If you’re dreaming of a festive dessert that radiates holiday cheer and delights every sweet tooth in the room, then look no further than this Christmas Red Velvet Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. This crowd-pleaser brings together the moist, velvety texture of red velvet cake with the tangy richness of classic cream cheese frosting, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and colors that scream Christmas. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering, office party, or last-minute holiday treat, this sheet cake offers simplicity and wow-factor all in one delicious slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a key role in making the cake taste just right. From the cake mix that forms the rich base to the smooth cream cheese that softens every bite, these essentials come together to create magic.
- 1 box red velvet cake mix: The foundation of flavor and color that ensures perfect red velvet every time without extra fuss.
- Ingredients listed on box: Usually eggs, oil, and water, each contributing moisture and structure to the cake batter.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds the luscious tang and creaminess in the frosting that balances the sweet cake beautifully.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and smooth texture to the frosting, making it spreadable and luscious.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting to a perfect balance while giving it that signature silky texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes that tie everything together.
How to Make Christmas Red Velvet Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cake
Start by following the box directions for the red velvet cake mix, combining the ingredients listed on the box with your cake mix. Pour the batter into a greased sheet pan and bake it until a toothpick comes out clean. This step is crucial for a perfectly moist and tender cake base, setting the stage for the luscious frosting.
Step 2: Let the Cake Cool Completely
Patience is key here—let your cake cool entirely before frosting. This step prevents the cream cheese frosting from melting and sliding off, so your finished cake maintains that picture-perfect look and texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. This blend creates the rich yet light texture that makes this frosting legendary. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy and evenly sweetened.
Step 4: Frost the Cake
Using a spatula, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake. The contrast of the bright red cake and the snowy white frosting is a visual treat that enhances the festive spirit. Feel free to decorate with holiday-themed sprinkles or edible glitter for an extra festive touch!
How to Serve Christmas Red Velvet Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some crushed candy canes or red and green holiday sprinkles on top of the frosting to add a delightful crunch and a pop of seasonal color. Fresh cranberries or a small dusting of cocoa powder also offer a creative and elegant finish to your cake presentation.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a simple glass of cold milk, a cup of rich hot cocoa, or even a warm spiced tea. These sides help balance the sweetness while making the whole experience cozy and satisfying, perfect for chilly winter evenings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dessert table, cut the sheet cake into neat squares and serve on a rustic wooden platter adorned with evergreen sprigs for that authentic Christmas vibe. Alternatively, stack smaller squares with frosting between layers to turn portions into mini red velvet sandwiches—an adorable and fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, cover the Christmas Red Velvet Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked, unfrosted cake wrapped well in plastic and foil for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it completely before preparing and spreading the cream cheese frosting for best results.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it slightly warm, just let a slice sit out for 15–20 minutes so the frosting softens naturally without melting away.
FAQs
Can I make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the frosting a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature and give it a quick whip before spreading on your cake.
Is a box mix the only option for this recipe?
While the recipe is designed around a box mix for convenience, you can use a homemade red velvet batter if you prefer. Just make sure your cake is moist and not overly dense for the best pairing with the frosting.
How do I get the perfect red color in the cake?
Using a good quality red velvet cake mix is the easiest way to get that vibrant red hue. If you make your own, be sure to use red food coloring and natural cocoa powder to achieve the classic look.
Can I add decorations to the frosting?
Definitely! Go wild with holiday-themed sprinkles, edible gold dust, or even little fondant snowflakes for a festive touch that will impress your guests.
What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
You can use salted butter, but reduce or omit additional salt in the cake mix preparation, as salted butter will add extra saltiness to the frosting.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Red Velvet Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a heartfelt way to celebrate the season without stressing over complicated steps. Its straightforward preparation means you’ll have more time to enjoy the holiday magic, while the incredible flavors will earn you plenty of compliments. Trust me, once you try this cake, it will become a cherished tradition for many Christmases to come!
Print
Christmas Red Velvet Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Christmas Red Velvet Sheet Cake is a moist and chocolatey dessert perfect for holiday gatherings. Topped with a classic cream cheese frosting, it’s easy to make using a boxed cake mix and simple ingredients, ideal for feeding a crowd during festive celebrations.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- Ingredients listed on box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Cake: Follow the package directions on the red velvet cake mix, which usually involves combining the mix with eggs, oil, and water, then mixing thoroughly until smooth.
- Bake Cake: Pour the batter into a prepared sheet pan and bake according to the time and temperature specified on the box. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before frosting.
- Make Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, beating continuously until smooth and fluffy.
- Frost Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the sheet cake. Decorate as desired for a festive look.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled to prevent the frosting from melting.
- You can garnish the cake with red and green sprinkles or holly decorations to enhance the Christmas theme.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For a homemade touch, substitute the boxed mix with a scratch red velvet cake recipe if desired.
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