When it comes to indulgent desserts, few can rival the allure of a Red Velvet cake. Known for its rich flavor and stunning red hue, this cake is often the star of special occasions.
But what if you could take this beloved treat and turn it into a dense, buttery pound cake? Well, get ready for a delicious twist on the classic!
This Red Velvet Pound Cake combines the velvety texture and signature flavor of Red Velvet cake with the richness and tenderness of a pound cake.
It’s perfect for any celebration or as a special treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee. With a generous layer of creamy cream cheese frosting, this cake will surely steal the spotlight at your next gathering.
Ingredients List
For the Cake:
- 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 ¼ cups (2 ½ sticks / 284 g) salted butter, room temperature
- 3 cups (600 g) granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups (375 g) cake flour
- ¼ cup (29.5 g) cocoa powder
- ¼ cup (60 g) buttermilk, room temperature
- 1-3 teaspoons red food coloring, or enough to reach the desired color
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ½ block (4 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole milk, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Required Kitchen Tools
To make this Red Velvet Pound Cake, you’ll need the right kitchen tools for an efficient and smooth baking process. Here’s a list of the essential tools that will help you prepare the perfect cake:
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Mixing the batter by hand is possible, but using a mixer ensures everything blends together perfectly and creates the smooth, velvety texture that this cake is known for.
- 9×5-inch Loaf Pan: This size pan is perfect for baking a pound cake with a soft, dense texture. If you’re doubling the recipe, you can use two pans.
- Parchment Paper: Line the pan with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking and make for easier removal once baked.
- Cooling Rack: After the cake is baked, let it cool completely on a rack before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Whisk: A whisk is essential for incorporating dry ingredients like cocoa powder and cake flour before combining them with wet ingredients.
Having these tools on hand will make your cake-making process easy and efficient.
Cake Preparation
Baking the perfect Red Velvet Pound Cake is all about precision and patience. With just a few simple steps, you can create a soft and dense pound cake that boasts the distinctive flavor and color of a Red Velvet cake. Follow this guide to ensure you get the best results every time.
Mixing the Ingredients
The first step in creating your Red Velvet Pound Cake is to cream together the butter and cream cheese. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ¼ cups of salted butter and 1 block of cream cheese at room temperature. Use your stand mixer or hand mixer to beat them together until they form a smooth, creamy mixture. Add 3 cups of granulated sugar and continue mixing for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to ensuring your cake has the right texture.
Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the 6 large eggs, one at a time. Beat well after each addition to ensure the eggs are fully incorporated. Next, mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for that signature flavor.
Incorporating Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 3 cups of cake flour, ¼ cup of cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. The cake flour helps give the pound cake its light and tender texture, while the cocoa powder adds just the right amount of chocolatey depth.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter and egg mixture in stages, alternating with the ¼ cup of buttermilk. Start with a third of the dry mixture, then a third of the buttermilk, and continue until everything is combined. Be sure not to overmix the batter, as this can make the cake dense instead of light.
Adding the Red Color
The final touch to creating your signature Red Velvet Pound Cake is the color. Depending on your preference, add 1-3 teaspoons of red food coloring. This step is totally customizable — if you prefer a lighter, subtle red hue, use less coloring. For a bold, vibrant cake, add a bit more. Mix the food coloring into the batter until the desired color is achieved.
Baking and Cooling the Cake
Now that your Red Velvet Pound Cake batter is prepared, it’s time to bake it to golden perfection. This step is crucial in achieving that soft and tender crumb that makes pound cakes so irresistible.
Baking the Cake
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare your 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing it with butter or oil, and lining it with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to smooth the top.
Bake the cake for 60-75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Every oven is different, so it’s important to check the cake after about 60 minutes. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent overbaking.
Cooling the Cake
Once the cake is fully baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the cake firm up slightly, making it easier to remove from the pan. After the initial cooling time, transfer the cake to a cooling rack to cool completely. It’s important to let the cake cool before frosting, as the warm cake may cause the cream cheese frosting to melt and slide off.
Cream Cheese Frosting and Decoration
The crowning glory of your Red Velvet Pound Cake is the luxurious cream cheese frosting. This rich, tangy frosting perfectly complements the moist and flavorful cake. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have the most delightful frosting to slather on top of your cake.
Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat together ½ block of cream cheese and 2 ½ cups of confectioners’ sugar. Start at a low speed to prevent the sugar from flying everywhere, then increase the speed as the ingredients start to combine. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Add 2 tablespoons of whole milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture, and continue beating until the frosting reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it’s just right.
Frosting the Cake
Once your cake is completely cool, it’s time to frost. Use a spatula to spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top of the cake. You can smooth it out for a clean look or use a back-and-forth motion to create a textured design. If you want to go the extra mile, you can pipe additional decorative swirls on top of the cake using the remaining frosting.
Serving and Decoration
For the ultimate presentation, consider adding a touch of elegance to your Red Velvet Pound Cake with additional decorations like:
- Grated Chocolate or Cocoa Powder: Dust the top of the cake with a light sprinkle of cocoa powder for a subtle chocolatey finish.
- Fresh Berries: Add a handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries around the base of the cake for a burst of color and freshness.
- Edible Gold Flakes: For an extravagant touch, edible gold flakes can add a shimmer and a sense of celebration to your cake.
Storage Instructions
To keep your Red Velvet Pound Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can refrigerate it, but bring it to room temperature before serving to allow the frosting to soften.
Freezing the Cake
You can freeze your Red Velvet Pound Cake for up to 3 months. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. To thaw, let the cake sit at room temperature for several hours before serving. If you’ve frozen the frosted cake, let it thaw in the fridge to keep the frosting intact.
Conclusion
This Red Velvet Pound Cake recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Its moist, flavorful crumb, coupled with the tangy cream cheese frosting, creates a dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something indulgent, this cake will definitely impress your friends and family. Plus, with easy storage and freezing options, you can enjoy a slice of this delightful treat whenever the craving strikes. So, grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the magic of Red Velvet Pound Cake begin!
