These red velvet desserts highlight the cake’s classic flavor in new forms, from cookies to layered cheesecakes and cinnamon rolls.
1/17
Red Velvet Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
Festive and oh, so good, this cheesecake will become a fixture on your Christmas dessert menu. The red velvet filling is spiked with cocoa, topped with cream cheese frosting and baked in a chocolate cookie crumb crust. —Karen Dively, Chapin, South Carolina
2/17
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is special to me because it is totally original, my very own! The cookies are firm but not crunchy on the outside, and they're tender inside. The powdered sugar makes them melt in your mouth. —Jane Rundell, Alanson, Michigan
3/17
Red Velvet Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
It's just not Christmas at our house until this festive cake appears. This is different from other red velvets I’ve had; the icing is as light as snow. For quicker assembly, you can leave the layers untrimmed and simply frost the top and side of the cake with icing. —Kathryn Davison, Charlotte, North Carolina
Looking for a healthier alternative? Don’t forget to check out this gluten-free red velvet cake.
4/17
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
Turn a box of red velvet cake mix into this easy dessert—or breakfast! The icing tastes good and makes a pretty contrast with the rolls. —Erin Wright, Wallace, Kansas
5/17
Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These festive sugar-coated red velvet cookies are perfect for Christmas. They’re just as delicious as they are beautiful. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
These Ree Drummond red velvet cake cookies offer another delicious alternative for this sweet treat.
6/17
Red Velvet Pound Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious red velvet pound cake is the perfect combination of flavors. Make sure the cake has cooled before icing it; for extra crunch sprinkle some roasted pecans on top. —Robin Smith, Old Fort, North Carolina
7/17
Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone gets a kick out of this fun take on the popular red velvet cake. Take a shortcut and use packaged cream cheese frosting for the filling. —Judi Dexheimer, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
8/17
Red Velvet Brownies
From the Recipe Creator:
These convenient and quick red velvet brownies are made with a box of red velvet cake mix and five other basic ingredients. Topped with cream cheese frosting, they have all the classic tang and subtle cocoa flavor red velvet is known for. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
9/17
Red Velvet Spritz Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
I had never come across a red velvet spritz recipe, so I decided to create one. The hint of cocoa makes these taste like red velvet cake. Add peppermint flavoring for a little extra kick. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
10/17
Red Velvet Peppermint Thumbprints
From the Recipe Creator:
Red velvet cookies and cakes are so pretty, but I always wish they had a bigger flavor. I infused these thumbprints with a peppermint pop. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California
11/17
Red Velvet Cake Balls
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone loves red velvet, but any cake mix can work here. I've even rolled chopped macadamia nuts into pineapple cake and dipped them into white chocolate. Whatever you do, have fun! —Anne Powers, Munford, Alabama
12/17
Cheesecake Layered Red Velvet Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
I love both red velvet cake and cheesecake. So why not combine them into one stunning red velvet cheesecake recipe? It's best when served chilled, right out of the fridge. —Melissa Gaines, Knoxville, Tennessee
13/17
Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
I fell for the Bakewell tart, a British dessert, while stationed in Dubai with the Navy. Jam with almond filling is traditional, but red velvet makes this a holiday dazzler. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
14/17
Red Velvet Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
My student job in college was in the bakery. These dreamy morsels take me back to that special place and time. Red velvet lovers will appreciate this fun take on the cake. —Christina Petri, Alexandria, Minnesota
15/17
Red Velvet Cupcakes with Coconut Frosting
From the Recipe Creator:
Celebrate in luscious style with these coconut-topped red velvet cupcakes. The sweet shreds lend fun flair. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
16/17
Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Cream cheese and red velvet cake go together like bread and butter, so I figured why not make a cheesecake-filled red velvet cookie? The key ingredient here is farmer cheese: a denser, drier cheese similar in texture to feta. It keeps the filling from being too soft and gives the sweet cookie a little bit of tang. —Kristyne Mcdougle Walter, Lorain, Ohio
17/17
Red Velvet Jar Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to make these red velvet jar cakes for friends, family and teachers. Red velvet is my favorite during the holidays, but you can use any cake and frosting flavors you like. Then dress up the jars with homemade labels and ribbons for gifting. Don't forget to tie a spoon to the jar; everyone likes to dig right in! —Lillie Collier, Mobile, Alabama
Red Velvet Desserts FAQ
What gives red velvet desserts their unique flavor and color?
Red velvet gets its signature flavor from a blend of cocoa, buttermilk, vinegar and vanilla. Despite its bold appearance, the flavor falls between chocolate and vanilla with a light finish. The color originally came from a reaction between acidic ingredients and natural cocoa powder (which is different from Dutch-processed cocoa). However, most modern recipes use red food coloring to amplify the rich, scarlet color.
Can I make red velvet desserts without food coloring?
You can make red velvet desserts without food coloring, although the color will be closer to a soft cocoa-brown than a bright red. You can use natural food dyes like beet root powder, pomegranate juice or hibiscus water. The shade won’t be as vibrant as the dyed version, but it’s a great option for those avoiding food coloring.
What are some creative toppings for red velvet cupcakes?
Cream cheese frosting is a classic choice for red velvet cupcakes, but you can use other toppings like whipped white chocolate ganache for a smooth finish or a dusting of chopped pecans to add a bit of crunch. For a pop of color, try freeze-dried raspberries or candied orange slices. Around the holidays or on Valentine’s Day, decorative touches like edible glitter, piped buttercream hearts or a drizzle of dark chocolate can give your cupcakes a festive look.
