If you’re looking to impress at your next gathering or simply treat yourself, Red Velvet Bundt Cake is a stunning showstopper that tastes every bit as gorgeous as it looks. With its signature deep crimson crumb, moist texture, and a silky cream cheese glaze, this classic cake brings together a gentle cocoa flavor and a delicate tang. One slice, and you’ll understand why it’s a beloved dessert for holidays, parties, or anytime you want to celebrate life’s little moments in style!

Red Velvet Bundt Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Red Velvet Bundt Cake lies in its simple, familiar ingredients—each one playing a crucial role in crafting the cake’s tender crumb, vibrant color, and unforgettable flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips to help your cake turn out bakery-perfect every time:

All-purpose flour: Gives the cake structure and a tender bite—spoon and level it for best results.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps keep it moist without being heavy.
Baking soda: The leavening agent that ensures your Red Velvet Bundt Cake rises beautifully.
Salt: Just the right amount makes all the flavors pop for a well-rounded taste.
Cocoa powder: Adds the signature subtle chocolate notes that set red velvet apart from plain vanilla.
Vegetable oil: Helps maintain the cake’s ultra-moist and tender crumb—don’t substitute butter here!
Buttermilk (room temperature): Gives the cake its slight tang and reacts with baking soda for extra fluffiness.
Large eggs: Bind the batter together, creating a smooth, even texture.
Red food coloring: The key to that vibrant, jaw-dropping red hue—go bold!
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a cozy, aromatic finish.
White vinegar: A tiny bit enhances the color and brings that unmistakable red velvet tang.
Cream cheese (softened): The star of the glaze—make sure it’s fully softened for a lump-free drizzle.
Powdered sugar: Melts into the cream cheese for a dreamy, silky glaze.
Milk: Adjusts the glaze to your desired consistency for perfect drizzling.
Vanilla extract (for glaze): Just a touch in the glaze brings everything together.

How to Make Red Velvet Bundt Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Equipment

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and don’t rush this step—making sure your oven is hot gives the cake a lovely rise. Generously grease and flour your bundt pan, being sure to get into every curve and crevice. This ensures your Red Velvet Bundt Cake comes out clean with those signature bundt ridges intact.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Blending these dry ingredients ensures they’re evenly dispersed throughout the batter, so every bite is perfectly flavored and textured.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Grab a separate bowl and whisk the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until smooth and vibrant. The red food coloring will immediately transform your mixture into that iconic hue, and the buttermilk and vinegar are working behind the scenes to create that classic red velvet tang.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Gradually add the wet ingredients to your bowl of dry ingredients. Mix gently, just until everything is combined—overmixing can make your Red Velvet Bundt Cake tough rather than tender. Once no streaks of flour remain, your batter is ready for the pan.

Step 5: Bake

Pour your luscious red batter into the prepared bundt pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even bake. Place it in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The kitchen will fill with the irresistible aroma of cake! Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the thickest part—it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and Turn Out

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Don’t rush—this helps the cake set and makes it easier to release. Carefully turn the pan over onto a wire rack and gently lift it away. Let the Red Velvet Bundt Cake cool completely before starting the glaze.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then the milk and vanilla extract. Continue beating until you have a silky, pourable glaze—add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you hit your desired consistency.

Step 8: Decorate and Serve

Drizzle your cream cheese glaze generously over the cooled cake, letting it cascade beautifully down the sides. For a finishing touch, crumble a little cake from the base and sprinkle the crumbs over the top—a simple trick that highlights the color and makes your cake look bakery-worthy!

How to Serve Red Velvet Bundt Cake

Garnishes

For a truly eye-catching presentation, top your Red Velvet Bundt Cake with a sprinkle of reserved red cake crumbs. If you want to go a little extra, try some shaved white chocolate or fresh berries. A few edible flowers also make a stunning addition and bring a festive, celebratory feel to your table.

Side Dishes

Pair your slices with a big scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the rich flavors. For coffee lovers, a hot cup of dark roast or a chilled glass of milk complements the cake’s tang and cocoa notes beautifully. Fresh fruit, especially strawberries or raspberries, also adds a lovely, refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re aiming to wow your guests, slice the cake and serve on individual plates with extra glaze and fresh berries on the side. Red Velvet Bundt Cake also looks gorgeous as the centerpiece of a dessert buffet, or you can stack thin slices and layer with extra cream cheese glaze for an elegant trifle-style dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Red Velvet Bundt Cake moist and flavorful, store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious and tender for up to four days. If the cake sits out at room temperature for a few hours, don’t worry—it’ll still taste great, but the fridge helps the cream cheese glaze stay fresh longer.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this cake! For best results, wrap individual slices or the whole (unglazed) Red Velvet Bundt Cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding the fresh cream cheese glaze.

Reheating

If you prefer a slightly warm slice, microwave an individual piece for about 10 seconds—just until the chill is gone and the cake feels soft again. Avoid overheating, which can dry out the crumb and melt the glaze completely.

FAQs

Can I use natural food coloring instead of regular red food dye?

Yes, you can use natural coloring options like beet juice or a plant-based red dye, though the color may be less vibrant. Remember, classic Red Velvet Bundt Cake is all about that striking hue, so test your chosen substitute for best results.

What kind of cocoa powder works best?

For this recipe, regular unsweetened cocoa powder is ideal. Dutch-process cocoa will make the cake darker and change the flavor, so stick to standard cocoa powder to keep the classic red velvet flavor and look.

Can I make this recipe as cupcakes or a layer cake?

Absolutely! Red Velvet Bundt Cake batter adapts wonderfully to either cupcakes or round pans. Adjust your baking time—cupcakes bake for about 18-20 minutes, while layer cakes take around 25-30 minutes, depending on your oven.

Why do I need both vinegar and buttermilk?

Baking science magic! The combination of vinegar and buttermilk reacts with the baking soda, ensuring a light, fluffy texture and giving Red Velvet Bundt Cake its signature subtle tang.

Can I freeze the cake with the cream cheese glaze?

While you can freeze the glazed cake, the glaze may lose some of its smoothness when thawed. For best presentation and texture, freeze the cake without glaze, then add the cream cheese drizzle once you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Red Velvet Bundt Cake a try—whether you’re a longtime fan or tasting it for the first time. It’s a classic for a reason, delivering rich color, tender crumb, and an irresistible glaze that will win over any crowd. Enjoy every slice, and don’t forget to share the joy!

Red Velvet Bundt Cake Recipe