Red Velvet Pound Cake: A Decadent Twist on a Classic Favorite
Red Velvet Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich, dense texture of a traditional pound cake with the vibrant color and subtle cocoa flavor of red velvet cake. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant celebrations. In this article, we will explore the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some helpful tips to ensure your Red Velvet Pound Cake turns out perfectly every time.
Ingredients
To make this Red Velvet Pound Cake, you will need the following ingredients:
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
Instructions
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this delightful Red Velvet Pound Cake.
Preparing the Cake:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Spray a 10-inch bundt pan with non-stick spray, ensuring that every nook and cranny is well-coated to prevent sticking.
- Mixing the Cream Cheese and Butter: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the cream cheese and butter. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which should take about 3 minutes. This step is crucial as it ensures that the fats are well combined, leading to a smooth batter.
- Adding the Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, which helps to create a tender and light crumb in the finished cake.
- Incorporating the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures that the eggs are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Following the eggs, add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Combining Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour and cocoa powder. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the stand mixer. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
- Adding the Buttermilk: Remove the bowl from the stand mixer and pour in the buttermilk. Using a rubber spatula, mix by hand until the buttermilk is just incorporated. This step ensures that the batter remains light and airy.
- Coloring the Batter: Fold in the red food coloring, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired shade of red. The amount of food coloring can vary depending on the brand and your personal preference for the intensity of the color.
- Baking the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes. Check for doneness at the 1-hour mark by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. The cake is done when the toothpick comes out with a few crumbs but no wet batter. Allow the cake to cool to room temperature before inverting it onto a plate.
Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Mixing the Frosting: In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer on medium speed to beat together the cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Frosting the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the top of the pound cake. The frosting should be thick enough to cling to the cake but still have a slight drizzle effect. Slice the cake and serve to enjoy its rich, moist texture and delightful flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Red Velvet Pound Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that all your ingredients, particularly the cream cheese, butter, eggs, and buttermilk, are at room temperature. This helps in achieving a smooth batter and even baking.
- Measuring Flour Correctly: Measure the cake flour by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. This prevents the flour from being too packed, which can result in a dense cake.
- Mixing Techniques: Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the flour. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher cake. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
- Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cake as it bakes. Ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness at the 1-hour mark. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.
- Cooling the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. This ensures that the frosting doesn’t melt and slide off the cake.
- Storing the Cake: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If storing in the refrigerator, bring the cake to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
While the classic Red Velvet Pound Cake is a showstopper on its own, you can get creative with some variations and serving suggestions:
- Nutty Delight: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a delightful crunch in every bite.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in some mini chocolate chips to enhance the chocolate flavor and add a bit of texture.
- Fruit Compote: Serve the cake with a side of homemade berry compote or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to add a fruity note.
- Layered Cake: For a more elaborate presentation, slice the pound cake horizontally into layers and spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting or raspberry jam between each layer before reassembling and frosting the outside.
- Festive Decorations: Decorate the cake with festive sprinkles, edible glitter, or fresh berries to match the theme of your celebration.
Conclusion
Red Velvet Pound Cake is a delightful twist on the classic pound cake, combining the rich, dense texture with the vibrant color and subtle cocoa flavor of red velvet. Topped with a creamy and tangy cream cheese frosting, this cake is sure to impress at any gathering. With the detailed instructions and helpful tips provided in this article, you’ll be well-equipped to bake a perfect Red Velvet Pound Cake that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Happy baking!