This red velvet cake with white chocolate cream cheese frosting is simple to throw together and decadently delicious.
red velvet cake with white chocolate cream cheese frosting

I’m feeling a little bad for red velvet these days.

Mostly because I swore for the past 26 years that it was going to be my wedding cake and then I up and left it for the first Pistachio Cake with Honey Buttercream Frosting that walked on by.

What! I’m a girl! I’m SUPPOSED to change my mind on a whim!

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But, also, I’m a girl.

So now I feel bad and can’t stand the thought of it being mad at me.

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Just have a whole red velvet-dedicated month to make up for it, did you say?!

Well, don’t mind if I do!

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You guys are my favorite kinds of enablers. That’s why we’re BFFs.

So, in the words of Pink, “Let’s get this {red velvet} party started!”

With cake. Because we should probably master the classics before we get all funkytown with it.

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Most red velvet cakes are these towering layer cake monstrosities that you almost don’t want to cut because of their sheer beauty(/cutting layer cakes is stressful stuff and I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone), so we are going the simpler single layer route. It just seems so much more doable, and makes you want to eat it THAT MUCH MORE. Don’t you think?

This red velvet cake in particular is basically a big ball of cake fluff. Likely from the use of cake flour, which is so light and airy and gives it a tight crumb, and lots of baking powder.

And then it’s topped with heaven aka white chocolate cream cheese frosting aka WHERE HAS THIS BEEN ALL MY LIFE.

Excuse me while I faceplant in it.

Oh, yes. I like atonement. Atonement tastes good.

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One year ago…Pain de Campagne and Braised Mixed Greens and Garlicky Beans on Toast

Two years ago…Quinoa Chowder with Sweet Potatoes, Spinach, Feta and Scallions

Three years ago…Macaroni and Goat Cheese with Roasted Red Peppers

Four years ago…Apple Strudel Bread, Pasta with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Five years ago…Spinach-Artichoke Ravioli-Lasagna

Rosy Red Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
 
This red velvet cake is simple to throw together and decadently delicious with a white chocolate cream cheese frosting to top it.
Yield: 1 9-inch cake
Ingredients
For the cake
  • 3 large egg whites, room temperature
  • 1 tbsp Red Velvet Emulsion (or 2 tbsp red food coloring)
  • 1½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups cake flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil, room temperature
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ½ cup lowfat buttermilk
For the white chocolate frosting
  • 3 oz white chocolate, chopped
  • 4 oz lowfat cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ tbsp greek yogurt
  • ⅛ tsp almond extract
Instructions
  1. Line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper and coat with baking spray.
  2. Preheat oven to 350.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg whites, red velvet emulsion/food coloring, and vanilla, until combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
  5. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the oil and butter for 1 minute, or until mostly combined. Add in the flour and buttermilk in one addition and mix on low until just combined. Increase the speed to medium and mix for 1½ minutes. Scrape down the bowl.
  6. On low speed, mix in the egg white mixture in two parts, beating for 30 seconds after each addition on medium speed to incorporate. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Put the white chocolate in a microwave-proof pool and heat in 15 second intervals, stirring after each, until melted. Allow to cool until it is room temperature.
  8. In a food processor, process the cream cheese, butter, and greek yogurt until smooth. Scrape down the sides. Add in the white chocolate and pulse until incorporate. Add in the almond extract and pulse to combine.
  9. Using an offset spatula, spread the frosting over the cake.
Notes
Slightly adapted from Rose's Heavenly Cakes
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1 slice

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88 Responses to Rosy Red Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. gloria says:

    omy look absolutely beautiful and delicuous! Is a beauty! really lovely Joanne!!

  2. Ahhhh, so excited for you, girl! Love red velvet, but that pistachio cake with honey buttercream sounds like pure bliss too!! No worries though, you more than made it up to red velvet! 😉

  3. What a beautiful tone your cake took on Joanne – so tempting!

  4. Johanna GGG says:

    It looks gorgeous – the colours are brilliant – makes me understand why I told someone recently that they weren’t eating red velvet cake – it looked like a chocolate cake but apparently I was wrong on the name.

    However I think you must let go – don’t fall in love with red velvet all over again and regret the wedding cake choice – though there is always the ruby wedding anniversary 🙂

  5. debbie says:

    Just a beautiful and simple cake that looks delicious!!!!

  6. Looks stunning!!! I love me red velvet and can’t get enough.

  7. Absolutely gorgeous! I need some of that white chocolate cream cheese frosting in my life ASAP 🙂

  8. patsy says:

    Such a pretty cake… I think that’s what I love about red velvet anything! 🙂 Can’t wait to see what else you come up with that has red velvet involved!

  9. Red velvet is my weakness – I’m crying over this, it looks so delicious!

  10. Kathryn says:

    I’ve never actually made a red velvet cake – I’m thinking I need to change that asap!

  11. I live for red velvet cake! This just needs to be smooshed in my face!

  12. Julia says:

    This ode to red velvet cake is priceless! I love pistachio cake, so I can see the tough decision between your timeless favorite and the pistachio. This cake is perfect for V day..and every day. Love, love, love it!

  13. Meg says:

    Ooh, this looks fab. I’m totally cool with a month-long celebration of red velvet, which is one of the greatest things ever. (Sidenote: I made blue velvet cupcakes for a friend’s baby shower a few years back and wow, food coloring is no joke. We all had blue tongues for a day or two. Does red velvet emulsion cut down on that stained effect? I’ve never had red food coloring affect me like the blue, but it was a little scary!)

  14. SallyBR says:

    BEAUTY!

    excuse my ignorance, but the cute little red sprinkles on top, is that colored sugar? Too hard to find???? specialty stores?

  15. Good golly – red velvet is one of my fav cake flavors – and one I have never been quite successful at mastering-so thanks for sharing your recipe, Joanne – your cake looks DELICIOUS!
    That frosting should be renamed to “white chocolate DREAM cheese frosting” !
    Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

  16. bellini says:

    I need to get my hands on some of this Red Velvet Emuslion you talk about Joanne. Using bright red food colouring has deterred me from making this Souther treat.

  17. Lynn says:

    That looks lick-the-plate worthy!

  18. who needs layers when your cake is this beautiful?!?!

  19. Love love love this pretty pink cake! It doesn’t even have to be Feb for me to want this. Gorgeous pics and goodie, as always!
    Also, of course you are entitled to change your mind. 😉
    Have a great weekend!!

  20. As much as I love red velvet, that pistachio cake sounds amazing – tough decisions!

  21. Oh how pretty, I love the colour and the fact that it’s one layered. Cutting big cakes makes me very nervous and gets my palms all clammy. The frosting sound delicious, saving for sure!

  22. Oh man I don’t blame you for changing your mind to that pistachio cake. I think you’ve made up for it either way.

  23. PERFECT for V-day and ohhhh sooooo pretty! Loving this!

  24. cheri says:

    Love the color and the sprinkles, great recipe!

  25. Kristi says:

    Red Velvet cake is one of my favorite kind of cakes, and one that Justine actually likes! White chocolate cream cheese frosting.. oh my words.

  26. I love your pictures! Funny thing, I’m not a huge cream cheese fan, but I adore cream cheese frosting. That pistashio cake sounds so good too. I would have totally done the same thing.

  27. Holly molly, I need this cake. I love the fact that you used Greek yogurt in the frosting. I have been able to sneak some Greek yogurt on my frosting before and I love it 🙂 Great looking cake.

  28. Congrats on finally picking a wedding cake flavor! Also, white chocolate cream cheese frosting…OHMYGAHH. Get in mah belllyyy.

  29. Kate says:

    I’ve been waiting to see that emulsion in action!

  30. LOVE this! We had a red velvet wedding cake, and I like making red velvet (anything) for Dino for special occasions. Yum!

  31. sippitysup says:

    I’m sure ALL cakes still like you (and always will). GREG

  32. HaaHaaa ‘excuse me while I face plant in it’ ;}
    You know, it’s all the rage to have a small “Bride and Groom Cake” separate from your Wedding cake. just saying’.

  33. This cake looks amazing! Glad to know I’m not the only one that occasionally feels bad for stuff. Like I can’t hurt cake’s feelings, but my brain sometimes doesn’t understand that 😉

  34. Whoa girl, this cake looks crazy good! Red velvet is definitely my friend too, but the flavour of your wedding cake sounds INSANELY good…..and so does that bakery!!

  35. Holy crap, you guys have picked a wedding cake already? You have it together, friend. I’m jealous. Can you come plan my wedding too? Bring cake. Kthxseeyousoon.

  36. Hotly Spiced says:

    That does looks super-moist. Maybe you could have a red velvet cake at your hen’s party? Will look for that red emulsion ingredient – haven’t sighted it yet xx

  37. I’ve never heard of that emulsion, very cool. And I LOVE the idea of a white chocolate frosting—yummy!!

  38. I’ve never heard of that emulsion, very cool. And I LOVE the idea of a white chocolate frosting—yummy!!

  39. This cake is stunning! I can’t wait to see what other recipes you have up your sleeve.

  40. I wish I wasn’t reading this right now. In fact I wish I’d never found your blog.

    I am so damn hungry right now I could eat chocolate covered anchovies. So yeah, this cake is torture.

  41. Deena Kakaya says:

    Oh my, looks so bright and lovely and airy! X

  42. Holy Moly, this cake looks really fluffy! The texture is beyond amazing, and that frosting sounds so good that I want to cover my whole house in it… and then eat it all. Give it to me!

  43. OMG…Se ve muy delicioso y bonito color…BRAVO… abrazos.

  44. Tara says:

    First I judged you for not choosing this visually stunning, gastronomically appealing cake but I clicked the link and that pistachio one looks amazing. Seriously. Can I come to your wedding? (only half joking)

  45. I ADORE one pan cakes like this.
    They are so trending but more importantly they are easy and much safer than those nasty boxed cakes.
    Love this J

  46. Paula Hennig says:

    I have Rose’s Cookbook but haven’t made this one, That frosting is definitely on my lists of Must Make!!

  47. Oh, yummy!! Your red velvet cake looks so delicious.

  48. Trisha says:

    Can I say that part of the reason I look forward to Fridays is because I know you’ll be posting another awesome dessert recipe??? This looks fabulous. I’m so intrigued by the white chocolate/ cream cheese/ greek yogurt combo in the frosting. Can’t wait to try this!

  49. The cake looks stunning, Joanne. Love the gorgeous colour contrast and the smooth and light crumb.

  50. Kelster says:

    I guess you liked the emulsion!

  51. I’m happy to help you out with that atonement Joanne…in fact, I suspect the whole blogosphere will be joining in. Deeeelicious!

  52. Teffy says:

    I love red velvet! Definitely one of my favourite cake flavours, and number one for cupcakes.
    I once had red velvet pancakes with cream cheese. So so good.

    {Teffy’s Perks} X

  53. This is the most beautiful red velvet color I’ve seen! Loving these photos and this cake sounds perfect!

  54. Barbara says:

    Cute, cute! And perfect for YOUR Valentine!
    I remember choosing my wedding cake….this was back in the dark ages, remember….we chose a white chocolate cake. Very unusual in those days!
    Are you doing a groom’s cake?

  55. Jess says:

    Yum, absolutely delicious Joanne! Loving the sound of the frosting..:)

  56. White chocolate frosting!!!! Of course!

  57. Simply put, this look insanely fabulous. White chocolate cream cheese?! Yes please!

  58. Ahh this cake! So amazing looking and simple, too. I love.
    Pinning!

  59. I think red velvet will forgive you! Especially when you slather it with this delicious white chocolate cream cheese frosting – yum!!

  60. This is gorgeous! I guess the Red Velvet Emulsion is working out for you! I would love to try it out!

  61. What a gorgeous crumb and colour to this cake, delicious job! 😀

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

  62. P says:

    Simple and beautiful—so perfect :)!

  63. Love the colour of that cake — what a beauty! I think you made it up to the red velvet kind for not picking it at your wedding!

  64. wow, look t that velvety red color….
    beautifully delicious!!!
    i like it even more with low fat frosting…..

  65. I’ve seen quite a few bloggers lately ask their readers on FB if they like Red Velvet? Is this even a question? Who doesn’t like red velvet??? Your cake is amazing.

  66. grace says:

    the crumb of the cake looks amazing, joanne–so freakin’ soft! and that frosting couldn’t be any more luscious.

  67. I have never managed to get this red colour for my red velvet cakes, maybe its use of right food colour, will have try the one you have mentioned….cake looks lovely!

  68. As always, it looks amazing! Pistachio/honey buttercream…doesn’t sound too shabby either!!

  69. Velva says:

    This cake is a southern classic that graces at some point in the year every table and diner. Love it.

    Velva

  70. Meike says:

    This cake is a beauty!! I love your frosting recipe, the Greek yoghurt sounds great!

  71. Who cares about dinner tonight, let’s go straight to this cake instead!

  72. Susan says:

    That would be a delicious and very romantic choice! We attended a wedding last year where each layer of the wedding cake was a different flavor. Just in case you need that pistachio one too 🙂

  73. Gosh darn it girl! I just finished dinner and this cake is killing me. I don’t have the ingredients to make it right now so I am just eating peanut butter form a spoon. SO not the same thing. Going to the store tomorrow to pick up all the goods!!!

  74. I’ve never seen red velvet cake with such a brilliant color. I love it! A whole month? how exciting.

  75. Megan says:

    I made Rose’s version a few years ago. Such a great cake! The red is so vibrant in yours.

  76. What a pretty cake and just in time for Valentines! Perfect !

  77. This cake is so pretty, I can’t wait for more red velvet:-) Did you like the emulsion?

  78. Reeni says:

    What a gorgeous cake! Loving the sound of the frosting! Two of my favorite dessert ingredients together. This has Valentine’s day written all over it!

  79. Shannon says:

    white chocolate cream cheese frosting? sounds absolutely up my alley 🙂

  80. […] after tasting last week’s red velvet cake, The.Boy was all like, “it’s good but it doesn’t have enough […]

  81. Hi Joanne! My latest post also happens to be a Red Velvet Cake. I had never heard about this cake before, then decided to give it a try for Valentine’s Day. Then I read on someone’s blog that they thought this cake was being overdone for Valentine’s Day- how strange because I hadn’t heard of it! But personally, I don’t think it’s being overdone- it certainly tastes good- I’m not sick of it!! I made my cake with a simple Meringue icing, but next time I’ll try your cream cheese and white chocolate icing- OMG, here comes the weight gain!

  82. Nutmeg Nanny says:

    This cake is so so pretty and it looks darn tasty 🙂 loving it!

  83. Dina says:

    this is my definition of happy place!

  84. Nicole says:

    This looks awesome. Question though – should there be icing/powered sugar in the icing recipe?

    • joanne says:

      Nope, the only added sweetness to the frosting is from the white chocolate. The cake itself is pretty sweet, so the frosting is more tangy with a hint of sweet. It’s a really good compliment!

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