Red Velvet Wreath Cake

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-cup bundt pan or wreath-shaped cake mold to ensure the cake releases cleanly after baking. For extra insurance, spray the pan with nonstick spray and dust with cocoa powder.

2. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and prevents lumps.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, combine the vegetable oil, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and white vinegar. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.

4. Add the Red Food Coloring

Stir in the red gel food coloring, starting with 1 tablespoon and adding more as needed to achieve a vibrant, deep red color. Gel food coloring is preferred because it won’t alter the consistency of the batter.

5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in a dense cake. The batter should be smooth, thick, and vibrantly red.

6. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, make the cream cheese frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream to reach the desired consistency.
4. For an extra festive touch, tint a small portion of the frosting green for decorative piping.

Decorating Your Red Velvet Wreath Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, it’s time to decorate!

1. Frost the Cake

• Use an offset spatula to spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake, or drizzle it over the top for a more rustic look.
• If using green-tinted frosting, pipe decorative swirls or leaves around the cake to mimic the look of a wreath.

2. Add the Wreath Decorations

• Arrange fresh rosemary sprigs around the cake to resemble evergreen leaves.
• Place sugared cranberries in clusters around the wreath to act as “berries.” To make sugared cranberries, simply roll fresh cranberries in simple syrup (sugar and water) and then in granulated sugar.
• Lightly dust the cake with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

3. Add Sparkle and Finishing Touches

• Sprinkle edible glitter or gold dust over the cake for a festive sparkle.
• Tie a red or green ribbon around the base of the cake or at the center for an added holiday touch.

Tips for Success

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature eggs, buttermilk, and cream cheese blend more evenly into the batter and frosting, ensuring a smoother texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to avoid a dense cake.
• Proper Bundt Pan Prep: Greasing and flouring your bundt pan thoroughly is crucial for easy cake release.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: A warm cake will melt the cream cheese frosting, so patience is key.
• Customize Decorations: Feel free to get creative with decorations. Add edible flowers, silver dragees, or white chocolate shavings for a unique twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Red Velvet Wreath Cake is not just a dessert—it’s a showstopper that adds elegance and festivity to any holiday celebration. Its:

• Beautiful Presentation: The wreath shape and decorations make it a stunning centerpiece.
• Delicious Flavor: The classic combination of red velvet and cream cheese frosting is a crowd-pleaser.
• Customizable: You can adapt the decorations to suit your holiday theme.
• Perfect for Gifting: Wrapped beautifully, this cake makes a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.

Final Thoughts

This holiday season, elevate your dessert game with a Red Velvet Wreath Cake. It’s festive, elegant, and irresistibly delicious, making it perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. The vibrant red color, soft crumb, and tangy cream cheese frosting come together to create a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful.

Gather your ingredients, turn on some Christmas music, and enjoy the magic of baking this stunning holiday centerpiece. Happy holidays and happy baking! 🎄