Easy Red Velvet Cake Parfaits Recipe: Layered Dessert Magic

Red velvet cake parfaits embody a delightful dessert fusion that reinvents classic baking into an elegant layered experience.

Soft crimson cake crumbles create a stunning visual contrast against creamy white frosting and smooth textures.

These parfaits represent more than just a sweet treat—they’re a celebration of sophisticated culinary artistry.

Rich chocolate undertones complement the vibrant red hue, making each spoonful a sensory adventure.

Delicate and indulgent, these desserts balance decadence with a light, airy personality that appeals to sophisticated palates.

Impressive yet surprisingly simple to assemble, red velvet cake parfaits offer a modern twist on traditional cake presentations.

Each parfait promises a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will elevate your dessert game.

Best Ways to Save Red Velvet Cake Parfaits

• Refrigerate parfaits in airtight containers immediately after serving. Keep chilled for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Avoid freezing, as the cream cheese custard may separate and lose its smooth texture. When ready to enjoy, remove parfaits from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften the custard slightly and enhance flavor. Use clean utensils each time you serve to prevent contamination and preserve the dessert's quality.

Tasty Matches for Cake Parfaits

• Contrast Creamy Custard with Bold Red Wine: Pair these rich red velvet parfaits with a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the cake's deep cocoa notes and cuts through the cream cheese's richness.
• Elevate with Cold Coffee Companion: Serve alongside a chilled espresso or affogato to enhance the dessert's chocolatey undertones and provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet creamy layers.
• Match with Smooth Vanilla Liqueur: Drizzle a smooth vanilla liqueur like Baileys around the parfait's rim to amplify the dessert's vanilla hints and add a sophisticated adult twist.
• Balance with Sparkling Raspberry Mocktail: Create a light raspberry spritzer with sparkling water and fresh raspberry puree to cleanse the palate and provide a fruity counterpoint to the dense cake and creamy custard.

Switch It Up: Red Velvet Cake Parfait Ideas

• Chocolate-Infused Paradise: Replace vanilla extract with chocolate extract in the custard, adding cocoa powder for deeper chocolate flavor. Sprinkle dark chocolate shavings between layers for extra richness.
• Berry Bliss Parfait: Mix fresh raspberries or strawberries into the cream cheese custard. Layer cake squares with berry compote between custard layers. Garnish with fresh berries and mint leaves.
• Nutty Caramel Dream: Drizzle caramel sauce between cake layers. Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds for crunch. Mix caramel extract into custard for enhanced sweetness and depth.
• Mocha Magic Parfait: Add espresso powder to cream cheese mixture. Layer cake with coffee-flavored whipped cream. Top with chocolate-covered espresso beans for a sophisticated finish.

Red Velvet Cake Parfaits: What’s to Love

• Create Stunning Layered Dessert: Red velvet cake parfaits transform a classic cake into an elegant, visually appealing dessert that looks professionally crafted in just minutes.
• Enjoy Luxurious Texture Combinations: Soft cake squares provide a tender bite while the creamy cream cheese custard adds a silky, rich smoothness that melts perfectly in your mouth.
• Quick and Easy Entertaining Solution: This recipe requires minimal cooking skills, uses simple ingredients, and can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings or special occasions like Valentine's Day and birthday celebrations.

What Goes Into Red Velvet Cake Parfaits

• Red Velvet Cake Mix: Classic mix that provides the signature red color and cake foundation with rich chocolate undertones.
• Eggs: Crucial for binding and creating structure in the cake base with soft texture.
• Water: Helps blend dry and wet ingredients smoothly for consistent cake texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and tenderness in the cake's final result.

• Cream Cheese: Provides creamy, tangy base for the custard with smooth consistency.
• Milk: Helps adjust custard's thickness and adds subtle richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet undertones.
• Sour Cream: Adds extra tanginess and smooth texture to the custard.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the cream cheese mixture.

• Red Sprinkles: Decorative element that adds color and festive touch.
• Chocolate Chips: Optional topping for extra sweetness and texture.
• Red Velvet Cake Crumbs: Additional decoration that reinforces the cake's signature flavor.

Making Red Velvet Cake Parfaits at Home

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Pan

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9 x 13 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix Cake Batter

• Cake mix
• Eggs
• Water
• Vegetable oil

Use a hand or stand mixer to blend ingredients on low speed for 30-60 seconds. Scrape down bowl sides and continue mixing for 1-2 minutes until batter looks smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Bake Cake

Pour batter into prepared pan. Slide into preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into center – it should come out clean. Allow cake to cool completely at room temperature.

Step 4: Create Cream Cheese Custard

• Softened cream cheese
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Beat on medium speed until smooth. Add sour cream and continue beating. Gradually mix in powdered sugar until custard becomes slightly thick. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.

Step 5: Assemble Parfaits

• 4-5 cake squares at bottom
• 2-of custard

Repeat layering until all ingredients are used.

Step 6: Decorate And Chill

Sprinkle extra red velvet crumbs, red sprinkles, or chocolate chips on top. Refrigerate parfaits until serving time.

Tricks for Top-Notch Cake Parfaits

• Cake Texture Trick: Beat cake mix ingredients thoroughly to eliminate lumps and create a smooth, airy texture.
• Cooling Technique: Allow cake to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling and maintain clean, precise squares.
• Custard Consistency Hack: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing and a silky-smooth custard.
• Layering Pro Tip: Use clear glasses to showcase beautiful red and white layers, creating an impressive visual presentation.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare components separately and assemble just before serving to keep cake squares crisp and custard fresh.

Red Velvet Cake Parfaits Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Red Velvet Cake Parfaits offer a luxurious dessert experience with layers of rich cocoa-infused cake and silky cream cheese frosting. Southern charm meets elegant presentation in these individual glass treats that bring pure indulgence to your dessert table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 (13.25 ounces / 375 grams) package red velvet cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) vegetable oil

Dairy Ingredients:

• 1 (8 ounces / 225 grams) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) sour cream

Sweetening and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (180 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare a 9 x 13 inch (23 x 33 centimeters) baking pan by lightly coating with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, whole eggs, room temperature water, and vegetable oil. Utilize an electric mixer on low speed for 30-60 seconds, carefully scraping down the bowl’s sides.
3. Continue mixing the cake batter for an additional 1-2 minutes until achieving a completely smooth, homogeneous texture without lumps.
4. Transfer the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, ensuring consistent distribution.
5. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center – it should emerge without any wet batter clinging to it.
6. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature, which typically takes approximately 60-90 minutes.
7. For the cream cheese custard, combine softened cream cheese, whole milk, and pure vanilla extract in a clean mixing bowl. Beat the mixture on medium speed until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
8. Incorporate sour cream into the custard, continuing to beat until well integrated.
9. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating continuously until the custard reaches a thick, stable texture.
10. Refrigerate the prepared custard until ready to assemble the parfaits.
11. Once the cake has cooled entirely, carefully cut it into uniform 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) square pieces.
12. Select clear wine glasses or a large trifle bowl for assembling the parfaits.
13. Create layered parfaits by first placing 4-5 cake squares at the bottom of each glass, followed by 2-of chilled cream cheese custard.
14. Repeat the layering process until all cake pieces and custard have been used, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
15. Enhance the parfaits’ visual appeal by garnishing with additional red velvet cake crumbs, festive red sprinkles, or chocolate chips.
16. Refrigerate the assembled parfaits until ready to serve, maintaining their structural integrity and cool temperature.

Notes

• Prep ahead by ensuring cream cheese is softened at room temperature for smooth, lump-free custard.
• Toast cake crumbs briefly for enhanced texture and deeper flavor profile before layering.
• Chill parfait glasses beforehand to keep dessert cold and maintain perfect custard consistency.
• Use clear glasses to showcase beautiful red and white layered presentation for stunning visual appeal.
• Store assembled parfaits in refrigerator up to 6 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
• Select full-fat dairy ingredients for richer, more decadent cream cheese custard texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 436 kcal
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg