10 Red Velvet Cakes and Desserts Everyone Is Destined to Love

Red Velvet Cake

Here it is, folks: the ultimate homemade red velvet cake. Our classic cake bakes into a dramatic three-layer cake, or you can make more than two dozen red velvet cupcakes. Decorate it with fresh fruit that fits the season, or stack on strawberries or heart-shape candies for a lovely Valentine's Day or anniversary dessert.

Red Velvet Brookies

Why choose between red velvet brownies or red velvet cookies when you can enjoy both at once? In this mash-up recipe, sugar cookie dough is polka-dotted throughout the ruby-hued brownie batter. To give an even bigger nod to the red velvet cake theme, swirl in dollops of whipped cream cheese for a decadent and gorgeously-marbled final touch.

Red Velvet Cake Roll

Don't be intimidated by the concept of cake rolls. You really need to remember only one trick: While it's still warm, transfer the cake to a towel and roll it up so it's in the spiral formation as it cools—this will prevent cracking once you fill and roll it later. The final product features swirls of luscious homemade red velvet cake and a fluffy three-ingredient frosting; together, they're one truly stunning dessert.

• Learn it! How to make a roll cake.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars

Similar to red velvet cheesecake brownies, these red velvet cheesecake bar cookies pack a lot of richness into each bite. A foundation of crushed cream-stuffed chocolate sandwich cookies or chocolate wafer cookies complements the cocoa-infused cheesecake topping. Store this 9 x 13 dessert recipe in the refrigerator for 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for a stress-free holiday or party menu item.

Red Velvet Heart Cookies

Hearts will go pitter-patter over these heart-shape cookies. A little cocoa powder and red food coloring go a long way in this red velvet dessert. A cookie cutter kit with multiple sizes allows you to customize your size—or make a variety.

Buy It: BakingWorld Heart Cookie Cutter Kit ($11, Amazon)

Red Velvet Mini Trifles

For a top-notch giftable red velvet recipe, turn to this make-ahead mason jar dessert. It's ideal if you're not big into cake decorating, since you simply crumble up the baked cake and layer it with delectable vanilla mascarpone frosting, chocolate mascarpone frosting, and semisweet chocolate shavings. Assemble a big batch up to 5 days ahead and refrigerate until you're ready to share as a party favor, bake sale addition, or potluck final course.

Chocolate and Vanilla Red Velvet Cake

The over-the-top chocolate flavor of red velvet cake meets a worthy match in this creamy mascarpone and vanilla filling. The timeless duo—plus a generous coating of chocolate ganache—updates traditional red velvet cake. Since it serves 16 and you can bake and freeze this showy cake, unfrosted, for up to 1 month, this is one of the best red velvet dessert ideas for parties and holidays. The day before the big bash, simply thaw, fill, frost, and prepare to savor a low-stress slice.

Red Velvet Heart Cake

Dressed up with rows of fresh fruit, nuts, and piped frosting, this red velvet cake could entice even the grumpiest sweetheart. (Shh...it will be our little secret that this involves a brilliant red velvet box cake hack so the semi-homemade dessert is actually a breeze to bake!) The heart shape is easy to make with one square cake and a round cake split in two.

Buy It: Wilton 9-Piece Nonstick Baking Set with Utensils ($50, Amazon)

Red Velvet Cheesecake

Any recipe that calls for a pound of milk chocolate is a winner in our book. This red velvet cheesecake delivers on that promise, then ups the ante with a double dose of chocolate in the base. The creamy, chocolaty filling pairs beautifully with the crumbly, chocolate chip and chocolate wafer cookie crust. Garnish with melted chocolate and fresh berries to make this look like you purchased it at a fancy bakery.

Red Velvet Buttermilk Brownies

When buttermilk and cocoa combine, they create a deep, rich flavor and fluffy texture. Even before you add the luscious, cloud-like buttercream frosting, each bite of these scrumptious red velvet brownies will melt in your mouth. But pair the chocolaty brownies with that luscious, vanilla-scented topping, and you have one over-the-top tasty dessert.