Red Velvet Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

If you’re craving a show-stopping dessert that brings together rich flavor and a festive pop of color, you absolutely have to try this Red Velvet Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of moist, tender cake with a subtle chocolate undertone and a luscious, smooth cream cheese glaze that drapes over every curve of the bundt. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, this recipe delivers that classic southern charm with an elegant twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Red Velvet Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe is all about simple, familiar ingredients that work magic together. Each one plays a key role, from the tender crumb to the vibrant red color, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor and perfect texture.

• All-purpose flour, 3 cups: The foundation for the cake’s structure and crumb.
• Cocoa powder, ¼ cup: Adds a gentle chocolate depth that defines red velvet flavor.
• Salt, ½ tsp: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
• Baking soda, ¼ tsp: Helps the cake rise to fluffy perfection.
• Butter (room temperature), 1½ cups (3 sticks): Gives richness and moisture, creating a tender bite.
• Sugar, 2¾ cups: Sweetens the cake evenly and helps with texture.
• Large eggs, 6: Bind ingredients and add structure and moisture.
• Vanilla extract, 1 Tbsp: Uplifts the flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
• Instant chocolate pudding mix (3.9 oz): Keeps the cake extra moist and tender.
• Buttermilk, 1 cup: Adds tanginess and reacts with baking soda for lift.
• Red food coloring, 2 (1-oz) containers (gel or liquid): Creates that iconic vibrant red hue essential for red velvet.
• Cream cheese (room temperature), 4 oz: The key ingredient for a velvety, tangy glaze.
• Powdered sugar, 2 cups: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese glaze perfectly.
• Milk, 3 Tbsp: Lightens the glaze to a smooth, pourable consistency.
• Vanilla extract, 1 tsp (for glaze): Adds a finishing touch of flavor to the cream cheese topping.

How to Make Red Velvet Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325ºF. Grease your 15-cup bundt pan generously with butter and dust it with flour to prevent sticking. This little step ensures your beautifully baked cake will come out with a perfect shape and no mess.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda into a bowl. Sifting keeps things light and aerated, which is crucial for the tender crumb you want in your red velvet masterpiece.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Vanilla

In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter, sugar, and vanilla extract together for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture turns light and pale yellow. This step builds the cake’s texture by incorporating air into the batter.

Step 4: Add Eggs One at a Time

Beat in the eggs individually, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl to keep everything evenly mixed. This method creates a smooth and stable batter.

Step 5: Incorporate the Pudding Mix

Add the instant chocolate pudding mix straight to the batter and combine well. This special ingredient is the secret to the moist, dense texture that makes this Red Velvet Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe truly unforgettable.

Step 6: Add Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk Alternately

Lower the mixer speed and alternate adding the sifted dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter. Mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing at this stage can make the cake tough, so be gentle.

Step 7: Mix in the Red Food Coloring

Add the red food coloring and mix on low until the entire batter reaches that vibrant, even red tone we all love in a red velvet cake. Whether you use gel or liquid, the color brings a festive flair to this classic.

Step 8: Bake Your Bundt Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan and place it in the oven. If you notice the top browning too quickly, tent some aluminum foil over it. Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cooling

Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Then carefully remove it from the pan and let it cool completely before glazing. This prevents the cream cheese glaze from melting off your beautiful cake.

Step 10: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. This luscious glaze is like the cherry on top, perfectly complementing the red velvet flavor with its tangy sweetness.

Step 11: Glaze the Cake

Once the cake is thoroughly cooled, drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the top, letting it flow over the curves and crevices of the bundt. The glaze not only tastes delicious but also adds elegant visual appeal.

How to Serve Red Velvet Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of charm, sprinkle some crushed white chocolate, edible gold flakes, or slivered pecans on top of the glaze. Fresh raspberries or strawberries also add a lovely color contrast and a fresh burst that pairs wonderfully with the richness of this cake.

Side Dishes

This cake serves beautifully alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Some warm coffee or a creamy latte make the perfect beverage companions to round out your dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving slices of the Red Velvet Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe on vintage china plates for a nostalgic vibe or on rustic wooden boards for a modern twist at a gathering. Layering the cake with fresh flowers or festive holiday decorations creates an irresistible centerpiece for any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This cake stays moist and flavorful for up to 4 days, making it a perfect treat to savor a little longer.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy the Red Velvet Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe later, freeze it without the glaze first by wrapping it in plastic and then foil. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and make a fresh glaze.

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds to take the chill off but avoid melting the glaze too much. This way you get that just-baked warmth and cream cheese glaze perfection.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed?

Yes! This recipe uses regular cocoa powder which gives the classic mild chocolate flavor red velvet cakes are known for. Just make sure to sift it well with the flour for an even bake.

Is it necessary to use buttermilk in this recipe?

Buttermilk is important because it reacts with baking soda to create tender, moist cake layers. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Can I make this cake without red food coloring?

While the signature red color is characteristic of red velvet, the taste still shines through without it. You could try natural alternatives like beet juice, but the traditional vibrant hue may be less intense.

How thick should the cream cheese glaze be?

The glaze should be smooth and pourable but not too runny. It should coat the back of a spoon and slowly drip off. Adjust the milk quantity if needed to get this consistency.

Can I use a different pan than a bundt pan?

You can bake this in two 9-inch round pans or a loaf pan, but baking time will vary. Keep an eye on it and test with a toothpick to ensure it’s fully baked. Just know the bundt shape makes for a stunning presentation!

Final Thoughts

I hope after reading this you’re as excited as I am about making this delightful Red Velvet Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that impresses everyone with its gorgeous color, rich flavor, and creamy topping. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or just when you want to spoil yourself with a slice of pure joy. Go ahead, bake it, share it, and enjoy every wonderful bite!

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