This Copycat Starbucks Red Velvet Loaf recipe nails the velvety texture and signature swirls, topped with a rich, creamy icing that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re craving a sweet morning treat or an afternoon pick-me-up, this loaf will make your day a bit more special with each slice.
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Every time I throw together this Copycat Starbucks Red Velvet Marble Cake, it’s always so delicious. The taste is spot-on—a perfect balance of cocoa and vanilla, swirled with that iconic red hue. I love it for a cozy morning treat or as a sweet finale to a lazy brunch. And honestly, there’s something about that creamy icing on a crisp autumn day that just feels right. If you love a slice of indulgence with your coffee, this loaf is sure to win you over!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Copycat Starbucks Red Velvet Loaf
I love making this Copycat Starbucks Red Velvet Cake Loaf–it’s always a hit! Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of turning your kitchen into a Starbucks bakery.
Mixing It Up
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) so it’s ready to go. Then, in a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until they’re light and fluffy. This is the base of your loaf, so make sure it’s well mixed!
Adding More Wet Ingredients
Next, add in the large eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, yogurt, and milk. Beat these in until the mixture is smooth. You can do this in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment if you have one handy.
Incorporating the Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to your wet mix, blending until just combined to keep the batter nice and tender.
The Red Velvet Swirl
Now for the fun part! Divide your vanilla batter into two bowls. In one, mix in the unsweetened cocoa powder and red food coloring until you get that classic red velvet color. Leave the other as is for a lovely contrast.
SERIOUSLY GOOD
DESSERTS!
Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Lemon Pound Cake
∙ Starbucks Cake Pops
∙ Boston Cream Pie
∙ Chocolate Mousse
∙ Matcha Tiramisu
...and much more!
Creating the Swirl
Pour the vanilla cake batter into a parchment paper-lined loaf pan first, then alternate it with your red velvet mix. Use a butter knife to swirl the two together artistically—don’t mix too much, just enough to create beautiful marbling.
Baking
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30-45 minutes. The key is to bake it until a toothpick inserted comes out clean but not dry.
Cooling and Icing
Once baked, let the loaf cool completely. While waiting, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla extract to make your icing. Drizzle this over the cooled loaf for that perfect Starbucks touch.
Enjoy!
Remove the loaf from the pan, slice it up, serve, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes and Tips
I’ve got some insider tips to make this cake recipe even more spectacular:
- Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is really at room temperature to get that fluffy, creamy texture right.
- Mixing: When adding eggs, do it one at a time and beat well after each to incorporate air into the batter, which helps make the loaf light and tender.
- Swirl Not Stir: When creating your swirls, use a gentle hand. Over-mixing can muddy those lovely distinct layers you’re aiming for.
- Check Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your loaf at the 30-minute mark to avoid overbaking. A toothpick should come out clean but with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool Completely: Patience is key! Let the loaf cool completely before icing to prevent the icing from melting into the bread and making it soggy.
- Coloring: If you’re not a fan of food coloring, the loaf will still taste delicious without it. Or try a natural alternative like beet powder for color.
How to Store Leftover Copycat Starbucks Red Velvet Loaf Cake
Once it’s completely cooled, pop it into an airtight container. This will keep it moist and delicious for up to 3 days at room temperature.
If you’re not planning on eating it right away, you can also wrap individual slices and freeze them. Just thaw at room temperature or give them a quick zap in the microwave for a just-baked taste anytime you need a sweet treat.
What to Serve With Copycat Starbucks Red Velvet Loaf
A hot cup of coffee is a classic choice—its bitterness complements the sweet, creamy frosting beautifully. For tea lovers, a black tea with hints of vanilla can enhance the loaf’s flavors wonderfully.
And if you’re feeling indulgent, why not a glass of cold milk or hot chocolate? It’s like being a kid again, only better because you made the treat yourself!
More Dessert Recipes You Will Love
- Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Homemade Buckeyes
- Starbucks Sugar Plum Danishes
- Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Bites
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Starbucks Red Velvet Loaf Recipe
Add Preferred SourceIngredients
- ½ cup butter softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons red food coloring
For the Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer whip together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.½ cup butter, 1 cup sugar
- Whip in the eggs, vanilla extract, yogurt and milk.2 eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, ½ cup Greek yogurt, ¼ cup milk
- In another bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt.1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt
- Mix the dry ingredients into the wet.
- Separate the batter evenly. To one portion of batter add the cocoa powder and red food coloring.2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons red food coloring
- Alternate the batters into a parchment lined loaf pan. Using a butter knife swirl the batters together.
- Bake for 30-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Set aside to cool completely.
- Make the icing. Whisk together the powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract. Pour the icing over the loaf.2 cups powdered sugar, ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Remove from pan and slice to serve!
Notes
- Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is really at room temperature to get that fluffy, creamy texture right.
- Mixing: When adding eggs, do it one at a time and beat well after each to incorporate air into the batter, which helps make the loaf light and tender.
- Swirl Not Stir: When creating your swirls, use a gentle hand. Over-mixing can muddy those lovely distinct layers you’re aiming for.
- Check Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your loaf at the 30-minute mark to avoid overbaking. A toothpick should come out clean but with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool Completely: Patience is key! Let the loaf cool completely before icing to prevent the icing from melting into the bread and making it soggy.
- Coloring: If you’re not a fan of food coloring, the loaf will still taste delicious without it. Or try a natural alternative like beet powder for color.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temp: Once it’s completely cooled, pop it into an airtight container. This will keep it moist and delicious for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- Fridge: If you’re not planning on eating it right away, you can also wrap individual slices and freeze them. Just thaw at room temperature or give them a quick zap in the microwave for a just-baked taste anytime you need a sweet treat.
Nutrition
SERIOUSLY GOOD
DESSERTS!
Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Lemon Pound Cake
∙ Starbucks Cake Pops
∙ Boston Cream Pie
∙ Chocolate Mousse
∙ Matcha Tiramisu
...and much more!
