Red Velvet Birthday Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Celebrate special moments with a stunning Red Velvet Birthday Cake topped with rich cream cheese frosting. This delightful cake features a tender and moist red velvet base, perfectly complemented by the tangy sweetness of cream cheese. Ideal for birthdays or any festive occasion, this showstopper is sure to impress your guests with its vibrant color and luxurious flavor.

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-11-17T05:09:06.510Z

This Red Velvet Birthday Cake is not just a treat for the palate, but also a feast for the eyes. Its rich hue and smooth frosting ensure that it steals the spotlight at any celebration.

The Perfect Celebration Cake

A Red Velvet Birthday Cake is more than just a dessert; it's a centerpiece for celebrations. Its striking red color brings an instant festive feel, making it the ideal choice for birthdays, anniversaries, or any significant event. When you slice into this cake, the rich, velvety texture and vibrant hue will impress your guests long before they take their first bite. Every celebration deserves a cake that looks as good as it tastes, and this red velvet beauty certainly delivers.

Not only does this cake stand out for its visual appeal, but it's also deeply satisfying to eat. The combination of ingredients, including buttermilk and a touch of cocoa, creates a unique flavor profile that balances sweetness with a slight tang. Every forkful is a delightful experience, making it memorable for both the host and guests alike.

Cream Cheese Frosting Perfection

The cream cheese frosting that crowns this Red Velvet Birthday Cake is where the magic truly happens. Rich, creamy, and decadently sweet, this frosting offers a perfect contrast to the moistness of the cake beneath. It’s not just a topping; it’s an integral part of every slice, adding depth of flavor that complements the cake beautifully. Plus, its fluffy texture makes it easy to spread and mold, allowing for creative designs when decorating.

Crafting the perfect cream cheese frosting is simple yet rewarding. Using softened cream cheese and unsalted butter results in a smooth blend that’s not overly sugary. With just a hint of vanilla, this frosting enhances the cake without overwhelming it, allowing the red velvet flavor to shine. Your guests will be raving about how delicious and indulgent this combination is!

Tips for Success

Baking a stunning Red Velvet Birthday Cake can be simple with a few essential tips. Always ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature, particularly the buttermilk and eggs; this helps to create a more cohesive batter, resulting in tender cake layers. Measuring flour correctly is also crucial—scoop it into your measuring cup and level it off, as too much flour can dry out your cake.

Cooling the cakes properly also plays a key role in the overall success of your cake. Allowing the layers to cool in the pans for just enough time helps with easy removal and avoids crumbly edges. Once cooled, ensure to frost the cake only when it’s completely cool to the touch; this prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off, giving you a perfectly frosted cake.

Ingredients

Ingredients for the Cake

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups 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

Frosting Ingredients

  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredients for Decoration

Instructions

Directions

Prepare the Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar.

Combine and Pour

Gradually combine the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

Bake Cake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy.

Frost the Cake

Once cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top, then place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake and serve to your guests. Enjoy the celebration!

Enjoy your homemade Red Velvet Birthday Cake!

Storing Your Red Velvet Cake

If you find yourself with leftover Red Velvet Birthday Cake (though it's unlikely!), proper storage is crucial for maintaining its freshness. Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Ensure that the frosting is covered well to prevent it from drying out. If you’d like to extend its shelf life, consider freezing your cake.

To freeze your cake, wrap each layer individually in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Re-whip or apply a fresh layer of frosting if needed to restore its delicious appearance and taste.

Serving Suggestions

This Red Velvet Birthday Cake is delightful all on its own, but there are plenty of ways to elevate the serving experience. Consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy contrast. Fresh berries can also add a refreshing touch, taming the sweetness of the cake while adding a beautiful pop of color.

For a more festive display, decorate your cake with fun birthday candles or edible glitter. These simple additions can enhance the cake's visual appeal, making it the star of the celebration. Your guests will appreciate both the aesthetic and flavor, leaving them with lasting memories of the occasion.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can use milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.

Red Velvet Birthday Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Celebrate special moments with a stunning Red Velvet Birthday Cake topped with rich cream cheese frosting. This delightful cake features a tender and moist red velvet base, perfectly complemented by the tangy sweetness of cream cheese. Ideal for birthdays or any festive occasion, this showstopper is sure to impress your guests with its vibrant color and luxurious flavor.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 servings

What You'll Need

Cake Ingredients

  1. 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 1/2 cups sugar
  3. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  4. 1 teaspoon salt
  5. 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
  6. 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
  7. 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  8. 2 large eggs, room temperature
  9. 2 tablespoons red food coloring
  10. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  11. 1 teaspoon white vinegar

Frosting Ingredients

  1. 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  2. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  3. 4 cups powdered sugar
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 02

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.

Step 03

In another bowl, mix the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar.

Step 04

Gradually combine the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

Step 05

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 06

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy.

Step 07

Once cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top, then place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Step 08

Slice the cake and serve to your guests. Enjoy the celebration!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Sugars: 30g