Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

The Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze is a stunning dessert perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a gathering, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake stands out with its vibrant color and rich flavor. Its moist texture combined with the luscious cream cheese glaze makes it irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to make, ensuring that both novice and experienced bakers can enjoy creating this delightful dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder and red food coloring creates a unique taste that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Moist Texture: The buttermilk ensures that every slice remains tender and moist.
• Versatile Occasion: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because; it fits any celebration.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: The striking red hue topped with creamy glaze makes it visually appealing on any dessert table.
• Simple Ingredients: Made from pantry staples, you won’t need to hunt for special items.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking the Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze, gather your tools to streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Bundt pan or tube pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Bundt Pan or Tube Pan: Provides even baking and an impressive shape for presentation.
• Electric Mixer: Saves time and energy when creaming butter and sugar or mixing batter.
• Rubber Spatula: Ensures you scrape every bit of batter from the bowl for maximum flavor in each slice.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup (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 325°F (163°C). 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:
1. Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 5-6 minutes.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Flavors

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

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl:
1. Sift together the cake flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 5: Mix Buttermilk and Food Coloring

In a small bowl or cup:
1. Combine the buttermilk with red food coloring to achieve an even color.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and red buttermilk mixture into the batter:
1. Start by adding some of the dry ingredients followed by half of the buttermilk mixture.
2. Repeat until all ingredients are incorporated. Mix gently until just combined.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan:
1. Tap gently to remove air bubbles.
2. Bake for 75-85 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Start checking at around 70 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Step 8: Cool the Cake

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 9: Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze

To make the glaze:
1. Beat softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing.
3. Add milk little by little until pourable; stir in vanilla extract.

Step 10: Drizzle Over Cake

Once cooled, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over your beautiful red velvet pound cake before serving! Enjoy!

How to Serve Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cake experience.

For a Classic Dessert Experience

• With Fresh Berries: Serve slices of cake alongside strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that complements the rich flavor of the cake.

As a Breakfast Treat

• Toast with Butter: Lightly toasted slices topped with butter create a delicious morning delight.
• With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy your cake with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a comforting start to the day.

For Special Occasions

• Cake Pops: Transform leftover cake into fun cake pops for parties by crumbling and mixing it with frosting, then coating in chocolate.
• Layered Desserts: Create individual layered desserts in cups using cake pieces, cream cheese glaze, and fresh fruit for an elegant presentation.

How to Perfect Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

Achieving the perfect Red Velvet Pound Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some essential tips to ensure your baking turns out flawlessly.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature helps achieve a smooth batter.
• Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting the flour and cocoa powder prevents lumps and ensures even mixing in the batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients; this keeps the pound cake tender.
• Check Doneness Early: Start checking for doneness at 70 minutes to avoid overbaking, which can result in a dry cake.
• Cool Properly: Allowing the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring helps maintain its structure.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Red Velvet Pound Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds richness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides acidity that brightens up each bite of cake.
3. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over slices creates an indulgent twist on this classic dessert.
4. Nutty Granola: Crunchy granola sprinkled on top adds texture and complements the moistness of the pound cake.
5. Sweetened Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sweetened Greek yogurt offers tanginess that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the glaze.
6. Coconut Whipped Topping: Light coconut whipped topping brings tropical flavors and pairs well with red velvet’s richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze can be simple, but some common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Ensure all ingredients are measured precisely. Use a kitchen scale for dry ingredients for the best results.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make the cake tough. Mix until just combined for a light texture.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allowing the cake to cool in the pan prevents it from breaking apart. Follow the cooling instructions carefully.
• Using cold ingredients: Room temperature eggs and buttermilk help create a smoother batter. Take them out of the fridge ahead of time.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature for even baking.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Warm slices in a skillet over low heat for about 2-3 minutes per side, covered with a lid.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze unique?

The vibrant color and rich flavor combination of cocoa and vanilla set this cake apart, making it visually stunning and delicious.

Can I use a different type of glaze?

Yes! You can experiment with chocolate ganache or a simple powdered sugar glaze if cream cheese isn’t your preference.

How do I make my Red Velvet Pound Cake more moist?

Ensure you’re using room temperature ingredients and don’t overbake your cake, as that can dry it out.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my Red Velvet Pound Cake?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped walnuts or dark chocolate chips into the batter for added texture and flavor.

How do I know when my pound cake is done baking?

Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached when fully baked.

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite mix-ins or experimenting with different glazes. It’s perfect for any occasion, so give it a try!