Name: Easy Moist Red Velvet Bundt Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 354 grams (2 1/2 cups + 2 Tablespoons) All-Purpose Flour (Gold Medal recommended); 1 Tablespoon Baking Powder; 2 teaspoons Baking Soda; 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt; 32 grams (1/4 cup) Instant Clearjel or 65 grams (6 Tablespoons) Vanilla instant pudding mix; 38 grams (6 Tablespoons) Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Hershey's recommended); 476 grams (2 1/4 cups + 2 Tablespoons) Sugar; 4 large Eggs; 1 1/2 cups full-fat Sour Cream; 1/2 cup Water; 3/4 cup Vegetable Oil; 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract; 1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces) Salted Butter (melted); 2 Tablespoons + 2 teaspoons Liquid Red Food Coloring; 2 teaspoons Apple Cider Vinegar; 4 ounces Cream Cheese (at room temperature); 1/2 stick (2 ounces) Salted Butter (melted); 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract; 195 grams (1 1/2 cups) Powdered Sugar; 1 Tablespoon Heavy Cream

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 7 reviews

There is something irresistibly wonderful about a velvety, tender cake with that signature deep red hue and a rich, creamy cream cheese glaze that just melts in your mouth. This Easy Moist Red Velvet Bundt Cake Recipe combines all those classic elements into a beautiful bundt cake that is as stunning to look at as it is delightful to eat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a luscious treat to brighten your day, this recipe’s moist crumb, balanced flavors, and vibrant color will have you coming back for seconds — and maybe thirds.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a single thick layer of bright red smooth batter inside a clear glass mixing bowl with a handle and spout. The batter has a creamy texture with swirls where it has been mixed and is spread evenly around the bowl’s inside. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface that gives a clean look. The batter fills about a third of the bowl, with some streaks on the sides showing the batter has been scraped. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in delivering the amazing taste, texture, and vivid red color that make this bundt cake irresistible. You’ll notice familiar pantry staples but also some special touches like instant pudding powder and apple cider vinegar that help keep the cake moist and flavorful.

All-Purpose Flour (354 grams / 2 ½ cups + 2 tablespoons): The sturdy base that provides structure without weighing down the cake.
Baking Powder (1 tablespoon): Ensures the cake rises perfectly, giving it that light, airy feel.
Baking Soda (2 teaspoons): Works with the acidic ingredients to create a tender crumb and helps activate the red color.
Salt (1 ½ teaspoons): Enhances all the sweet and savory notes in the cake.
Instant Clearjel or Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix (32 grams or 65 grams): Adds extra moistness and tenderness to every bite.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (38 grams / 6 tablespoons): Adds subtle depth and the classic red velvet chocolate hint.
Sugar (476 grams / about 2 ¼ cups + 2 tablespoons): Sweetens and contributes to the tender crumb.
Large Eggs (4): Provide structure and richness to the batter.
Full-Fat Sour Cream (1 ½ cups): Keeps the cake incredibly moist and adds a slight tanginess.
Water (½ cup): Lightens the batter to ensure the perfect texture.
Vegetable Oil (¾ cup): Contributes to the cake’s moist texture more than butter alone.
Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon): Enhances the cake’s flavor with its sweet aroma.
Salted Butter, melted (1 ½ sticks / 6 ounces): Gives richness and helps meld the flavors together.
Liquid Red Food Coloring (2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons): This is what gives your bundt cake that iconic, eye-catching red glow.
Apple Cider Vinegar (2 teaspoons): Reacts with baking soda to tenderize the crumb and brighten flavors.
Cream Cheese, at room temperature (4 ounces): The star ingredient for the luscious vanilla cream cheese glaze.
Salted Butter, melted (½ stick / 2 ounces) for glaze: Adds richness and smoothness to the icing.
Pure Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) for glaze: Gives the glaze a warm, sweet flavor boost.
Powdered Sugar (195 grams / 1 ½ cups) for glaze: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese icing just right.
Heavy Cream (1 tablespoon) for glaze: Creates a perfect consistency for drizzling over the cake.

How to Make Easy Moist Red Velvet Bundt Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees. Next, generously spray a 12-cup bundt cake pan with a cooking spray that contains flour, or grease and flour the pan thoroughly. This step ensures your gorgeous red velvet cake releases effortlessly once it's baked. Using the right size pan is important to avoid any overflow, so stick to the 12-cup size for perfect results!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, instant clearjel or pudding mix, and cocoa powder. After sifting, whisk everything until well blended. This ensures even distribution of rising agents and flavors, which helps your cake rise beautifully and bake evenly.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, sour cream, water, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully blended. This mixture provides the moisture and richness that make this recipe sing with flavor and tenderness.

Step 4: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients, then quickly add the apple cider vinegar. Whisk everything together promptly; you’ll notice the batter begin to bubble as the vinegar reacts with the baking soda. This reaction is the secret behind the tender, light crumb and bright flavor of this Easy Moist Red Velvet Bundt Cake Recipe.

Step 5: Add Butter and Red Food Coloring

Carefully pour in the melted butter and liquid red food coloring. Whisk just until smooth and uniform — the batter will be thick but luscious. The butter adds richness while the red coloring brings that classic velvet appearance.

Step 6: Pour and Bake

Transfer your batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with an offset spatula. Place the pan on the middle rack of your oven and bake for 30 minutes at 325 degrees. Then, without opening the oven, lower the heat to 300 degrees and bake for another 25 to 35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or small knife into the cake; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool the Cake

Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan until it feels lukewarm to the touch. Then carefully flip the cake out onto a plate or serving platter. Cooling partially in the pan ensures your cake keeps its perfect shape.

Step 8: Make the Vanilla Cream Cheese Glaze

To create the irresistible cream cheese glaze, whisk together the softened cream cheese and melted butter. Though it may look slightly curdled initially, keep whisking until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until the glaze is luscious and pourable. If it feels too thick, a few seconds in the microwave can soften it just right for drizzling.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve

Drizzle the vanilla cream cheese glaze generously over the completely cooled bundt cake. Using a disposable piping bag or a spoon makes it easy to create beautiful, even coverage. Now your Easy Moist Red Velvet Bundt Cake Recipe is ready to impress and delight!

How to Serve Easy Moist Red Velvet Bundt Cake Recipe

A round bundt cake with a rich brown color stands on a white cake stand with a smooth, round base and a decorative plate top. The cake has thick, white icing drizzled evenly from the top center, flowing down each ridge and slightly pooling at the base, creating a contrast with the dark brown cake. The scene is set on a white marbled surface, and the background is plain white, giving the cake a clean and bright look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your stunning bundt cake with simple garnishes like fresh berries, a sprinkle of edible gold dust, or a few toasted pecans on top for extra texture and crunch. Whipped cream or a few mint leaves can add a fresh finish that brightens the plate dramatically.

Side Dishes

Pair this rich and moist red velvet cake with vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a classic dessert duo. For a contrasting twist, serve alongside a tangy cranberry or raspberry compote that elevates the deep cocoa and cream cheese flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

This bundt cake shines on its own but dressing it up for special occasions can be so fun! Try stacking smaller slices with layers of cream cheese frosting and berries for mini trifle parfaits. Or dust the entire cake with powdered sugar and add a ribbon around the base for an elegant touch that's perfect for gifting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Easy Moist Red Velvet Bundt Cake Recipe will keep wonderfully when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to a week. Always keep the glaze cool to preserve its creamy texture.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before serving. The glaze may need a quick refresh by gently re-whisking.

Reheating

If you love your cake slightly warm, pop individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This softens the texture and gently melts the glaze for a truly comforting treat that tastes like it just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of all-purpose flour?

All-purpose flour is recommended for the right balance of structure and tenderness. Using cake flour can make the cake too soft and fragile, while bread flour may cause a dense texture. If you must substitute, adjust liquids slightly and expect a slight difference in texture.

What if I don’t have liquid red food coloring?

You can use gel or paste red food coloring as a substitute. They tend to be more concentrated, so start with a smaller amount and add more until you achieve your desired red hue. Just be careful not to affect the batter consistency with extra liquid.

Is the apple cider vinegar necessary?

Yes! Apple cider vinegar reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise and keep the crumb tender. It also brightens the cocoa flavor and enhances the authentic red velvet taste. Omitting it may result in a dull color and denser cake.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

With some modifications, yes. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. However, expect a slightly different texture. Make sure your instant pudding and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

How do I prevent my bundt cake from sticking to the pan?

Generously spray the pan with a flour-containing cooking spray or thoroughly grease and flour it. Letting the cake cool until only lukewarm before flipping helps prevent tearing. Be patient and gentle when unmolding — a light tap around the edges can help release the cake smoothly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that marries moist texture, rich flavor, and that iconic velvety look, this Easy Moist Red Velvet Bundt Cake Recipe was made for you. I promise it’s approachable enough for everyday baking but elegant enough for celebrations. Go ahead, bake it, share it, and bask in all the sweet compliments coming your way!

Easy Moist Red Velvet Bundt Cake Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need