Cream Cheese Frosting or Buttercream? The Red Velvet Cake Debate

Few cake-related discussions generate as much quiet passion as the question of what belongs on top of a red velvet cake. There are the cream cheese frosting loyalists, who regard it as the only authentic pairing and who will politely but firmly correct anyone who suggests otherwise. And there are the buttercream advocates, who argue that it gives a cleaner sweetness and a smoother finish. Our earlier piece on why red velvet cake never goes out of style explored the cake’s enduring appeal. This one digs into the frosting question specifically.

The Case for Cream Cheese Frosting on Red Velvet Cake

Cream cheese frosting is the traditional partner for red velvet, and tradition counts for something. The slight tang of the cream cheese plays against the subtle cocoa and vanilla notes of the sponge in a way that creates a more complex flavour than either element achieves alone. There is a reason this pairing has persisted for decades. The frosting doesn’t just sit on top of the cake. It completes it. The Red Velvet Crunch Cake Cake uses cream cheese frosting to great effect, with the crunch element adding a textural contrast that makes each bite interesting. Red velvet cupcakes are also traditionally paired with cream cheese frosting, and the smaller format means you get a generous frosting-to-sponge ratio in every bite.

The Case for Buttercream on Red Velvet Cake

Buttercream has its own merits. It is smoother, sweeter, and pipes more cleanly, which means buttercream-frosted red velvet cakes tend to have a more polished appearance. For celebration cakes where the visual presentation matters, particularly for birthday cakes and wedding cakes, buttercream gives decorators more flexibility. Buttercream also travels better. Cream cheese frosting needs to be kept cool and can soften in warm rooms, which is worth considering if your cake is going to spend time on a table at a summer party or in a venue without great air conditioning. For London celebrations during the warmer months, buttercream is the more practical choice.

Red Velvet Cakes in London

The red velvet cake remains one of the most ordered celebration cakes in London, and the frosting choice is often determined by the specific product rather than the customer’s preference. Both versions are available, and both have their admirers. Red velvet cake slices offer a good way to try before committing to a full cake. For a deeper dive into the history behind the flavour, our piece on the history of red velvet cake traces the cake from its American roots to its current popularity in London and beyond.

Red Velvet Cake Delivery Across London

Red velvet cakes, cupcakes, and slices are available for delivery across London, including same day delivery on selected items. Browse the full range and decide which side of the frosting debate you’re on.

FAQ's

Should red velvet cake have cream cheese frosting?

Traditionally, yes. Cream cheese frosting is the classic pairing and its tang complements the subtle cocoa flavour of the sponge. Buttercream is a popular alternative that offers a sweeter, smoother finish.

Does red velvet cake taste like chocolate?

Only very slightly. Red velvet contains a small amount of cocoa, which gives it a hint of chocolate flavour, but it is milder and more delicate than a chocolate cake. The dominant notes are vanilla and buttermilk.

Can I get a red velvet cake delivered in London?

Yes. Red velvet cakes, cupcakes, and slices are all available for delivery across London, with same-day options on selected products.