Indulge your sweet tooth and get ready for a treat that’s as stunning as it is scrumptious – red velvet cake! This classic Southern dessert has gained popularity around the world, and it’s easy to see why. The combination of moist, velvety cake, creamy frostings, and subtle beany flavor from the addition of beets is a match made in heaven.
In this article, we’re excited to share 18 decadent red velvet cake recipes that will satisfy your cravings and impress your friends. From classic cupcakes to show-stopping layer cakes, we’ve got you covered with a range of flavors and textures to suit every taste. Whether you’re a fan of creamy frostings or prefer a lighter glaze, these recipes are sure to delight.
So go ahead, get baking, and indulge in the rich, velvety goodness that is red velvet cake!
Classic Red Velvet Beet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Experience the quintessential Southern charm of this beloved cake, infused with the natural sweetness and earthy flavor of beets. Moist, velvety crumbs and a hint of cocoa powder create a delightful contrast in this show-stopping dessert.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons red beet juice (canned or fresh)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Whisk together dry ingredients in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, eggs, beet juice, and vanilla extract; whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking until combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans; bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting (see below).
Cream Cheese Frosting:
1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar, beating until combined.
Vegan Red Velvet Beet Cake with Cashew Frosting
This stunning cake combines the natural sweetness of beets with the creamy richness of cashews, all wrapped up in a velvety red velvet package. Perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence!
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 1 1/2 cups almond flour
– 1 cup cooked and peeled beets
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– 1/4 cup coconut oil
– 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup non-dairy milk
For the frosting:
– 1 cup soaked cashews
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons coconut cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl; whisk together wet ingredients in another bowl. Add beets to wet mixture and stir until smooth.
3. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Allow cakes to cool completely before assembling with cashew frosting.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Gluten-Free Red Velvet Beet Cake with Whipped Coconut Cream
Elevate your dessert game with this vibrant and decadent gluten-free red velvet beet cake, topped with a creamy whipped coconut cream.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 1 1/2 cups almond flour
– 1/2 cup coconut sugar
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup beet puree
– 1 teaspoon red food coloring
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
For the whipped cream:
– 1 can full-fat coconut milk, chilled
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, beet puree, red food coloring, and xanthan gum.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool completely before assembling and topping with whipped coconut cream.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Red Velvet Beet Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting
These moist and flavorful cupcakes combine the natural sweetness of beets with the classic taste of red velvet, topped with a rich buttercream frosting.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups cooked and peeled beets
– 2 tablespoons red food coloring
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Buttercream frosting (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Add beets, red food coloring, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Buttercream Frosting:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Beat butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract; mix until combined.
Red Velvet Beet Layer Cake with Mascarpone Frosting
This stunning cake combines the natural sweetness of beets with the richness of mascarpone frosting, all wrapped up in a velvety red velvet package. Perfect for special occasions or a unique dessert to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (120ml) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons red food coloring
– 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
– 1/4 cup cooked and pureed beets
For the frosting:
– 8 ounces (225g) mascarpone cheese
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl. Whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and red food coloring. Add softened butter and mix until smooth.
3. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Allow cakes to cool completely before assembling with mascarpone frosting.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes per cake layer
Red Velvet Beet Cheesecake Swirl Cake
Experience the perfect blend of sweet and savory with this unique cake that combines the rich flavors of red velvet, beetroot, and creamy cheesecake. This stunning dessert is sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons red food coloring
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup beetroot puree
For the cheesecake swirl:
– 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add softened butter and mix until just combined.
3. Beat in eggs, red food coloring, and beetroot puree.
4. Pour batter into prepared pans and smooth tops.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Meanwhile, prepare cheesecake swirl by beating cream cheese, sugar, and eggs.
7. Swirl cheesecake mixture over cooled cakes. Refrigerate before serving.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Red Velvet Beet Bundt Cake with Vanilla Glaze
Red Velvet Beet Bundt Cake with Vanilla Glaze: A sweet and savory masterpiece that combines the natural sweetness of beets with the classic flavors of red velvet cake, topped with a creamy vanilla glaze.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 large eggs
– 2 medium beets, peeled and grated (about 1 cup)
– 1 teaspoon red food coloring
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup bundt pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, eggs, grated beets, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely before glazing with vanilla glaze (recipe below).
Vanilla Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Whisk all ingredients until smooth and drizzle over cooled cake.
Red Velvet Beet Sheet Cake with Creamy Chocolate Frosting
This decadent sheet cake is a perfect combination of sweet and earthy flavors, with the added bonus of vibrant red color. Moist beet-infused cake is topped with a rich chocolate frosting, making it a show-stopping dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup beet puree (cooked and mashed)
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tsp red food coloring
For the frosting:
– 8 oz high-quality dark chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
– 2 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking sheet and line with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together beet puree, oil, eggs, and red food coloring.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking sheet and smooth top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow cake to cool completely before frosting.
Frosting:
1. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
2. In a large bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
3. Add melted chocolate and heavy cream, beating until combined.
4. Spread frosting over cooled cake.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Red Velvet Beet Mug Cake with Yogurt Drizzle
Red Velvet Beet Mug Cake with Yogurt Drizzle: A sweet and earthy treat that combines the natural sweetness of beets with the decadence of a rich cake, topped off with a tangy yogurt drizzle.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 tablespoon beet puree (canned or cooked)
– 1 tablespoon milk
– 1 tablespoon melted butter
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Yogurt drizzle: 2 tablespoons plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. In a microwave-safe mug, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
2. Add beet puree, milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until cake is cooked through.
4. Allow cake to cool slightly before topping with yogurt drizzle (mix yogurt and honey until combined).
5. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 1-2 minutes
Red Velvet Beet Pancakes with Maple Syrup
Start your day with a sweet and savory twist on traditional pancakes, featuring the natural sweetness of beets and the richness of maple syrup. These red velvet beet pancakes are perfect for a special brunch or breakfast treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons red beet puree
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, red beet puree, and melted butter.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Drop by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet or griddle.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
7. Flip and cook for another minute.
8. Serve warm with maple syrup drizzled on top.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes per batch
Red Velvet Beet Waffles with Whipped Cream
Experience the perfect blend of flavors and textures with these vibrant Red Velvet Beet Waffles topped with a dollop of whipped cream. The natural sweetness of beets pairs perfectly with the tanginess of buttermilk, while the red velvet hue adds a pop of color to your breakfast or brunch table.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1/4 cup cooked and peeled beets (see note)
– 1 tablespoon red food coloring
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Whipped cream, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, beets, red food coloring, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined.
3. Add vegetable oil and whisk until smooth.
4. Pour approximately 1/4 cup of batter onto the center of the waffle iron.
5. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the waffles are golden brown.
6. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (depending on waffle iron)
Red Velvet Beet Donuts with Powdered Sugar
These moist and flavorful donuts combine the natural sweetness of beets with the richness of red velvet cake, topped with a generous dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients:
– 2 large beetroot, peeled and cooked
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon red food coloring
– 2 large eggs
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and red food coloring.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and cooked beets.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Using a piping bag or a spoon, drop the batter into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
6. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Remove from oil and dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 donuts
Red Velvet Beet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl
Elevate your brownie game with the unique combination of red velvet, beets, and cream cheese swirl.
Ingredients:
– 1 and 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
– 2 cups sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup cooked and pureed beets
– 1 teaspoon red food coloring
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter and sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in beets, red food coloring, and vanilla extract.
6. Gradually mix in the flour mixture.
7. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
8. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add butter and powdered sugar; mix until combined.
9. Dollop spoonfuls of cream cheese swirl onto brownie batter.
10. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Red Velvet Beet Cookies with White Chocolate Chips
These vibrant cookies combine the natural sweetness of beets with the richness of white chocolate chips and a hint of red velvet flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 medium beet, cooked and pureed (about 1/2 cup)
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt to taste
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugars, and beet puree until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in egg and vanilla extract. Add red food coloring and mix well.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Fold in white chocolate chips.
7. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Red Velvet Beet Ice Cream Cake
This decadent dessert combines the classic flavors of red velvet cake with the sweet and earthy taste of beets, all wrapped up in a creamy ice cream. Perfect for a unique dessert or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup red food coloring
– 1/4 cup beet juice (see note)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cake mix (red velvet flavor)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Mix wet ingredients in a bowl, then whisk together dry ingredients separately.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients; pour into prepared pan.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Let cool completely before freezing.
6. Blend ice cream mix with beet juice and vanilla extract. Freeze according to package instructions.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes (cake), 2-3 hours (ice cream)
Red Velvet Beet Tiramisu with Coffee Soaked Layers
Elevate your dessert game with this unique and decadent tiramisu recipe, featuring the natural sweetness of beets and the richness of red velvet cake.
Ingredients:
– 12-16 ladyfingers
– 1 cup red velvet cake crumbs
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg yolk
– 1/4 cup beet juice (cooked and pureed)
– 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
– 8 oz mascarpone cheese
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together cake crumbs, sugar, and cocoa powder.
2. Dip each ladyfinger into the milk mixture (about 3-5 seconds per side) then coat in the cake crumb mixture, shaking off excess.
3. In a separate bowl, whip mascarpone cheese with butter until smooth.
4. Layer ladyfingers and whipped mascarpone mixture in a serving dish, alternating between wet and dry layers.
5. Soak each layer of ladyfingers with brewed coffee for about 30 seconds before adding the next layer.
6. Dust the top with powdered sugar and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Cooking Time: None required, as this is a chilled dessert.
Red Velvet Beet Poke Cake with Sweetened Condensed Milk
This show-stopping dessert combines the natural sweetness of beets with the decadence of sweetened condensed milk, all wrapped up in a moist and tender red velvet cake.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons red food coloring
– 2 cups cooked and pureed beets
– 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and eggs until light and fluffy. Add red food coloring and mix well.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Pour in beets and mix until smooth.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow cake to cool completely before poking holes with a fork and pouring in sweetened condensed milk.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Red Velvet Beet Trifle with Fresh Berries
Red Velvet Beet Trifle with Fresh Berries: A Sweet and Tangy Layered Dessert
This stunning trifle combines the natural sweetness of beets, the richness of red velvet cake, and the freshness of berries for a unique and delightful dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 package red velvet cake mix
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons beet juice (fresh or bottled)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
– 1 cup fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or a combination)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare the red velvet cake mix according to package instructions.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together yogurt, sugar, beet juice, and salt until smooth.
3. Layer the cooled cake, whipped cream, and yogurt mixture in a large serving dish or individual glasses.
4. Top with fresh berries and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes (depending on cake preparation time)
Summary
Indulge in the rich flavors of red velvet cake with these decadent recipes that incorporate beets and creamy frostings. From classic cakes to cupcakes, brownies, cookies, and even donuts, there’s something for every sweet tooth. Explore vegan, gluten-free, and traditional options featuring cream cheese, mascarpone, whipped coconut cream, and more. Whether you’re in the mood for a moist layer cake or a sweet treat to brighten up your day, these 18 red velvet beet recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
