It was a chilly afternoon when I first discovered the enchanting allure of red velvet cake. A soft slice adorned with a cloud of cream cheese frosting tugged at my heart, reminding me of cozy gatherings and the warmth of home. The ruby-red hue, rich history, and moist texture all seemed to weave a tale of indulgence little did I know at that moment, I was about to bring that magic into my own kitchen with a delightful twist—a Red Velvet Loaf Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting!

Baking has always been a personal journey for me, a way to express love and creativity, especially as the seasons shift and invite us to indulge in comfort. Today, let’s take that classic red velvet flavor, transform it into a loaf cake format, and elevate it with luscious cream cheese frosting. You’re going to want to welcome this beauty into your family gatherings or, even better, enjoy it with a warm cup of tea during those quiet moments.

Recipe Timing

Prep Duration: 20 minutes
Active Cooking: 60 minutes
Total Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes
Portion Size: Serves 10
Complexity: Simple

Nutritional Recipe

Calories per portion: 400
Protein: 4g
Carbs: 52g
Fats: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 30g
Sodium: 300mg

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Loaf Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Imagine a slice of cake that’s not only visually stunning but also irresistibly moist and flavorful. The tangy cream cheese frosting beautifully complements the deep cocoa notes in the red velvet loaf, creating a balanced harmony of flavors. Whether it’s for a birthday celebration, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy evening treat, this cake feels festive and special. Trust me, it’s bound to be the star of your dessert table.

The Complete Cooking Journey

Let’s embark on this delightful adventure together! From measuring to mixing and finally frosting, every step is infused with love. Grab your apron, and let’s dive into this vibrant baking experience.

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon vinegar
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan. This ensures that your lovely creation doesn’t stick and can be easily removed for slicing!

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. This not only mixes them but aerates them for a fluffy loaf.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar. This colorful blend brings the red velvet magic to life.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Avoid over-mixing; we want to maintain the light fluffiness.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and send it off to the oven! Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will start to smell heavenly!

Step 6: Cool Completely

Allow the cake to cool completely after it has baked. This step is crucial for ensuring that your frosting doesn’t melt into a gooey mess.

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. This is where the creaminess starts!

Step 8: Sweeten the Mix

Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. The frosting should be thick and spreadable—perfect for adorning your loaf.

Step 9: Frost Your Cake

Spread the cream cheese frosting generously on the cooled loaf cake. Go ahead and be generous!

Step 10: Slice and Enjoy!

Now comes the best part—slicing into your gorgeous creation. Grab a plate, serve, and enjoy the satisfaction of your baking prowess!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This Red Velvet Loaf Cake is perfect on its own, but pair it with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun twist! Serve alongside a cup of rich coffee or herbal tea, and you have a dessert that feels like a hug on a plate.

Storage & Leftovers Guide

Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 3 months—just thaw before serving!

Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for an even batter and airy cake.
Don’t Skip Sifting: Sifting your dry ingredients is key to achieving a fluffy loaf. It’s a small step that makes a big difference!
Test for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time.

Flavor Variations & Adaptations

Feeling adventurous? Try adding a hint of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor or mingle spices like cinnamon for warmth. Additionally, you can opt for a less sweet cream cheese by using Greek yogurt for a tangy alternative!

Reader Questions & Solutions

Q: Why is my cake dense?
A: Dense cakes usually result from over-mixing. Mix until just combined, and you should be golden!
Q: Can I use different food coloring?
A: Absolutely! While red food coloring is traditional, you can experiment with any color to brighten up your cake.
Q: How can I make this gluten-free?
A: Swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Q: Is there a dairy-free option for the frosting?
A: Yes! Substitute the cream cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use vegan butter.
Q: How do I know the cake is done baking?
Poke a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs if it’s done!

Wrapping Up

There you have it—a beautiful, vibrant Red Velvet Loaf Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting that’s sure to become a beloved recipe in your repertoire. Not only does it look stunning, but it captures the essence of sweet indulgence. Whether for a special occasion or simply to brighten your day, this cake is a delicious reminder that baking is all about sharing love, creativity, and joy. So, roll up those sleeves, bring your unique touch to this recipe, and let the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked cake fill your home! Happy baking!