Delight in Layers: Red White Valentine’s Day Cake Recipe

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Antoni Recipes Team

When the scent of freshly baked cake starts wafting through the house, it s a sure sign that something special is in the works. This Classic Red and White Valentine s Cake is a beautiful centerpiece that captures the spirit of love with its vibrant layers of red velvet and soft, fluffy white velvet. Each slice reveals a luscious interior, boasting a perfect balance of sweetness thanks to the silky vanilla buttercream frosting.

With Valentine s Day just around the corner, this charming cake is not only visually stunning but also incredibly easy to decorate, making it an ideal treat for your romantic celebrations. Whether you re impressing a loved one or hosting a gathering with friends, this delightful layered cake will surely be the star of the show. So roll up your sleeves and let s bake some love into everything we create!

Why is the Red White Valentine s Day Cake perfect?

Elevated Aesthetics: This cake is a showstopper, featuring vibrant red and white layers that are sure to impress guests.
Easy to Decorate: With simple piping techniques, you can create beautiful heart-shaped decorations that make it perfect for any festive occasion.
Flavorful Layers: The combination of rich red velvet and fluffy white velvet gives each bite a deliciously unique taste experience.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for gatherings, this cake will have everyone talking and coming back for seconds!
Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake the layers ahead of time to save yourself stress on the big day. For more tips on preparation, check out our make-ahead guide.

Red White Valentine s Day Cake Ingredients

For the White Velvet Layer

• White Velvet Cake The base for the cake structure; this ingredient ensures a light and airy texture.
• All-Purpose Flour Aids in building the cake s structure; sift for a lighter crumb.
• Granulated Sugar Sweetens the cake while creating moisture; essential for the perfect flavor.
• Unsalted Butter Provides richness and tenderness; remember to soften before mixing.
• Egg Whites Adds volume to help achieve that fluffy texture; beat until frothy.
• Vanilla Extract Enhances the flavor profile, bringing a warm and inviting aroma.
• Buttermilk Ensures moisture; you can make a substitute using milk and vinegar.

For the Red Velvet Layer

• Super Red Gel Food Coloring Important for giving the red layer its vibrant hue; make sure it s evenly mixed throughout.
• Unsweetened Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder Provides the classic chocolate flavor in red velvet; sift to prevent lumps before adding.

For the Frosting

• Perfect American Buttercream (4x recipe) The star of the show; smooth and sweet, it s ideal for frosting and decorating this Red White Valentine s Day Cake.
• Shortening Substitute for butter if you want a bright white frosting that holds shape better.
• Powdered Sugar Sweetens the frosting; be sure to sift for a silky smooth finish.
• Heavy Cream Adds texture and creaminess; use to adjust the consistency of your buttercream.

This ingredient lineup promises to create a stunning Red White Valentine s Day Cake that delights the senses and serves as a centerpiece for your celebrations!

How to Make Red White Valentine s Day Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Prepare three 8-inch cake pans by misting them with non-stick spray to prevent sticking, ensuring an easy release once baked.
2. Mix the White Velvet Cake batter by combining the sifted flour, sugar, and softened butter in a bowl. Beat until light and fluffy, which may take about 3-5 minutes.
3. Separate the batter: Pour 2/3 of the mixture into two pans. For the remaining 1/3, add cocoa powder and super red gel food coloring, mixing well to achieve an even color and consistency.
4. Bake the cakes for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center. The layers should be slightly golden but not overly dark. Let them cool on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes.
5. Prepare the American Buttercream frosting by following a 4x recipe. In a mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature shortening and powdered sugar, gradually adding heavy cream until you reach a creamy, spreadable consistency.
6. Layer the cakes starting with a white layer at the bottom. Follow it with the red velvet layer, then finish with another white layer on top. Ensure each layer is even for a beautiful presentation.
7. Frost a crumb coat over the entire cake. This thin layer traps any loose crumbs, making your final frosting smooth and flawless. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set the coat.
8. Apply the final coat of buttercream, smoothing it out with a spatula or a bench scraper for a polished look. Chill again to firm it up before adding decorations.
9. Decorate by tinting any remaining buttercream red. Pipe small hearts on top of the cake to give it that romantic touch, inspiring love with every slice.

Optional: Add edible glitter for an extra sparkle on your cake!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Storage Tips for Red White Valentine s Day Cake

Room Temperature: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its light and fluffy texture.

Fridge: If you want it to last longer, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating: For a warm treat, gently microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds, but avoid overheating to keep the frosting from melting on your Red White Valentine s Day Cake.

What to Serve with Red and White Valentine s Cake?

Elevate your dessert experience with delightful pairings that will perfectly complement your stunning layered cake.

• Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries and raspberries add a burst of tartness that cuts through the cake s sweetness. Their vibrant colors also enhance your presentation.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast in temperature and texture, making each bite indulgently rich.
• Espresso or Coffee: The bold flavor of espresso or coffee balances the sweetness of the cake, creating a delightful harmony of taste that coffee lovers will adore.
• Whipped Cream: Light and airy, freshly whipped cream adds a luscious touch. You can even swirl in some vanilla for extra flavor, creating a dreamy topping.
• Sparkling Wine: Celebrate love with a glass of bubbly! The crispness of sparkling wine complements the cake, making it an ideal pairing for romantic occasions.
• Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: For a touch of glamour, serve chocolate-dipped strawberries alongside your cake. They enhance the chocolate notes in the red velvet layer.
• Mint Tea: A refreshing cup of mint tea offers a calming contrast to the cake s sweetness, making it a perfect choice for after a hearty meal.
• Cream Cheese Frosting Cookies: For an extra layer of indulgence, serve cookies topped with cream cheese frosting. The flavors echo the cake s notes and offer a fun texture contrast.

Make Ahead Options

These Red White Valentine s Day Cake layers are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can bake the white velvet and red velvet cake layers up to 2 days in advance, storing them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator to maintain their moisture and freshness. The buttercream can also be made up to 3 days ahead; just prioritize keeping it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you re ready to assemble, simply let the cake layers come to room temperature before frosting. This approach not only saves time but ensures that your cake will be just as delicious on the big day, giving you the chance to focus on creating a romantic ambiance!

Expert Tips for Red White Valentine s Day Cake

• Sift Your Ingredients: Always sift flour and cocoa powder before mixing to ensure a light and fluffy texture, avoiding unwanted lumps in your cake.
• Layering Genius: For better stability, refrigerate the cake layers for 10 minutes before assembling. This helps prevent shifting and ensures a neat presentation.
• Perfect Piping: When decorating with buttercream, use a piping bag with a small round tip for easy control. This helps create heart shapes effortlessly over your cake.
• Cooling Care: Let your cake layers cool completely before frosting. Warm layers can melt buttercream, leading to a messy and unsightly finish.
• Flavor Boost: Enhance your buttercream with a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract for an extra depth of flavor in your Red White Valentine s Day Cake.

Red White Valentine s Day Cake Variations

Embrace your creativity and personalize this delightful cake to suit any celebration or taste preference!

• Chocolate Velvet: Swap the red velvet layer with chocolate cake for a richer flavor. This twist adds a delightful chocolatey depth while still keeping the classic look.
• Lemon Zest: Infuse your white velvet batter with a tablespoon of lemon zest. This brightens the flavor, creating a refreshing contrast to the sweet frosting.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure to include a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best texture.
• Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the white velvet batter for a subtle spice that perfectly complements the sweetness. A gentle warming spice works wonders!
• Edible Flowers: Instead of piped hearts, use edible flowers or fresh berries for decoration. This adds a natural touch and a burst of color, enhancing the cake s charm.
• Berry Filling: Incorporate layers of berry jam or fresh berry compote between the cake layers. This adds a beautiful surprise and complements the frosting beautifully.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use almond or coconut milk in place of buttermilk. The flavors meld beautifully for a dairy-free delight.

Each variation offers a unique twist, ensuring your Red White Valentine s Day Cake always feels refreshing and personal!

Red White Valentine s Day Cake Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe ingredients for the cake?
Absolutely! For the best flavors in your cake, ensure that your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming, and your eggs should be fresh. When selecting food coloring, opt for high-quality gel colors, as they provide vibrant shades without altering the batter s consistency.

How long can I store leftovers of my Red White Valentine s Day Cake?
Very! Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for a longer period, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Be sure to let it return to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture!

Can I freeze my Red White Valentine s Day Cake?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps your cake fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw the slices overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a delicious treat any time!

What should I do if my cake layers are uneven?
No problem! If your cake layers come out uneven, you can level them with a serrated knife by trimming off the domed tops. This will provide flat surfaces for layering. Also, when stacking, place the most even side down for a professional look. Remember to use your frosting to fill any gaps!

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind when making this cake?
Certainly! If you re serving guests with dietary restrictions, you can make the Red White Valentine s Day Cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Also, for those allergic to eggs, consider using flax eggs as a substitute (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water equals one egg). Always label your cake to inform guests of any potential allergens.