Crimson Velvet Pound Cake

Red Velvet Pound Cake is a beloved dessert, combining the classic, iconic flavor of red velvet cake with the dense, moist texture of a traditional pound cake. This recipe delivers an unforgettable experience, packed with a subtle chocolate note and crowned with the creamiest, most delicious cream cheese glaze. Every slice promises a bite that is both light and wonderfully fluffy, making it a true showstopper for any occasion.

Imagine the best elements of a classic Red Velvet Cake—its distinctive cocoa undertones, its striking color, and its hint of tang—perfectly infused into the rich, buttery crumb of a hearty Pound Cake. This simple yet sophisticated recipe offers the best of both worlds, creating a dessert that’s guaranteed to become a cherished family favorite. Its impressive appearance, especially when baked in an elegant bundt pan, makes it ideal for holidays, potlucks, or simply a delightful weekend treat.

The beauty of this cake truly shines in a bundt pan, yielding a stunning presentation that looks far more intricate than it is to achieve. Once baked to perfection, a generous drizzle of our decadent cream cheese glaze cascades over every curve, creating a visual and flavorful masterpiece. The contrast between the vibrant red cake and the smooth white glaze is simply irresistible, promising an incredible dessert experience.

If you’re a fan of traditional red velvet delights or have savored the rich flavors of a Cheesecake Factory Red Velvet Cheesecake, this Red Velvet Pound Cake is destined to be a sensational hit. Its deep flavor profile and luxurious texture cater to all red velvet enthusiasts. Our family also adores other festive red velvet creations like Red Velvet Rice Krispie Treats, Red Velvet Funnel Cake, and even quick Red Velvet Mug Cakes. For those seeking more holiday inspiration, be sure to try our delightful Christmas Cranberry Cake Recipe. With our clear, easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions, baking this stunning cake will be an absolute breeze, even for beginners.

Why This Red Velvet Pound Cake Recipe Is a Must-Try

This Red Velvet Pound Cake isn’t just another dessert; it’s an experience. We believe it stands out for several compelling reasons:

• The Ultimate Cake Texture & Flavor: This recipe masterfully balances the distinctive subtle chocolate flavor of red velvet with a moist, dense pound cake crumb. It’s not overly sweet, offering a sophisticated taste that lingers pleasantly on the palate. The balance of cocoa and tang is truly exquisite, creating a complex yet harmonious flavor profile that distinguishes it from other cakes.
• The Dreamy Cream Cheese Glaze: What sets this dessert apart is the utterly divine cream cheese glaze. Its tangy sweetness perfectly complements the rich cake, bringing all the flavors together in a symphony of taste. This glaze isn’t just a topping; it’s an integral part of the Red Velvet experience, adding a layer of creamy indulgence that is simply unforgettable.
• Effortless Baking Experience: Despite its impressive results, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward. We’ve designed it to be as simple as possible, ensuring that even novice bakers can achieve a bakery-quality cake with minimal fuss. The clear instructions make the process enjoyable and stress-free, proving that incredible desserts don’t have to be complicated.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Its vibrant color and elegant form make it an ideal centerpiece for holidays, celebrations, or any gathering where you want to impress. From festive Christmas dinners to casual Sunday brunches, this pound cake effortlessly elevates the dining experience.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Pound Cake

Crafting a truly exceptional Red Velvet Pound Cake begins with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:

For the Moist Red Velvet Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational dry ingredient. For accurate measurements and a consistent crumb, always use the spoon and level method: spoon flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. This prevents compaction, which can lead to a dense or dry cake.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This is key to achieving the characteristic subtle chocolate flavor of red velvet. Ensure you use unsweetened cocoa, as Dutch-processed or sweetened cocoa will alter the cake’s chemistry and taste. The cocoa also plays a role in deepening the red color when combined with the food coloring.
• Baking Soda: A crucial leavening agent that reacts with the acidic buttermilk to create a light and airy texture. For tips on baking soda substitutes, if needed, consult our guide.
• Butter: Softened at room temperature, butter contributes richness, flavor, and helps create the tender crumb of a pound cake. Room temperature butter creams beautifully with sugar, incorporating air for a lighter texture.
• Large Eggs: Also at room temperature, eggs act as an emulsifier, binding the ingredients together and adding moisture and structure. Room temperature eggs combine more smoothly with other ingredients.
• Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for the best quality and most authentic flavor. It enhances the overall sweetness and complexity of the cake, complementing the subtle cocoa.
• Red Food Coloring: This is what gives red velvet its iconic, vibrant hue. You can adjust the amount to achieve your desired shade, from a deep crimson to a brighter scarlet.
• Buttermilk: The addition of buttermilk is paramount for both flavor and moisture. Its acidity reacts with the baking soda, while its fats contribute to an incredibly moist and tender crumb with a characteristic tang that is essential to red velvet. If you’re curious about what buttermilk is and why it’s so important, learn more here.

For the Dreamy Cream Cheese Glaze

• Cream Cheese: For a smooth, lump-free glaze, it’s essential that your cream cheese is softened at room temperature. This allows it to whip easily and blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.
• Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this provides the glaze’s sweetness and smooth consistency. Sifting the powdered sugar is highly recommended to remove any lumps, ensuring a silky-smooth finish.
• Milk: Used to adjust the consistency of the glaze. While whole milk offers the richest flavor, you can use reduced-fat milk if preferred. Start with a small amount and add more gradually until you reach your desired drizzling consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a touch of vanilla in the glaze enhances its flavor, providing a warm, aromatic complement to the tangy cream cheese.

For the complete, precise measurements of all ingredients, please scroll to the bottom of the page to access the detailed recipe card.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake Red Velvet Pound Cake

Baking this stunning Red Velvet Pound Cake is a rewarding experience, and with these detailed steps, you’ll achieve perfection every time. Let’s get baking!

• Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). While the oven heats, meticulously grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan. This step is crucial for easy release. Use a baking spray with flour, or apply softened butter generously to all nooks and crannies, then dust with flour, tapping out any excess. Ensure every part of the pan is coated to prevent sticking.
• Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together your measured all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined and evenly distributed, which is vital for the cake’s structure and rise.

Step 3: Creaming the Wet Ingredients. In a separate, large bowl, use an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer to beat together the vegetable oil, softened butter, and sugar. Cream these until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, typically taking 2-3 minutes. This process incorporates air, which is essential for the pound cake’s texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Remaining Wet Ingredients. To the creamed mixture, add the large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Then, slowly mix in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Continue to beat with your electric mixer until the mixture is smooth, uniformly red, and well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is thoroughly mixed.

Step 5: Gently Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures. Gradually add the dry ingredients from Step 2 into the wet ingredients from Step 4. Mix on low speed, just until the ingredients are combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. Be very careful not to overmix the batter; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tough cake.

Step 6: Fill the Bundt Pan and Bake. Carefully pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased and floured bundt pan. Gently tap the pan a few times on your counter to release any trapped air bubbles, which helps prevent large holes in your cake. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or with only a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 7: Cooling the Cake. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the bundt pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. This allows the cake to firm up slightly, making it easier to remove without breaking. After this initial cooling, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate or another wire rack to cool completely. It’s crucial for the cake to be entirely cool before glazing.

Step 8: Prepare and Glaze. While the cake cools, prepare your irresistible cream cheese frosting glaze. In a medium-sized bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sifted powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. The consistency should be pourable yet thick enough to cling to the cake. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if too thin, a spoonful more powdered sugar. Once the cake is completely cool, generously drizzle this luscious glaze all over the pound cake. Allow the glaze to set slightly before slicing for the prettiest presentation.

Expert Tips for Pound Cake Perfection

Achieving the perfect Red Velvet Pound Cake is easy with a few insider tricks. These tips will help you ensure your cake is moist, flavorful, and beautifully presented every time:

• Achieving the Perfect Red Hue: The amount of red food coloring is a personal preference. Start with a smaller amount and gradually add more until you reach your desired vibrant red color. Remember, the cocoa powder will also contribute to the depth of the color. Gel food coloring often provides a more intense color with less liquid, which is ideal for baking.
• The Buttermilk Advantage: For the best results, always use full-fat buttermilk. The fat content contributes significantly to the cake’s moistness and rich texture. Low-fat buttermilk may result in a slightly drier cake, and substitutions can drastically change the authentic red velvet tang and texture.
• Room Temperature is Key: Ensure all cold ingredients, such as butter, eggs, and cream cheese, are at room temperature before you begin mixing. Room temperature ingredients emulsify better, creating a smoother batter and a more uniform, tender crumb. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle and result in a denser cake.
• Baking Ahead for Enhanced Flavor: Pound cakes, including this red velvet version, often taste even better the next day. The flavors have time to meld and deepen, and the cake’s texture becomes even more delicious. Feel free to bake this cake a day in advance, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.
• Customizing with Toppings: While the cream cheese glaze is heavenly on its own, feel free to add extra toppings. A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the glaze can add a delightful textural contrast and nutty flavor. Shredded coconut is another popular option for those who enjoy tropical notes.
• Patience with the Glaze: For the prettiest presentation and to avoid a messy cake, wait until the cream cheese glaze has fully set before slicing. This allows the glaze to firm up, creating clean cuts and preventing it from running excessively when served.
• Unsweetened Cocoa: Non-Negotiable: Always use unsweetened cocoa powder. Sweetened or Dutch-processed cocoa will affect the sugar balance and pH of the cake, potentially leading to a different flavor and texture than intended.
• No Buttermilk Substitutes! While some recipes offer substitutes for buttermilk, we strongly advise against it for this particular recipe. The unique tang and moisture that real buttermilk provides are crucial to the authentic flavor and moistness of this Red Velvet Pound Cake.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Resist the urge to frost a warm cake! Applying glaze to a warm cake will cause it to melt and slide right off. Ensure your cake is completely cooled to room temperature for the glaze to adhere beautifully.
• Seasonal & Celebratory Sprinkles: Add a festive touch to your glazed pound cake with sprinkles! Use red and green for a delightful Christmas treat, rainbow sprinkles for a vibrant birthday celebration, or any color combination that suits your occasion. This simple addition can instantly transform the cake’s look.

Storing Your Delicious Red Velvet Pound Cake

Proper storage is essential to keep your Red Velvet Pound Cake fresh and moist. Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. The beauty of pound cake is that its texture often improves the longer it sits, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully, making it even more delicious on subsequent days. For maximum freshness, you can also store it in the refrigerator, especially if your kitchen tends to be warm, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing Red Velvet Pound Cake for Later Enjoyment

This pound cake freezes wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep or for saving a portion for future indulgence. For the best results when freezing, it is highly recommended to freeze the cake without the glaze. Once the cake has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air can get in, and then wrap it again in a layer of aluminum foil. Properly wrapped, it can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, you can prepare a fresh batch of the cream cheese glaze and drizzle it over the pound cake just before serving. This ensures the glaze is fresh and perfectly textured.

If you find yourself with leftover cake that has already been glazed, you can still freeze it, though we recommend freezing it in individual slices. Ensure the glaze has fully set before preparing for freezing. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them inside an airtight freezer-safe container. Freezing in individual slices offers great convenience, allowing you to grab a single portion whenever a sweet craving strikes. Thaw individual slices overnight in the refrigerator, and they’ll be ready to enjoy. For more detailed information and tips, refer to our comprehensive guide on Can You Freeze Pound Cake.

Discover More Irresistible Pound Cake Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and deliciousness of pound cakes, we have many more delightful recipes for you to explore. Each offers a unique flavor profile while retaining that signature moist, dense crumb. Expand your baking repertoire with these family favorites:

• Peach Cobbler Pound Cake: A delightful fusion of classic peach cobbler flavors within a tender pound cake.
• Lemon Pound Cake: Zesty and refreshing, perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
• Easy Pound Cake Recipe: Our go-to classic, simple yet incredibly satisfying.
• Chocolate Pound Cake: A rich, decadent treat for all chocolate lovers.
• For even more inspiration, browse our full collection of Pound Cake Recipes.

We encourage you to go ahead and make this yummy Red Velvet Pound Cake for your next special occasion or simply to treat yourself. Once you experience its incredible flavor and texture, please share your thoughts by leaving a star rating and comment on the recipe. Your feedback helps our baking community!