Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of celebration. Its rich, velvety texture and striking color make it perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any festive gathering. This cake stands out not just for its appearance but also for its delicious flavor profile, combining the subtle hints of cocoa with a creamy glaze that complements it beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant red color makes this cake a showstopper at any event.
- Moist and Flavorful: The combination of buttermilk and butter ensures each slice is incredibly moist.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, even novice bakers can succeed.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it plain, or dress it up with the optional cream cheese glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual gathering or a formal celebration, this cake fits right in.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking your Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze, gather your tools. Having the right equipment on hand will streamline the process and ensure your cake turns out perfectly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Bundt pan or tube pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Sifter
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Bundt pan or tube pan: Provides even baking while creating a beautiful shape that enhances presentation.
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar to achieve the perfect fluffy texture.
- Sifter: Ensures dry ingredients are aerated and free of lumps, contributing to a light cake.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp distilled white vinegar
- 2 cups cake flour, sifted
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 oz (2 tbsp) red food coloring, liquid or gel
Optional Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan or tube pan generously to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 5-6 minutes.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Add eggs one at a time:
1. Beat well after each addition.
2. Mix in vanilla extract and distilled white vinegar until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl:
1. Sift together the cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another small bowl:
1. Combine buttermilk with red food coloring.
Step 6: Combine All Ingredients
Gradually add:
1. Alternate adding the dry mixture and red buttermilk mixture into the batter, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
2. Mix just until incorporated; avoid over-mixing.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour batter into prepared pan:
1. Tap gently to remove air bubbles and smooth the top.
2. Bake for 75-85 minutes, checking at around 70 minutes with a toothpick until it comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool the Cake
Cool in the pan for:
1. Allow to rest for about 15 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Step 9: Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze
For the glaze:
1. Beat cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar.
3. Mix in milk little by little until you reach a pourable consistency.
4. Stir in vanilla extract before drizzling over cooled cake.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your delightful Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze!
How to Serve Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.
Pair with Fresh Berries
- Serve slices of the pound cake with a mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a burst of flavor and color.
Accompany with Whipped Cream
- A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy texture that complements the cake’s richness beautifully.
Add a Scoop of Ice Cream
- Vanilla or chocolate ice cream pairs wonderfully, offering a delicious contrast to the moist, dense cake.
Drizzle with Extra Cream Cheese Glaze
- For those who can’t get enough of the glaze, drizzle additional cream cheese glaze over each slice for extra sweetness.
Serve with Coffee or Tea
- Enjoying a slice alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea enhances the flavors and makes for an inviting afternoon snack.
Garnish with Mint Leaves
- Adding fresh mint leaves on top not only looks beautiful but also provides a refreshing taste that balances the sweetness of the cake.
How to Perfect Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
Achieving the perfect Red Velvet Pound Cake requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these guidelines to enhance your baking skills.
Use room temperature ingredients – Ensuring that your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature helps create a smooth batter and results in even baking.
Sift dry ingredients – Sifting your flour and cocoa powder removes lumps and aerates them, making for a lighter cake texture.
Don’t overmix – Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients to keep the cake tender. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
Check oven temperature – Use an oven thermometer to confirm accuracy; oven temperatures can vary significantly, affecting baking time.
Cool completely before glazing – Allowing the cake to cool completely ensures that the glaze won’t melt away, allowing it to set beautifully on top.
Best Side Dishes for Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
Pairing side dishes with your Red Velvet Pound Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options:
- Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Chocolate Mousse – This rich dessert provides an indulgent contrast without overpowering the flavors.
- Vanilla Pudding – A smooth vanilla pudding complements the cake’s texture while adding creaminess.
- Caramel Sauce – Drizzling caramel sauce over each serving brings extra depth and sweetness.
- Cheesecake Bites – Mini cheesecake bites offer another creamy option that pairs well with red velvet.
- Nutty Granola – A sprinkle of granola adds crunch and contrasts nicely against the soft pound cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze, be sure to steer clear of these common pitfalls.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for best results.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Stop once the ingredients are just combined.
- Skipping the cooling step: Allowing the cake to cool properly prevents it from breaking apart when removing from the pan. Always cool for at least 15 minutes.
- Neglecting oven temperature: An incorrect oven temperature can ruin your cake. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Using cold ingredients: Ingredients like eggs and buttermilk should be at room temperature. This helps create a light and fluffy texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.
Reheating Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), wrap the cake in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over low heat and place a slice in it, covering until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze.
Can I use different food coloring?
Yes, you can substitute red food coloring with other colors or even natural alternatives like beet juice for a unique twist.
How do I make this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of the Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter for added flavor and texture.
How long does the cream cheese glaze last?
The cream cheese glaze can last up to one week in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
This Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different flavors or toppings. Whether for special occasions or just because, this cake is sure to impress!
Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
Indulge in the festive delight of Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze. This cake boasts a rich, velvety texture and a stunning crimson color, making it the perfect centerpiece for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special gathering. The combination of cocoa and buttery goodness creates a moist, flavorful dessert that is beautifully complemented by the creamy glaze. Easy to prepare with common ingredients, even novice bakers can create this impressive treat. Elevate your dessert game with this vibrant, delicious cake that promises to impress guests and satisfy sweet cravings alike.
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp distilled white vinegar
- 2 cups cake flour, sifted
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 oz red food coloring, liquid or gel
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a bundt or tube pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla and vinegar.
- In another bowl, sift together cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a small bowl, combine buttermilk with red food coloring.
- Gradually add the dry mixture and buttermilk mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating between them until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 75-85 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider folding in chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking. If desired, serve slices with fresh berries or whipped cream for an extra touch of elegance.