Red Velvet Pie

There’s something absolutely magical about the vibrant red of Red Velvet Pie that immediately captures the attention and hearts of dessert lovers. It’s a delightful twist on the classic red velvet cake, transforming it into a luscious pie that is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. With a rich, velvety filling and a hint of cocoa, this dessert is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a dinner party, or simply treating yourself to something special. Let’s dive into why this Red Velvet Pie works every time and how you can make it in your own kitchen!

Why It Works Every Time

The secret to a perfect Red Velvet Pie lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The combination of unsalted butter and brown sugar creates a moist filling, while the addition of cream cheese gives it a creamy, dreamy quality. The use of cocoa powder adds depth without overpowering the signature taste of red velvet. Moreover, the vibrant red food coloring not only enhances the visual appeal but also brightens the flavor profile. With this recipe, you’ll achieve a stunning pie that’s sure to impress.

Ingredient Rundown

To create this delicious Red Velvet Pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 113g unsalted butter, softened – for a rich, buttery flavor
• 400g packed brown sugar – adds moisture and a hint of caramel
• 2 large eggs – for structure and richness
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – helps the pie rise slightly
• 5g unsweetened cocoa powder – adds depth to the flavor
• Salt – balances the sweetness
• 248g all-purpose flour – gives structure to the pie
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar – reacts with baking soda for a tender crumb
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring – gives the pie its iconic color
• 1 pie crust, packaged or from scratch – forms the base of the pie
• 56g cream cheese, softened – adds creaminess to the filling
• 50g granulated sugar – for sweetness in the cream cheese layer
• 1 teaspoon vanilla – to flavor the cream cheese mixture
• 118ml cold heavy whipping cream – for a light, fluffy topping

Equipment & Tools

To simplify your baking experience, gather the following equipment:

• Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients
• Electric mixer – to make whipping cream and mixing easier
• Measuring cups and spoons – for precise measurements
• 9-inch pie pan – to hold your pie
• Rubber spatula – for scraping down bowls and folding ingredients
• Whisk – for mixing dry ingredients

Red Velvet Pie — Do This Next

Now that you have your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started on making this delightful Red Velvet Pie!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your pie will bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust

If you’re using a store-bought pie crust, fit it into your pie pan according to the package instructions. If you’re making it from scratch, roll out your dough and place it into the pie pan, crimping the edges as desired. Chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Make the Pie Filling

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 6: Add Color and Flavor

Stir in the white vinegar and red food coloring until the batter is uniformly red. This is where the magic happens!

Step 7: Pour and Bake

Pour the red velvet filling into the prepared pie crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Topping

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and vanilla until smooth. In another bowl, whip the cold heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy.

Step 9: Assemble the Pie

Spread the cream cheese topping evenly over the cooled red velvet pie. You can get creative with your presentation by piping the cream cheese mixture or simply spreading it with a spatula.

Step 10: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors meld and the topping set. Slice and enjoy the beautiful layers of flavor!

Holiday-Friendly Variations

This Red Velvet Pie can be easily adapted for various occasions. Consider these fun variations:

• Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Pie: Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips into the filling for added richness.
• Red Velvet Cheesecake Pie: Swirl in a cheesecake layer beneath the red velvet filling for a decadent twist.
• Nutty Red Velvet Pie: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for a delightful crunch.
• Red Velvet Pie Bites: Use mini pie crusts to create bite-sized versions, perfect for parties.

Insider Tips

To ensure your Red Velvet Pie is a showstopper, keep these tips in mind:

• Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour; it should be just combined.
• If you prefer a deeper red color, feel free to add an extra splash of food coloring.
• Let the pie cool completely before adding the cream cheese topping for the best texture.

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can make this Red Velvet Pie ahead of time:

For best results, prepare the pie up to the point of adding the cream cheese topping. Cover and refrigerate it for up to 1 day. The cream cheese topping can also be made a day in advance and stored separately in the fridge. Just assemble before serving.

• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, you can freeze the pie (without the cream cheese topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Red Velvet Pie FAQs

Can I use a different type of food coloring?

Yes! While red food coloring is traditional for Red Velvet Pie, you can use natural alternatives like beet juice for a different color, though the hue may vary.

Can I make this pie gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just ensure the baking powder is also gluten-free.

What can I serve with Red Velvet Pie?

This pie is delightful on its own, but you can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgence.

How can I make the pie less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet pie, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the filling and the granulated sugar in the cream cheese topping. Adjust to your taste!

Ready to Cook?

Now that you have all the details and tips for making the perfect Red Velvet Pie, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking! This stunning dessert is not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for your taste buds. Whether you’re serving it at a festive gathering or enjoying it on a quiet evening, this Red Velvet Pie is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Happy baking!

Red Velvet Pie

This Red Velvet Pie is a showstopper! With a rich filling and creamy topping, it's perfect for any celebration or a special treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Pie Filling:

• 113 g unsalted butter softened
• 400 g packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 5 g unsweetened cocoa powder
• Salt to taste
• 248 g all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1 pie crust packaged or from scratch

For the Cream Cheese Topping:

• 56 g cream cheese softened
• 50 g granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 118 ml cold heavy whipping cream

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9-inch pie pan
• Rubber spatula
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Prepare the pie crust according to package instructions or roll out your dough and chill it.
3. Step 3: Cream together the unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
5. Step 5: Whisk together flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt, then mix into the wet ingredients.
6. Step 6: Stir in white vinegar and red food coloring until the batter is uniformly red.
7. Step 7: Pour the filling into the pie crust and bake for 30-35 minutes.
8. Step 8: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth; fold in whipped cream.
9. Step 9: Spread cream cheese topping over the cooled pie.
10. Step 10: Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

• Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Do not overmix the batter once you add flour; it should be just combined.
• Add more food coloring for a deeper red color if desired.