Festive Red Velvet Layer Cake with Vanilla Cream Frosting ❤️🎂✨
A show-stopping holiday classic, this Festive Red Velvet Layer Cake with Vanilla Cream Frosting is everything a celebration dessert should be — soft, cocoa-kissed layers of rich red velvet stacked high with luscious vanilla frosting and finished with cheerful sprinkles. Moist, flavorful, and beautiful on the table, it’s the perfect centerpiece for any festive occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
For the Vanilla Cream Frosting:
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (for texture)
Optional Toppings:
- Holiday sprinkles or red velvet crumbs for decoration
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, whisk sugar and oil until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, followed by buttermilk, vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, whisking just until combined and smooth.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
To make the frosting, beat butter and cream cheese until creamy and fluffy. Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, followed by vanilla extract and heavy cream. Beat until light and smooth.
Once cakes are completely cool, place the first layer on a serving plate and spread an even layer of frosting. Repeat with the remaining layers, then frost the top and sides of the cake. Smooth with a spatula or create rustic swirls for texture. Decorate with sprinkles or cake crumbs for a festive finish.
Tips for Success
- For perfectly moist cake, don’t overmix the batter — just stir until the flour disappears.
- Use gel food coloring for a vibrant red hue that won’t affect the texture.
- Chill the cake for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner layers.
Serving Ideas
Serve with hot cocoa, coffee, or a glass of milk for the ultimate holiday treat. This cake also looks stunning on a Christmas dessert table or as a centerpiece for birthdays and special events.
Nutritional Information (per slice)
Calories: ~520 kcal | Protein: 5g | Carbs: 58g | Fat: 30g
Conclusion
The Festive Red Velvet Layer Cake with Vanilla Cream Frosting is a timeless celebration of sweetness, beauty, and joy. With its velvety crumb, creamy frosting, and vibrant holiday charm, it’s not just a dessert — it’s the moment everyone gathers around, camera in hand, ready to celebrate the magic of the season one delicious slice at a time.