If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that balances rich flavor, beautiful color, and a moist crumb, you’ve found it with the Red Velvet Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe. This cake is the perfect way to add a festive flair to any occasion, combining the signature deep red hue and mild cocoa undertone of red velvet with a luscious cream cheese glaze that drips down every curve of the bundt, inviting you in for just one more slice. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just indulging your own sweet tooth, this recipe delivers that irresistible homemade charm that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows close-up slices of a red velvet bundt cake with two visible layers: a deep red, moist cake base and a smooth white glaze drizzled over the top, flowing slightly down the sides. The cake pieces are placed on a sheet of light brown parchment paper that rests on a white marbled surface, creating a soft contrast with the cake colors. The texture of the cake looks soft and crumbly, while the glaze is creamy and shiny, covering parts of each slice unevenly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing something special to your cake’s taste, texture, and stunning red color. The careful balance here creates a tender, moist texture and that unique red velvet flavor that makes this cake so unforgettable.

3/4 cup (160g) canola or vegetable oil: Keeps the cake incredibly moist without overpowering the flavor.
1/2 cup (110g) unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a lovely buttery undertone.
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly without being cloying.
2 large eggs: Provide structure and help bind everything together.
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk*: Adds tanginess and moisture, essential for that tender crumb.
2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, fragrant note.
1 tsp white vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda to give the cake its characteristic lift and subtle tang.
2 tbsp red food coloring: For that iconic deep and vibrant red velvet color.
2 1/2 cups (300g) all purpose flour: The foundation of your cake’s structure.
3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a subtle chocolate taste that defines red velvet.
1 tsp baking soda: Leavens the cake, making it light and airy.
1 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Cream Cheese Glaze:

4 oz cream cheese, room temp: Gives the glaze its creamy, tangy richness.
2 cups (240g) powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze beautifully.
3 tbsp milk: Adjusts the glaze to just the right pourable consistency.
1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aroma and depth to the glaze.

How to Make Red Velvet Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by heating your oven to 350°F and get your bundt pan ready. Whether you have a 10 or 12 cup bundt pan, this will influence your baking time and how much batter you pour in. But don’t grease it just yet; we will do that a little differently to make sure every nook and cranny releases perfectly.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

Combine the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. This ensures your cake has the perfect balance of texture and flavor right from the start.

Step 3: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the canola oil, melted butter, and granulated sugar for 1-2 minutes until well combined. This mix is the base for your moist and tender crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Buttermilk, Vanilla, and Vinegar

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and white vinegar. These wet ingredients create the signature tang and richness in your cake, while the vinegar reacts with the baking soda to give the cake a beautiful rise.

Step 5: Incorporate Red Food Coloring

Pour in the red food coloring and mix until you get that vibrant red hue. This is the color that makes red velvet so unmistakable and festive.

Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet

Add half of your dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Then fold in the rest gently with a rubber spatula. This careful folding keeps your batter light and airy instead of dense.

Step 7: Prepare Bundt Pan for Baking

Lightly grease your bundt pan using an oil and flour nonstick spray and a fine pastry brush to coat every crevice. This step is crucial to ensure your beautiful bundt cake releases perfectly after baking.

Step 8: Pour Batter and Bake

If you’re using a 12 cup bundt pan, pour all the batter in. For a 10 cup pan, leave out about 1 cup of batter to prevent overflow. Bake for 45 minutes (10 cup) or 50-60 minutes (12 cup) until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool the Cake

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes before gently turning it onto a wire rack to cool completely, about 30 minutes. This cooling time is key to setting the crumb and making sure the cake holds its shape.

Step 10: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

Whisk together cream cheese and powdered sugar, gradually adding milk to reach a smooth, pourable glaze. Stir in the vanilla extract last. The glaze should be thick but pourable, lovingly coating the cake once drizzled.

Step 11: Glaze and Serve

Once your cake is cool, pour the cream cheese glaze over the top and let it drip down the sides. It’s an irresistible finishing touch that elevates your Red Velvet Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe to a dessert worth celebrating.

How to Serve Red Velvet Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

A deep red bundt cake with ridged, evenly spaced layers forming a circular shape sits on a white marble textured cake stand. A woman's hand pours thick white glaze from a small white speckled ceramic pitcher, with the glaze flowing smoothly over the rounded peaks and edges of the cake. The inside of the cake looks moist and dense, contrasting with the smooth, shiny white glaze dripping down the deep red ridges in soft drops. The background is a soft white marble texture, keeping focus on the cake and the glaze being poured photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, decorate your Red Velvet Bundt Cake with a scattering of fresh berries, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of finely chopped pecans. These add a delightful texture and a pop of color that complements the rich red and creamy glaze perfectly.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience. For a lighter contrast, try serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or tangy citrus sorbet to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the usual plate presentation. Serve slices on elegant dessert stands or decorate mini individual bundt cakes for a charming party treat. You can also drizzle extra glaze around the plate and garnish with mint leaves for a stunning visual and flavor contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Red Velvet Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 5 days without losing its lovely moist texture or the fresh flavor of the glaze.

Freezing

If you want to save this cake for later, it freezes well. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results and then refresh with a glaze drizzle.

Reheating

To revive your cake’s freshly baked feel, warm slices gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to heat too long, or you might melt the glaze entirely. A slight warming brings back that freshly baked softness and enhances the cream cheese glaze.

FAQs

Can I make this Red Velvet Bundt Cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that matches cup for cup. Just be sure your blend contains xanthan gum for structure. The cake might be a little more delicate but will still taste divine.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using—this delivers the same tang and acidity needed for the cake’s texture.

Is it necessary to use red food coloring?

Yes, for that classic red velvet color, red food coloring is essential. Natural alternatives like beet juice might affect the cake’s texture and flavor, but they can be experimented with if you want a more natural version.

Can I use an electric mixer for this recipe?

Definitely! Using an electric mixer can speed up mixing and ensure ingredients are well combined. Just be careful not to overmix once you add the flour, or the cake might become dense instead of light and fluffy.

How thick should the cream cheese glaze be?

The glaze should be a bit thinner than craft glue—thick enough to coat the cake but still fluid enough to drizzle. If it’s too thick, thin it with a splash of milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar until it reaches that perfect consistency.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to master the Red Velvet Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe, you’re all set to wow your friends and family with a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. This cake is an effortless crowd-pleaser that feels special enough for holidays or any celebration. So preheat that oven, grab your bundt pan, and dive into a baking experience that’s as joyful as sharing your new favorite cake with someone you love.