggs, butter, and cream cheese to guarantee a smoother batter and more even baking, preventing lumps and ensuring a perfect texture.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum to maintain the cake's structure and achieve a similar tender crumb for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Make-Ahead Masterpiece: Wrap the completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 weeks to enjoy this delectable dessert anytime without last-minute preparation stress.
  • Flavor Twist: Experiment with different extract variations like almond or orange to add a unique flavor profile to the cream cheese filling, transforming the classic red velvet cake into a personalized culinary creation.

Serving Red Velvet Cake With Charm

  • Sweet Celebration Platter: Create a stunning dessert display by arranging cake slices on a decorative white platter with fresh strawberries and mint leaves for a pop of color and elegance.
  • Decadent Dessert Companion: Serve each slice with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the cake's rich red velvet flavor and creamy texture.
  • Coffee Shop Experience: Pair this bundt cake with a warm cappuccino or rich espresso, allowing the robust coffee notes to beautifully complement the cake's sweet and tangy cream cheese elements.
  • Gifting Delight: Wrap individual slices in clear cellophane with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift that's perfect for birthdays, holidays, or unexpected sweet surprises for friends and family.

Keep Bundt Cake Fresh And Rich

  • Cake Cooling Strategy: Allow the bundt cake to rest at room temperature for 2-3 hours before storing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain optimal texture.
  • Refrigeration Technique: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing flavor absorption from other foods.
  • Freezing Method: Slice the cake into individual portions, wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake will retain quality for 2-3 months, perfect for future sweet cravings.
  • Room Temperature Storing: Keep the cake covered with a cake dome or loose plastic wrap at room temperature for 1-2 days, ideal for maintaining its soft, moist consistency and preventing drying out.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 13

Velvety Ingredients For Red Velvet Bundt Cake

For Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides the fundamental structure and tender crumb for the red velvet cake's delightful texture.
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate undertone and deepens the cake's signature red color.
  • Baking Soda: Essential leavening agent that helps the cake rise and creates a soft, airy consistency.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile of the cake.
For Wet Ingredients:
  • Buttermilk: Creates a tangy, moist cake with exceptional tenderness and helps activate the baking soda.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients together and provides richness and structure to the cake.
  • Butter: Delivers rich flavor and contributes to the cake's smooth, velvety texture.
  • Red Food Coloring: Gives the classic vibrant red appearance characteristic of red velvet desserts.
  • White Vinegar: Helps activate the baking soda and adds subtle tanginess to the cake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic depth to the overall flavor.
For Cream Cheese Components:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates luxurious filling and glaze with smooth, tangy richness.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the cream cheese mixture.
  • Milk: Adjusts the consistency of the cream cheese glaze for perfect drizzling.

Tools To Make Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

  • Electric Mixer: Essential for beating cream cheese filling and cake batter smoothly and quickly.
  • Large Mixing Bowls: Needed for preparing cream cheese filling, dry ingredients, and cake batter.
  • 10-cup Bundt Pan: Critical for creating the cake's signature shape and design.
  • Whisk: Perfect for combining dry ingredients without lumps.
  • Spatula: Helps smooth batter and evenly distribute cream cheese filling.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Wire Rack: Allows cake to cool evenly after baking.
  • Toothpick: Helps check cake's doneness by testing for moist crumbs.
Print
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Velvety Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe

Velvety Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Red velvet cream cheese bundt cake delights dessert enthusiasts with its rich, moist layers and creamy frosting. Southern baking traditions shine through this classic cake’s elegant presentation and indulgent flavor profile. Guests will savor each luxurious bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2.5 cups (591 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (237 ml) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1.75 cups (350 g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup (237 ml) buttermilk
  • ¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tbsp red food coloring
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsps milk
  • 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat Setup: Position oven rack to middle position and warm to 350F (175C), meticulously greasing a 10-cup Bundt pan with butter and light flour dusting to ensure seamless cake release.
  2. Cream Cheese Preparation: Whip cream cheese mixture until luxuriously smooth, blending all filling components into a silky, uniform texture, then reserve for later cake assembly.
  3. Batter Foundation: Sift together dry ingredients in one bowl while creaming butter and sugar in another until achieving a light, fluffy consistency that forms the cake’s structural base.
  4. Flavor Integration: Introduce eggs individually, allowing complete incorporation after each addition, then infuse vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring to develop the signature crimson tone and complex flavor profile.
  5. Batter Harmony: Gradually merge dry ingredients and buttermilk into wet mixture, gently folding until a uniform, velvety batter forms without overmixing, which could compromise cake’s delicate texture.
  6. Layering Technique: Pour half the red velvet batter into prepared pan, strategically distributing cream cheese filling across the surface while maintaining a precise distance from pan edges to ensure clean, professional presentation.
  7. Final Assembly: Carefully cover cream cheese filling with remaining batter, using a spatula to create an elegant, level surface that promises a visually appealing and structurally sound cake.
  8. Baking Precision: Bake for 50-55 minutes, utilizing the toothpick test to confirm perfect doneness, then allow cake to rest in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.
  9. Glaze Finishing: Craft a decadent cream cheese glaze by blending ingredients until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency, then artfully drizzle over the fully cooled cake to add a luxurious final touch.

Notes

  • Prevent Cake Discoloration: Add a small amount of cocoa powder to balance the red food coloring’s intensity, ensuring a rich, deep red color without fading during baking.
  • Temperature Control for Cream Cheese Filling: Keep cream cheese and eggs at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smoother, lump-free filling that integrates perfectly into the cake batter.
  • Avoid Overmixing Danger: Gently fold dry ingredients and buttermilk just until combined to maintain the cake’s tender crumb and prevent developing tough, dense texture.
  • Glaze Application Technique: Allow cake to cool completely before glazing to prevent melting and ensure a clean, professional-looking finish that sets beautifully on the cake’s surface.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 36 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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