red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting and candied fruit

Red velvet cake

jeweled red velvet jubilation cake

By:

GuideMyRecipe

Published:

06 Oct 2025

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I remember baking my first red velvet cake like it was yesterday. I was probably ten years old, trying to impress my grandma, and I completely forgot the vinegar. The cake came out… well, let’s just say it was dense enough to use as a doorstop! But hey, we all start somewhere, right? This Jeweled Red Velvet Jubilation Cake, though? It’s miles away from that initial disaster. It’s the kind of cake that makes people gasp when you bring it out, a total showstopper. The vibrant red, the creamy frosting, the sparkling candied fruit—it’s pure magic. You see, a cake can be more than just a dessert; it can tell a story. It can be a memory, a celebration, a comfort on a tough day. And this cake? It's a joyous occasion in every bite.
overhead shot of a slice of red velvet cake on a decorative plate
Now, I know what you might be thinking: red velvet can be tricky. It's all about getting that perfect balance of moisture, tang, and that signature red hue. But don't worry, I've got you covered. We'll break it down step by step, and I'll share all my secrets for achieving cake perfection. Think about your favorite celebration… birthday? Aniversay? What cake did you enjoy? The cream cheese frosting is non-negotiable, its tangy sweetness is the perfect counterpoint to the slight cocoa notes in the cake. And those candied fruits? Oh, they're not just for show! They add a burst of fruity sweetness and a delightful chewiness that elevates the whole experience.
close-up of candied fruits decorating a red velvet cake

Required Equipments

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Electric Mixer
  • 9-inch Round Cake Pans
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Wire Rack
  • Offset Spatula

Jeweled Red Velvet Jubilation Cake: Frequently Asked Questions

Jeweled Red Velvet Jubilation Cake

Indulge in a slice of Jeweled Red Velvet Jubilation Cake, a moist and vibrant red velvet cake adorned with luscious cream cheese frosting and glistening candied fruits. This show-stopping dessert is perfect for celebrations or any occasion that calls for a touch of elegance and decadence.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 12 servings

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. Alright, let's get started! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a consistent temperature is key for even baking. Grab two 9-inch round cake pans and grease them really well. I like to use baking spray, but you can also use shortening and flour.
  2. In a large bowl – and I mean large – whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Make sure everything is well combined. No one wants a salty surprise in their cake!
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of vegetable oil, 1 ½ cups of buttermilk, 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons of red food coloring (gel food coloring works best for that vibrant color!), 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of white vinegar. The vinegar is crucial for that signature red velvet tang, so don't skip it!
  4. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, and nobody wants that.
  5. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder with ¼ cup of hot coffee or hot water to create a paste. This enhances the cocoa flavor and brings out the red color even more. Add the cocoa paste to the batter and mix until well combined.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Gently tap the pans on the counter to release any air bubbles. This will help ensure a smooth, even cake.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them, ovens can be so different. My friend told me the other day that here oven bakes everything hotter than box says.
  8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. It’s important to let them cool completely before frosting, or the frosting will melt.
  9. While the cakes are cooling, let's make the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and ½ cup of softened unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Seriously, make sure its all smooth. No one wants chunks of cream cheese in their frosting.
  10. Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined. Then, increase the speed to medium and beat until light and fluffy. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix well.
  11. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
  12. Now for the fun part: decorating! Arrange candied fruits on top of the cake in a decorative pattern. You can use a variety of fruits, such as cherries, oranges, and pineapple. Get creative and have fun with it!
  13. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will help the frosting set and make the cake easier to slice. Enjoy your Jeweled Red Velvet Jubilation Cake!

📝 Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the frosting.
  • Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the batter for an adult twist.
  • If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 ½ tablespoons of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 ½ cups of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 450 kcal

Protein: 4 g

Fat: 25 g

Carbohydrates: 55 g

Fiber: 1 g

Calcium: 50 mg

A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.

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