Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze is a delightful dessert that captures attention with its vibrant color and rich flavor. Perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to holiday gatherings, this cake offers a moist texture complemented by a luscious cream cheese glaze. Its unique combination of cocoa and vanilla ensures every bite is a treat, making it a standout choice for both casual gatherings and formal celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The rich cocoa combined with the sweetness of the cake makes it an irresistible treat.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve success.
• Versatile Occasion: Great for parties, family gatherings, or just a special dessert at home.
• Stunning Presentation: The deep red color and smooth glaze make for an eye-catching centerpiece on any table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this wonderful recipe, gather your tools and prepare your kitchen for some baking magic. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Sifter
• Bundt pan or tube pan
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a light and fluffy texture in your cake.
• Bundt pan or tube pan: Provides even baking and beautiful presentation, showcasing the cake’s lovely shape.
• Sifter: Ensures dry ingredients are well mixed and free of lumps, contributing to a smooth batter.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cups (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 325F (163C). 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, use your stand mixer or hand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 5-6 minutes.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract and distilled white vinegar until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps remove lumps and ensures even distribution of ingredients.

Step 5: Mix Buttermilk and Food Coloring

In a small bowl or cup, combine the buttermilk with red food coloring. This vibrant mixture will give your cake its signature hue!

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternately add the dry mixture and red buttermilk mixture into the batter. Start by adding one-third of the dry ingredients followed by half of the buttermilk mixture. Repeat this process until all ingredients are incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; stop once everything is just combined.

Step 7: Pour Batter into Pan

Pour your beautifully colored batter into the prepared bundt pan. Tap gently on the counter to remove air bubbles and smooth out the top.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 75-85 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Start checking at around 70 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Step 9: Cool

Once done, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Step 10: Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze

For an added touch of indulgence, beat softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing. Slowly incorporate milk until you reach your desired pourable consistency. Stir in vanilla extract before drizzling over your cooled cake.

Enjoy this stunning Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze at your next gathering!

How to Serve Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

Serving your Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze can elevate any occasion, from birthdays to casual gatherings. Here are some delightful ways to present and enjoy this classic dessert.

Classic Presentation

• Use a cake stand for an elegant display. This elevates the cake visually and makes it the centerpiece of your dessert table.

With Fresh Berries

• Add a side of fresh strawberries or raspberries. The tartness of the berries complements the sweetness of the cake perfectly.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla or cream cheese ice cream. The cold treat adds a delicious contrast to the warmth of the cake.

Whipped Cream Topping

• Top with a dollop of whipped cream. This adds lightness and enhances the creamy flavor profile.

Drizzle Some Extra Glaze

• Serve each slice drizzled with extra cream cheese glaze for added richness. It creates a beautiful look and boosts flavor.

Pair with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy alongside a cup of coffee or tea. The warm beverages enhance the flavors and make for a comforting experience.

How to Perfect Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

To achieve the best results when making your Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze, follow these helpful tips:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring that butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
• Sift dry ingredients: Sifting cake flour and cocoa powder helps aerate them, leading to a lighter cake that rises beautifully.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients to avoid developing too much gluten, which can toughen the cake.
• Check doneness early: Start checking for doneness around 70 minutes to prevent overbaking. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the center.
• Cool properly: Allow the cake to cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain its structure.
• Customize your glaze: Adjust the consistency of your cream cheese glaze by varying the amount of milk. A thicker glaze is perfect for spreading, while thinner is great for drizzling.

Best Side Dishes for Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

Pairing side dishes with your Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Chocolate Mousse: Rich and creamy chocolate mousse complements the flavors without overpowering them.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can add savory notes that contrast nicely with sweet cake.
4. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling homemade caramel sauce adds an extra layer of flavor and decadence.
5. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats provide texture variation while echoing sweetness.
6. Nutty Granola: A sprinkle on top offers crunch and health benefits, making it a delightful combination.
7. Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet serves as a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
8. Chia Pudding: Light and nutritious chia pudding can add an interesting twist alongside each slice of cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Precision is key in baking. Use a kitchen scale for dry ingredients and measuring cups for liquids to ensure perfect results.
• Overmixing the batter – Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated for a light texture.
• Skipping the cooling time – Allowing the cake to cool in the pan prevents it from breaking apart. Be patient and let it rest before transferring it to a wire rack.
• Using cold ingredients – Cold eggs and buttermilk can affect the batter’s consistency. Let them come to room temperature before mixing for optimal results.
• Not checking for doneness – Relying solely on the baking time can lead to overbaking. Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with few crumbs attached.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Keep the cake covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap then aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with 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 slices in a non-stick skillet over low heat, flipping until warmed through, which adds a nice crisp texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze.

How do I achieve a vibrant red color?

To enhance the red color, use high-quality red food coloring and ensure that you mix it thoroughly into your batter.

Can I substitute buttermilk?

Yes! You can make your own by mixing regular milk with lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

How do I make my cream cheese glaze smoother?

Beat your cream cheese well before adding powdered sugar and milk gradually. This will help create a smooth consistency.

What is the best way to serve Red Velvet Pound Cake?

Slice and serve at room temperature, drizzled with cream cheese glaze. It pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.

How long can I keep leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze is not just visually stunning; it’s also rich and flavorful. Perfect for celebrations, this cake allows for customization—consider adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture! Try making this recipe today and enjoy its versatility at any gathering.