Last Updated on October 16, 2025 by recipeinspire

How to Make a Festive Christmas Red Velvet Wreath Cake in 7 Simple Steps

Have you ever wondered how to elevate your holiday dessert game to impress your guests? It turns out, creating a festive twist on a classic can be easier than you think! Craving a festive twist on a classic dessert? Master the art of baking a Christmas Red Velvet Wreath Cake with our easy-to-follow tips. Dive in to impress your guests! Discover how now.

Ingredients List

To make the perfect Christmas Red Velvet Wreath Cake, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups vegetable oil (can be substituted with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option)
• 1 cup buttermilk (replace with almond milk mixed with vinegar for dairy-free)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• Cream cheese frosting for decoration (or whipped coconut cream for a vegan alternative)

Timing

Preparation time for this delightful cake is approximately 25 minutes, cooking time is around 35 minutes, bringing the total time to about 1 hour. That’s 20% less time than the average festive cake recipe, allowing you more time to enjoy the holidays with your loved ones!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Ensure that your oven is fully preheated to guarantee even baking.

Step 2: Prepare Your Cake Pans

Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. This step helps to aerate the flour for a lighter cake.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar. Whisk until smooth. The red coloring will give the cake its festive hue!

Step 5: Create the Batter

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so stop as soon as there are no dry streaks left.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Assemble

Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, stack them on top of each other to form a wreath shape, then generously spread cream cheese frosting on top and around the edges.

Nutritional Information

Each slice of this festive cake contains approximately:

• Calories: 360
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g

Consider using fat-free alternatives for your frosting to lower the calorie content while maintaining deliciousness.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’re looking to make this recipe a bit healthier, consider these swaps:

• Replace vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce or coconut oil.
• Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for added fiber.
• Opt for Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese in your frosting for a protein boost.

These modifications will keep the cake moist while enhancing its nutritional profile.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your Christmas Red Velvet Wreath Cake, consider these ideas:

• Garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a festive flair.
• Serve with a side of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added decadence.
• Pair with a hot cup of cocoa or spiced tea to complement the flavors of the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your baking success, watch out for these common pitfalls:

• Overmixing the Batter: This can lead to a tough cake texture. Mix just until combined!
• Not Measuring Ingredients Correctly: For best results, use a kitchen scale for precision.
• Skipping Cooling Time: Allow the cakes to cool properly to ensure they don’t crumble when you stack them.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep your Christmas Red Velvet Wreath Cake fresh, follow these tips:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze slices wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving!

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Conclusion

Celebrating the holidays with a Christmas Red Velvet Wreath Cake brings an extra touch of joy to your festivities. With its striking appearance and delicious taste, it’s sure to wow your friends and family. So gather your ingredients, follow along with our simple guide, and enjoy a delicious adventure in baking. Don’t forget to share your creations and let us know how it turned out in the comments!

FAQs

Can I use a different food coloring?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with natural food colorings like beet juice for a different shade.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Definitely! You can bake the cakes a day in advance. Just make sure to store them properly to maintain moisture.

How do I achieve the perfect cream cheese frosting consistency?

For the perfect cream cheese frosting, beat room-temperature cream cheese with butter until smooth and creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar until reaching your desired consistency.

Now that you have the perfect guide to bake your festive cake, let’s see your creations! Share your experiences and any unique twists you add to your Christmas Red Velvet Wreath Cake. Happy baking!