Ah, the holidays! There’s just something about this season that fills the air with warmth, joy, and those delightful scents of cinnamon and baked goods wafting through our homes. One of my favorite holiday traditions is baking, especially this gorgeous Festive Southern Red Velvet Christmas Cake. Just picture it: a moist, velvety cake with that perfect red hue, layered with luscious cream cheese frosting, all while festive music softly plays in the background. It’s an experience that brings the family together, and trust me, no one ever leaves without a second slice!

This cake isn’t just about looks; it’s about creating memories in the kitchen, a bit of nostalgia with every bite, and of course, the undeniable deliciousness that captures the essence of Christmas. Whether it’s adorned with festive sprinkles or a sprinkle of cocoa powder, it’s the centerpiece of holiday tables that will surely impress your loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and Fun: Perfect for bakers of all levels!
• Visual Delight: The vibrant red color will wow your guests!
• Decadent Flavors: A heavenly combination of cocoa and buttermilk.
• Sharing is Caring: Makes a great gift for neighbors or potlucks.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the scrumptious details, here’s what you’ll need to whip up this fabulous cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature (don’t skip this for moisture!)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to create something magical? Let’s get baking!

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prep two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them and dusting them with flour. This step is crucial; we don’t want our beautiful cake to stick!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well combined. You want these dry ingredients to play nicely together!
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another mixing bowl, blend the vegetable oil and buttermilk. Then, add in the eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Whisk until it’s all combined into a lovely, bright red mixture.
4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently mix with a spatula until just combined. Tip: Don’t overmix! A little bit of lumpiness is okay—overmixing can make the cake dense.
5. Divide and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Just wait until you start smelling the cake; it’s heavenly!
6. Cool Down: Once done, remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely. Don’t rush this part; frosting a warm cake just won’t do!

Pro Tips & Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun twists you might consider for your cake:

• Add Spice: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm flavor during the holidays.
• Make it a Layered Masterpiece: For a taller cake, consider baking this recipe in three 8-inch pans!
• Experiment with Frosting: If you want to switch things up, a mascarpone frosting can add an Italian flair!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving this cake, let your creativity take the lead! I love to plate slices alongside a cup of warm coffee or tea, making for a cozy afternoon treat. It also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side if you want to go all-out indulgent.

For a festive touch, a sprinkling of crushed peppermint or festive sprinkles on top of the cream cheese frosting can add that holiday cheer. Imagine cutting into it and watching the layers reveal their stunning red hue—pure joy!

Storage Tips

Leftover cake? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered! Just remember:

• Refrigerating: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also keep the frosting separate to maintain that fresh flavor.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cooled cake slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay delicious for up to 3 months! Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.
• Reheating: A quick 15-second zap in the microwave will revive that velvety texture without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?

Absolutely! Gel food coloring will give you a richer hue without adding extra liquid to your batter. Just use about half the amount of gel coloring, and you’ll be good to go!

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries at all! You can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and voilà! Homemade buttermilk.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, indeed! You can bake the cakes a day or two in advance. Just let them cool completely, wrap them tightly, and store them at room temperature. Frost when you’re ready to serve!

What if I want to make this gluten-free?

You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend, and it should work nicely! Just make sure that the blend contains xanthan gum to ensure a good texture.

How can I make my frosting go further?

If you’re a fan of cream cheese frosting (who isn’t?), you can stretch it a bit by adding a little whipped cream to lighten it. Just fold it in gently for a fluffy finish!

Conclusion

And there you have it, my dear friend—a stunning Festive Southern Red Velvet Christmas Cake that will surely become a cherished part of your holiday traditions! I’d love to hear how your cake turns out and any special twists you added. So, roll up those sleeves, preheat that oven, and let’s make some scrumptious memories this holiday season! Feel free to comment below and share your experience. Happy baking!

Irresistible Southern Red Velvet Xmas Cake Recipe for Festivities

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

Make your holidays special with our Southern Red Velvet Christmas Cake Perfect for festivities this easy recipe brings joy to your celebrations

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups of granulated sugar

1 teaspoon of baking soda

1 teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon of cocoa powder (unsweetened)

1 ½ cups of vegetable oil

1 cup of buttermilk, room temperature

2 large eggs, room temperature

2 tablespoons of red food coloring

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1 teaspoon of white vinegar

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prep two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them and dusting them with flour.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well combined.

In another mixing bowl, blend the vegetable oil and buttermilk. Then, add in the eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Whisk until it's all combined.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently mix with a spatula until just combined.

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once done, remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

A moist and velvety Southern Red Velvet Christmas Cake layered with luscious cream cheese frosting, perfect for holiday gatherings.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12 servings
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 30g
• Fat: 17g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g

Keywords: Red Velvet Cake, Christmas Cake, Holiday Baking, Southern Recipes