The Ultimate Red Velvet Crepe Cake: Layers of Decadence with Cream Cheese Frosting
Imagine a dessert that not only captivates with its vibrant color and elegant presentation but also delights with every delicate bite. This magnificent tower of red velvet crepes, generously layered with luscious cream cheese frosting, is precisely that – a true showstopper destined to impress at any gathering. Forget traditional cakes; this crepe cake offers an unparalleled lightness and an unforgettable texture that sets it apart.
The Inspiration Behind This Crimson Masterpiece
In the bustling world of food blogging, connections often blossom into genuine friendships, and I’m incredibly fortunate to count Deborah from Taste and Tell among my dearest local food blogging friends. Deborah is not just an exceptionally talented cook and baker; she’s also one of the kindest and most sincere individuals you could hope to meet. Our shared passion for all things culinary brought us together, and I’m consistently inspired by her creativity and dedication.
Her blog, Taste and Tell, is a treasure trove of family-friendly meals and delightful treats of every description. However, if there’s one culinary obsession Deborah is truly renowned for, it’s her profound love for everything red velvet. Each year, she dedicates an entire “Red Velvet Week” to sharing innovative and scrumptious new creations, proving that the possibilities with this classic flavor are truly endless. From fluffy baked doughnuts and decadent ice cream cakes to gooey butter cookies, she truly has explored every delicious facet of red velvet.
It was with immense excitement that I learned Deborah had channeled her expertise and passion into a cookbook: Red Velvet Lover’s Cookbook: Best-Ever Recipes for Everything Red Velvet, with More than 50 Scrumptious Sweets and Treats. Having heard her talk about this project with such enthusiasm over many months, the anticipation was palpable. Finally holding the physical copy in my hands and flipping through its pages filled with tantalizing recipes was a joy. The sheer variety and ingenuity within its covers made me want to bake every single item!
The Allure of the Crepe Cake: A Delicate Dessert Revolution
Choosing which recipe to embark on first from Deborah’s wonderful cookbook was a delightful dilemma. That is, until I stumbled upon her red velvet crepe recipe, which included ingenious instructions on how to transform those delicate crepes into an exquisite crepe cake. My fondness for crepe cakes runs deep – I’ve shared a few recipes here and here on my own blog – and the idea of a Red Velvet Crepe Cake sounded simply too fabulous and irresistible to pass up. It promised a unique twist on a beloved classic, combining the sophisticated elegance of crepes with the rich, familiar flavors of red velvet.
Unlike traditional layered cakes, a crepe cake presents a remarkably light and airy experience. Instead of dense cake layers, you have dozens of ultra-thin, tender crepes, each separated by a whisper-thin layer of creamy filling. This construction creates a dessert that feels luxurious yet surprisingly delicate, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate nuanced textures and flavors.
Crafting the Perfect Red Velvet Crepes
The foundation of this stunning dessert lies in its crepes. These aren’t just any crepes; they are subtly sweet, boast a mere hint of chocolate, and, most importantly, are vividly red – the hallmark of any true red velvet treat. The recipe ensures the crepes are thin and tender, creating that signature melt-in-your-mouth quality. The slight tang from a touch of cocoa powder perfectly complements the vibrant color, offering a complex yet balanced flavor profile.
Making crepes might seem daunting at first, but with a few simple tips, anyone can master them. The key is to ensure your batter is perfectly smooth and has had adequate time to rest, which allows the flour to fully hydrate and results in a more pliable crepe. A non-stick skillet and a steady hand for swirling the batter are your best friends in achieving uniformly thin and perfectly cooked crepes. The process might require a bit of patience, but the repetitive, almost meditative act of making each delicate disc is truly rewarding.
The Quintessential Companion: Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting
What is red velvet without its iconic cream cheese frosting? This filling is more than just a sweet accompaniment; it’s an essential component that balances the crepes’ subtle sweetness with its signature tangy, rich, and creamy texture. Whipped to a light and airy consistency, it spreads effortlessly between the delicate crepe layers, providing a refreshing contrast that elevates the entire dessert. Using room-temperature cream cheese and butter is crucial for achieving that silky-smooth, lump-free consistency that makes this frosting so irresistible.
Assembling Your Red Velvet Masterpiece
This beautiful cake absolutely lived up to every expectation I had. The pairing of the vibrant, barely chocolatey crepes with the rich and tangy cream cheese filling is simply divine. Assembling the crepe cake, while requiring a gentle touch and a bit of patience, is surprisingly straightforward. The key is to spread the cream cheese filling very thinly and evenly over each crepe, allowing the delicate texture of the crepes to truly shine through. This meticulous layering is what creates the mesmerizing visual effect when you finally slice into the cake, revealing dozens of perfectly stacked crimson and white layers.
The assembly process, though it might sound elaborate, is incredibly satisfying. Once all your crepes are cooked and cooled, you simply stack them, alternating with thin layers of frosting. Placing the finished cake in the fridge for a short chill time allows the frosting to firm up, making it easier to slice cleanly. This small step ensures that each slice showcases the impressive layers you’ve worked so hard to create. Trust me, the effort is undeniably well worth it for the stunning result and the delightful taste experience.
A Dessert to Remember: Perfect for Any Occasion
Slicing into this Red Velvet Crepe Cake is truly my favorite part. The clean cut reveals an exquisite cross-section of crimson crepes and creamy white frosting, a visual feast that never fails to elicit gasps of delight. It’s a dessert that speaks of celebration and special moments, yet its straightforward components make it surprisingly accessible for the home baker.
Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a dinner party, or simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this Red Velvet Crepe Cake is sure to be the star of the show. Its elegant appearance and harmonious blend of flavors make it a sophisticated choice that caters to both the eyes and the palate. The delicate texture of the crepes, combined with the rich, tangy cream cheese, offers a dessert experience that is both comforting and exciting.
Red Velvet Crepe Cake
10
servings
5 minutes
20 minutes
1 hour
1 hour
25 minutes
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Ingredients
For the crepes:
- 2 ⅔ cups whole milk (630 ml)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (75 grams )
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (60 ml)
- 3 tablespoons red food coloring (45 ml)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
For the filling:
- 1 lb cream cheese , at room temperature (455 grams)
- ½ cup unsalted butter , at room temperature (113 grams)
- 2 cups powdered sugar , sifted (455 grams)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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In a blender, combine the milk, flour, eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, red food coloring, and cocoa powder until the batter is completely smooth. This step is crucial for lump-free crepes. Once blended, let the batter rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the flour to fully hydrate, resulting in more tender and pliable crepes.
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Preheat a 9-inch non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Lightly grease the pan with a small amount of butter or cooking spray. Pour ¼ cup of crepe batter into the center of the pan, then immediately use your wrist to swirl the batter around until it thinly and completely covers the bottom of the pan. Cook for approximately 1 minute, or until the edges begin to crisp and pull away. Use a rubber spatula to gently loosen the edges of the crepe, then carefully use the spatula or your fingers to flip the crepe. Cook for another 30-60 seconds on the second side. Slide the cooked crepe out of the pan onto a plate or wire rack and repeat the process with the remaining batter, stacking the finished crepes. Ensure each crepe cools completely before proceeding to assembly to prevent the frosting from melting.
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To prepare the luscious cream cheese filling, ensure your cream cheese and unsalted butter are at room temperature. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and perfectly smooth – about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing on low speed until just combined. Increase the speed to medium-high and continue beating until the frosting is smooth, light, and airy. Avoid over-beating, which can make the frosting too thin.
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To assemble your impressive crepe cake, place one cooled crepe on a cake stand or a large serving plate. Spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese filling over the entire surface of the crepe using an offset spatula. Repeat this process with the remaining crepes and filling, stacking them neatly one on top of the other until all crepes are used. For best results and stability, refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 30 minutes. This allows the filling to firm up slightly, making the cake easier to slice and handle.
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Before serving, for an extra touch of elegance, lightly dust the top of the Red Velvet Crepe Cake with additional powdered sugar. Use a sharp knife to cut clean slices, showcasing the beautiful layers. Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving):
Carbohydrates: 54g,
Protein: 10g,
Fat: 34g,
Saturated Fat: 21g,
Cholesterol: 146mg,
Sodium: 201mg,
Potassium: 215mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 33g,
Vitamin A: 1093IU,
Calcium: 136mg,
Iron: 2mg
American
Dessert
Annalise Sandberg
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