Introduction
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than by whipping up a festive dessert? Red velvet cake is a classic favorite, and when decorated with Christmas-inspired toppings, it becomes the perfect centerpiece for any holiday gathering. In this article, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of making a delicious red velvet cake with all the trimmings. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the cake: – 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar – 1 teaspoon baking soda – 1 teaspoon salt – 1 teaspoon cocoa powder – 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil – 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature – 2 large eggs, room temperature – 2 tablespoons red food coloring – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon white vinegar For the cream cheese frosting: – 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature – 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature – 4 cups powdered sugar – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Pinch of salt For the decorations: – Crushed candy canes – Red and green sprinkles – White chocolate chips – Fresh raspberries – Miniature Christmas trees
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. 3. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until smooth. 4. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. 5. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. 6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. 7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. For the cream cheese frosting: 1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. 2. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the frosting is light and fluffy. To decorate the cake: 1. Place one cake layer on a cake stand or plate. 2. Spread a thick layer of frosting on top of the first layer. 3. Add the second cake layer on top of the frosting. 4. Cover the entire cake with a thin layer of frosting to create a “crumb coat.” 5. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set. 6. Once chilled, use a spatula to add a final layer of frosting to the cake. 7. Decorate the cake with crushed candy canes, red and green sprinkles, white chocolate chips, fresh raspberries, and miniature Christmas trees.
Nutritional Information
One serving of this red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting (assuming 12 servings) contains approximately: – Calories: 650 – Fat: 35g – Carbohydrates: 80g – Protein: 5g – Sodium: 430mg – Sugar: 60g
Cooking Time
This recipe takes approximately 1.5 hours to prepare and bake.
Equipment
– Two 9-inch cake pans – Mixing bowls – Whisk – Spatula – Cake stand or plate
Serving Suggestions
This cake is perfect for any holiday gathering or party. Serve it as a dessert after a festive meal or as the centerpiece of a dessert table.
Variations
For a twist on this classic recipe, try adding peppermint extract to the cream cheese frosting or topping the cake with chocolate shavings.
Substitutions
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing 1 cup of whole milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Storage
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips
– Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin. – Don’t overmix your batter, as this can result in a dense cake. – Chill your cake in the refrigerator between frosting layers to prevent the frosting from sliding off.
Notes
This recipe makes enough frosting to generously cover the entire cake. If you prefer less frosting, feel free to adjust the amount accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes! You can bake the cake layers up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also make the frosting up to 1 day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let the frosting come to room temperature and whisk it until smooth before using. Q: Can I use a different type of frosting? A: Absolutely! This cake would also pair well with a whipped cream frosting or a simple vanilla buttercream.
Conclusion
Red velvet cake is a classic dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season. With its vibrant red color and delicious cream cheese frosting, it’s sure to be a hit at any festive gathering. By following this recipe and adding your own creative touch with the decorations, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. So what are you waiting for? Get baking and enjoy the sweet taste of the holidays!