Red Velvet Wreath Cake

A Red Velvet Wreath Cake is a stunning and delicious holiday centerpiece! Here’s a step-by-step recipe to create this festive treat.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cocoa powder
• 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp distilled white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese (softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Decorations:

• Fresh rosemary sprigs (for the wreath)
• Fresh cranberries (or pomegranate seeds for berries)
• Edible glitter or powdered sugar for snow effect
• Optional: Ribbon for added flair

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Cake

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan or wreath-shaped pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar.
4. Mix the Batter:
   Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
5. Bake:
   Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Frosting

1. Beat Butter and Cream Cheese:
   In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar:
   Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
3. Add Vanilla and Salt:
   Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Assemble and Decorate

1. Frost the Cake:
   Once the cake is completely cool, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting over the top and sides.
2. Create the Wreath:
   Arrange rosemary sprigs around the top of the cake to mimic a wreath. Add fresh cranberries as “berries.”
3. Add Snow Effect:
   Lightly dust the cake with powdered sugar or edible glitter for a snowy touch.
4. Optional Ribbon:
   Tie a festive ribbon around the base of the cake or use it as an accent on the wreath.

Tips for Success

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures smooth mixing and even baking.
• Grease the Pan Well: Bundt cakes can stick, so be thorough with greasing and flouring your pan.
• Make Ahead: The cake can be baked and frosted a day ahead. Add decorations just before serving.

Your Red Velvet Wreath Cake is now ready to impress! It’s moist, rich, and festively adorned—a dessert as beautiful as it is delicious.