Red Velvet Bundt Cake With Cake Mix

This easy red velvet bundt cake recipe using a box cake mix delivers moist, decadent results with no-fuss. The rich red velvet flavor and the stunning bundt cake make this the perfect show-stopping dessert for any occasion.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes (check the cake mix box for exact times).
Cooling Time: 15 minutes + 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 55 minutes
Servings: 10-12
Preparation Level: Beginner +

Why You Will Love This Cake

• It’s gorgeous! It will be a centerpiece show-stopper.
• The red velvet cake is super easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients.
• It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day or Christmas.

Ingredients

Cake

• Red Velvet cake mix plus ingredients listed on the cake mix box (eggs, oil, water)

Cream Cheese Frosting

• Cream cheese, room temp
• Butter, room temp
• Powdered sugar, sifted
• Vanilla extract

The full printable recipe with measurements and instructions is at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

Step-By-Step Instructions For The Cake

Preheat the oven to the temperature on the cake mix box. Grease a Bundt pan thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray or crisco, and lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking.

In a large mixing bowl, prepare the red velvet cake mix according to the package instructions, using the listed eggs, oil, and water. Mix until smooth and combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for the time recommended on the cake mix box for a Bundt cake or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted near the center comes out clean.

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. DO NOT let it cool completely in the pan, or the cake will stick. Carefully invert the cake onto a wire cooling rack and let it cool completely before adding the frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until the frosting is light and fluffy.

After the cake has cooled to room temperature, you can use a piping bag with a star tip to pipe circles of different sizes on the top of the cake and overlap some of the circles. Fill in any holes with a small star.

Or, if you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a spoon and drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the Bundt cake, letting it drizzle down the sides. If it’s thick, you can spread it around the top and sides.

Garnish the cake with fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary or pine boughs arranged around the base or on top. Lightly dust the entire cake with powdered sugar for a fun snowy effect. (Just don’t eat the pine boughs).

Optional: You can sprinkle some edible glitter over the top of the cake to give it a little bit more of a festive sparkle.

Storage Instructions

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or refrigerate for up to seven days.

Tips

• Use a good-quality red velvet cake mix for a rich and moist cake. You can substitute milk for water or add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for some added flavor.
• Make sure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing to get a smooth, lump-free frosting. Chill the frosting slightly if it becomes too soft for piping.
• Use a star piping tip for some decorative flair. Practice piping on parchment paper before decorating the cake to perfect your technique. You can pipe different sizes of circles on the top, this gives a Christmasy festive wreath appearance.
• Gently press fresh cranberries and rosemary or pine sprigs into the frosting for a Christmas-inspired look. Wash and dry the garnishes thoroughly before using.
• Chill the cake after decorating to set the frosting. This will also help you get clean slices when serving.

More Red Velvet Recipes

• Red Velvet Cake Balls from Iowa Girl Eats
• Red Velvet (White Chocolate) Fudge
• Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Filling
• Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies
• Red Velvet Swirl Cheesecake Brownies