Take everything you love about red velvet—the subtle cocoa, the velvety texture, the signature scarlet hue—and elevate it with the buttery richness of a classic pound cake. This Homemade Red Velvet Pound Cake is the ultimate Southern-inspired showstopper, topped generously with tangy, fluffy cream cheese frosting and, if you like, a sprinkle of pecans for the perfect finish.
Whether it’s for a holiday table, celebration, or just a reason to indulge on a Sunday, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why I Love This Recipe
This pound cake is the best of both worlds:
- Moist and dense like any good pound cake
- Flavored with cocoa and vanilla for that signature red velvet flair
- Beautifully red and finished with rich cream cheese frosting
- Reliable and versatile for holidays, birthdays, or any sweet craving
It’s big, bold, and slices like a dream.
Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Pound Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2½ cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp distilled white vinegar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream, as needed
- ½ cup chopped pecans, optional, for topping
Swaps and Notes
- Don’t skip the vinegar—it’s key to red velvet’s iconic tang and color development.
- Buttermilk substitute: Use regular milk + 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar.
- Frosting flavor twist: Add a dash of almond extract or lemon zest for a different finish.
- Pan tip: A Bundt or tube pan works best to give it structure and visual appeal.
How to Make Red Velvet Pound Cake
1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Grease and flour a Bundt or tube pan generously.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl:
- Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 4–5 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Liquids
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in sour cream, buttermilk, vanilla, red food coloring, and vinegar.
5. Combine Dry and Wet
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until smooth.
6. Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 60–75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a rack to cool completely.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a large bowl:
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla extract.
- If too thick, beat in heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency.
Assemble the Cake
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread or pipe the frosting generously over the top.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans if using for a crunchy, nutty finish.
- Slice and serve to impress!
Tips for Success
- Room temperature ingredients are key for smooth batter and frosting.
- Don’t overbake—check at 60 minutes to prevent drying out.
- Cool completely before frosting to avoid a melty mess.
- Store in fridge if making ahead, and bring to room temp before serving.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Make it a celebration spread with these ChefManiac favorites:
- Blueberry Lemonade – a fruity, fresh contrast to the rich cake
- Big Family Banana Pudding – for another classic Southern sweet
- No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie – an easy, creamy pairing
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites – for smaller sweet bites alongside
- Old-School No-Bake Cookies – a retro pairing that always hits
Storage & Leftovers
- Room temp: Store frosted cake in a cool place for up to 2 days.
- Fridge: Keeps best in the fridge for up to 5 days, tightly covered.
- Freezer: Wrap unfrosted slices in plastic wrap and freeze up to 2 months.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Love bold bakes and sweet Southern comfort? Don’t miss:
- Blueberry Lemonade
- Big Family Banana Pudding
- No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
- Old-School No-Bake Cookies
Final Thoughts
This Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is one of those timeless bakes that never goes out of style. Rich, tangy, and irresistibly pretty, it’s the kind of cake that turns every slice into a celebration.
Tried it? Tag @ChefManiac with your red velvet masterpiece! And follow for more Southern sweets, showstopper cakes, and frosting-covered favorites.
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