Let’s be real for a second—red velvet desserts hit different. That rich cocoa flavor, the dramatic red color, the cream cheese goodness… it’s dessert with main-character energy. I still remember the first time I baked a red velvet cake and thought, Wow, I might actually be a baking genius. Spoiler: I wasn’t, but the dessert still slapped.
If you love red velvet as much as I do (and I’m guessing you do, since you’re here), this list will feel like dessert heaven. I’m talking classic cakes, fun twists, easy no-bake options, and a few “why didn’t I think of that?” ideas. Ready to turn your kitchen into a red velvet wonderland? Let’s go—FYI, self-control might be required. 🙂
1. Classic Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This one starts the party because it deserves the spotlight. Classic red velvet cake never goes out of style, IMO. The soft crumb, subtle cocoa flavor, and tangy frosting always win.
Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1½ cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp vinegar
- Red food coloring
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease two cake pans.
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another.
- Combine everything until smooth and evenly colored.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes and cool completely.
- Beat frosting ingredients until fluffy and frost generously.
Ever noticed how this cake somehow tastes better the next day? Magic.
2. Red Velvet Cupcakes
Cupcakes feel like cake’s fun, low-commitment cousin. Red velvet cupcakes work for parties, birthdays, or random Tuesday cravings.
Ingredients
Use the same batter as classic red velvet cake.
Instructions
- Line a cupcake pan and fill liners ⅔ full.
- Bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes.
- Cool and frost with cream cheese frosting.
They disappear fast, so maybe hide one for yourself :/.
3. Red Velvet Cheesecake
This dessert goes full drama mode. Red velvet cheesecake blends creamy richness with cocoa vibes, and honestly, I never say no to it.
Ingredients
- 2 cups red velvet cake crumbs
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 16 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Mix crumbs with butter and press into a springform pan.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla, then pour over crust.
- Bake at 325°F for 45 minutes.
- Chill before serving.
Worth the wait? Absolutely.
4. Red Velvet Brownies
Brownies already feel elite, but red velvet brownies level things up fast. They taste fudgy, rich, and dangerously snackable.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 cup flour
- Red food coloring
Instructions
- Melt butter and mix with sugar.
- Add eggs, cocoa, and coloring.
- Fold in flour gently.
- Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.
Cut them small. Trust me.
5. Red Velvet Cookies
Soft centers, slightly crisp edges, and cream cheese filling? Red velvet cookies know what they’re doing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ½ cup butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- Red food coloring
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add egg and coloring.
- Mix in dry ingredients.
- Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
Ever tried them warm? Dangerous joy.
6. Red Velvet Cake Pops
Cake pops scream “party,” even when the party is just you. Red velvet cake pops look fancy but feel surprisingly easy.
Ingredients
- Crumbled red velvet cake
- Cream cheese frosting
- Chocolate coating
Instructions
- Mix cake crumbs with frosting.
- Roll into balls and chill.
- Dip in melted chocolate and let set.
They look bakery-made, and yes, that feels good.
7. Red Velvet Trifle
Layered desserts always impress. Red velvet trifle stacks cake, cream, and pure happiness.
Ingredients
- Cubed red velvet cake
- Whipped cream
- Cream cheese frosting
Instructions
- Layer cake, cream, and frosting in a glass bowl.
- Repeat until full.
- Chill before serving.
Ever noticed people suddenly become polite when trifle appears?
8. Red Velvet Ice Cream
Ice cream but make it dramatic. Red velvet ice cream tastes creamy with a mild cocoa finish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup condensed milk
- Cocoa powder
- Red food coloring
Instructions
- Whip cream until soft peaks form.
- Fold in condensed milk, cocoa, and coloring.
- Freeze for 6 hours.
Summer dessert goals? Achieved.
9. Red Velvet Donuts
Donuts plus red velvet equals instant bakery vibes. Red velvet donuts feel indulgent without trying too hard.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- Cocoa powder
- Eggs
- Red food coloring
Instructions
- Mix batter until smooth.
- Pipe into donut pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes.
Add glaze if you want chaos—in a good way.
10. Red Velvet Pancakes
Breakfast but make it bold. Red velvet pancakes feel extra without being complicated.
Ingredients
- Pancake mix
- Cocoa powder
- Red food coloring
Instructions
- Prepare batter and add cocoa and coloring.
- Cook on a hot skillet.
- Top with cream cheese glaze.
Brunch just got competitive.
11. Red Velvet Waffles
Crispy edges, soft centers, and red velvet flavor? Yes. Red velvet waffles turn mornings into events.
Ingredients
- Waffle batter
- Cocoa powder
- Red food coloring
Instructions
- Mix batter thoroughly.
- Cook in waffle iron until golden.
- Serve warm with syrup or frosting.
Why rush breakfast when this exists?
12. Red Velvet Mug Cake
Sometimes you want dessert now. Red velvet mug cake respects that urgency.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- Cocoa powder
- Milk
- Red food coloring
Instructions
- Mix everything in a mug.
- Microwave for 60–90 seconds.
- Cool slightly and enjoy.
Zero patience required.
13. Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars
Bars feel neat and portable. Red velvet cheesecake bars taste rich without the mess.
Ingredients
- Red velvet cake base
- Cream cheese layer
Instructions
- Press cake batter into a pan.
- Add cheesecake mixture on top.
- Bake until set.
Perfect for sharing… or not.
14. Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
These feel playful and nostalgic. Red velvet whoopie pies sandwich cream cheese filling between soft cakes.
Ingredients
- Red velvet batter
- Cream cheese frosting
Instructions
- Pipe batter into rounds.
- Bake and cool.
- Sandwich with frosting.
They vanish fast at parties.
15. Red Velvet Tiramisu
Classic tiramisu with a twist. Red velvet tiramisu feels fancy but approachable.
Ingredients
- Red velvet cake slices
- Mascarpone cheese
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Layer cake and cream mixture.
- Chill overnight.
- Serve cold.
Ever tried dessert leftovers for breakfast? Just saying.
16. Red Velvet Milkshake
Dessert you can drink always feels rebellious. Red velvet milkshake tastes rich, creamy, and fun.
Ingredients
- Vanilla ice cream
- Milk
- Red velvet cake crumbs
Instructions
- Blend everything until smooth.
- Pour into glasses.
- Top with whipped cream.
Straws strongly encouraged.
17. Red Velvet Lava Cake
We finish strong. Red velvet lava cake delivers that gooey center moment everyone loves.
Ingredients
- Red velvet cake batter
- Chocolate center
Instructions
- Fill ramekins halfway.
- Add chocolate center.
- Bake until edges set but centers stay soft.
Cutting into it feels like a reward.
Conclusion: Pick One… or Don’t
So there you have it—17 red velvet desserts that prove this flavor refuses to be boring. From classic cakes to lazy mug desserts, red velvet adapts to every craving and mood. I’ve tested more than a few of these myself, and honestly, regret never shows up.
Now tell me—which one are you trying first? Or are you doing the bold thing and baking two? Either way, grab that red food coloring and have fun. Dessert should always feel this good.