September 18th, 2026

National Red Velvet Cake Day

Break out the baking pans and red food coloring because it’s National Red Velvet Cake Day! This sumptuous day is dedicated to that velvety, cocoa-infused delight topped with smooth cream cheese frosting. Known for its vibrant red hue and mysterious allure, this cake is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Whether you make it from scratch or grab a slice from your favorite bakery, today’s the perfect excuse to indulge in this decadent dessert. So, cut yourself a generous piece, savor that rich flavor, and let the cake whispers of joy fill your soul.

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Written by: Lisa Chang Lisa Chang - (updated: September 11th, 2025 at 8:39AM)

Imagine a day devoted entirely to savoring the rich, velvety delight of a beloved dessert – welcome to National Red Velvet Cake Day, a celebration that pays homage to the iconic cake that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many.NationalRedVelvetCakeDay

This sweet holiday is all about honoring the classic dessert, often adorned with luscious cream cheese frosting, and enjoying it with friends and family. Traditionally, people commemorate this special day by baking their own red velvet masterpieces, sharing slices with loved ones, or indulging in a decadent piece (or two!) from their favorite bakery.

What Makes Red Velvet Cake So Special?

Red velvet cake, with its distinctive deep red color and subtle cocoa flavor, has been a staple of American bakeries for decades. But what truly sets it apart from other cakes? For starters, its unique hue is the result of a fascinating chemical reaction between the cocoa powder and the acidic buttermilk, creating that signature red appearance.

Another key factor is the use of high-quality cocoa powder, which imparts the cake with its intense flavor and sumptuous moisture. And let's not forget the cream cheese frosting – a tangy, creamy complement to the rich cake that adds an extra layer of depth to this cherished dessert.

How to Celebrate National Red Velvet Cake Day

Whether you're a seasoned baker or simply a cake enthusiast, National Red Velvet Cake Day is the perfect excuse to unleash your creativity and satisfy your sweet tooth. Here are some inspiring ideas to make the most of this delightful day:

A Sweet Way to Bring People Together

National Red Velvet Cake Day is more than just a celebration of a beloved dessert – it's an opportunity to bring people together, share in the joy of baking and sharing, and create lasting memories with loved ones. In a world that's increasingly fast-paced and digital, this holiday serves as a gentle reminder of the simple pleasures in life: the joy of baking, the satisfaction of sharing with others, and the warmth of community that comes with it.

So go ahead, indulge in a slice (or two!) of red velvet cake, and savor the sweetness of this special day. Happy National Red Velvet Cake Day!

Recipe for National Red Velvet Cake Day

Celebrate National Red Velvet Cake Day with this moist and decadent recipe for Red Velvet Cream Cheese Pound Cake! This cake is a twist on the classic red velvet recipe, with the added richness of a pound cake and the tanginess of cream cheese frosting. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, or indulging in all by yourself (we won't judge).



Nutrition Facts
Calories350 calories
Total Fat20g
Total Carbohydrate40g
Protein10g

Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Cooking Method: Baking

Category: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 servings

Suitable For Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

WorldPizzaMakersDay recipe

Materials

Steps

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the softened butter and eggs. Add the red food coloring and whisk until combined.
  4. Add the buttermilk to the butter mixture and whisk until smooth.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  7. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. To make the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, beating until combined. Add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
  10. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting on top and serve.
Timeline
1920
Velvet Cake Origins
Red velvet cake is believed to have originated in the 1920s in the southern United States.
1950
Waldorf-Astoria Recipe
The Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York City popularized their own recipe for red velvet cake in the 1950s.
1996
National Red Velvet Cake Day
John A. McCoy III, a Texas restaurateur, created National Red Velvet Cake Day to promote his dessert.
2000
Cake Popularity Soars
Red velvet cake became a staple in bakeries and restaurants across the United States in the 2000s.
2013
Red Velvet Cake Goes Global
Red velvet cake gained international popularity, with recipes and variations emerging from around the world.
National Red Velvet Cake Day

National Red Velvet Cake Day Quiz

What is the primary flavor profile of red velvet cake?

Score: 0/5
FAQ
What is the origin of National Red Velvet Cake Day?
National Red Velvet Cake Day is believed to have originated in the 1920s, when the Adams Extract company introduced a new line of food coloring, including a deep red color, which became a staple for making red velvet cake.
What makes red velvet cake unique?
Red velvet cake is distinct from other cakes due to its signature red color, achieved through the reaction of cocoa powder and acidic buttermilk, which produces a subtle flavor and a deep, rich color.
How do you make a traditional red velvet cake?
To make a traditional red velvet cake, youll need ingredients like buttermilk, cocoa powder, and food coloring. Mix wet and dry ingredients separately, then combine and bake in three 9-inch pans, finishing with cream cheese frosting.
What are some creative ways to decorate a red velvet cake?
Get creative with red velvet cake decorations by using cream cheese frosting to create swirls, rosettes, or borders, or add some visual interest with chopped nuts or shaved chocolate.
Why is red velvet cake often associated with special occasions?
Red velvet cakes rich, velvety texture and deep red color make it a natural choice for special occasions like weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries, where its often served as a show-stopping centerpiece dessert.
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