September 18 Red Velvet Cake Day

Last updated: September 18, 2026

Quick Answer

September 18 Red Velvet Cake Day is an annual food holiday observed every September 18 in the United States, dedicated to celebrating one of America’s most iconic layered desserts. The day has no government or international legal recognition but is widely listed in food-holiday databases and observed by bakeries, home bakers, and food enthusiasts nationwide [3]. In 2026, brands including Nothing Bundt Cakes are running dedicated promotions to mark the occasion [9].

Key Takeaways

September 18 is National Red Velvet Cake Day, observed annually in the U.S. with no official government designation [3]
Red velvet cake is distinct from plain chocolate cake because of its buttermilk, vinegar, and cocoa combination, plus its signature red color
The cake’s roots trace back to the early 20th century, with the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City often credited in popular food lore
Cream cheese frosting is the classic pairing, though ermine (flour-based) buttercream is the historically accurate choice
Nothing Bundt Cakes runs Bundtastic Bonus promotions tied to the day in 2026 [9]
Common mistakes include over-mixing the batter, skipping buttermilk, and using too little food coloring
The day is separate from National Cake Day, which falls on November 26 [6]
Bakeries, grocery stores, and online retailers often offer deals and limited-edition items on September 18
Hashtags like #NationalRedVelvetCakeDay and #RedVelvetCakeDay drive social media engagement around the holiday
Baking from scratch at home is accessible for beginners with the right technique

What Is Red Velvet Cake Day?

National Red Velvet Cake Day is an unofficial U.S. food holiday celebrated every September 18. It exists to honor red velvet cake, a Southern-influenced American classic known for its deep crimson layers, mild cocoa flavor, and tangy cream cheese frosting. The day appears in major food-holiday tracking databases and is promoted by bakeries, food bloggers, and brands each year [3][5].

The holiday has no formal government proclamation or international recognition. It belongs to the broader category of American food observance days, similar to August 23 Sponge Cake Day and February 3 National Carrot Cake Day, which celebrate specific baked goods on designated calendar dates.

Who it’s for: home bakers, dessert lovers, bakery owners, food content creators, and anyone looking for a reason to bake or buy a showstopping cake in mid-September.

Why Is September 18 Red Velvet Cake Day?

The exact origin of why September 18 was chosen for this food holiday is not documented in any verified historical record. This is common for informal food holidays, which are typically created by food bloggers, marketing teams, or food-industry groups rather than legislative bodies [3][6].

What is clear is that September 18 Red Velvet Cake Day has been listed consistently in food-holiday calendars for several years and has gained enough traction that national bakery chains now build promotions around it [9]. The date clusters with other September food celebrations, making it part of a broader autumn dessert season [1][7].

Key distinction: This holiday is separate from National Cake Day (November 26), which celebrates all cakes broadly [6]. September 18 is specific to red velvet.

Red Velvet Cake History and Origin

Red velvet cake is genuinely American, with roots in the early 20th century. The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City is frequently cited in food lore as a popularizer of the recipe, though food historians note the cake predates that association. Early versions used natural cocoa powder, which reacted with acidic buttermilk and vinegar to produce a subtle reddish-brown hue, no artificial coloring required [4][8].

The vivid red color seen in modern recipes became standard after World War II, when food dye became widely available and affordable. The Adams Extract Company in Texas is often credited with popularizing the bright-red version through recipe marketing campaigns in the mid-20th century [4].

Timeline summary:

Early 1900s: Natural cocoa-buttermilk reaction produces a reddish tint in layered cakes
1930s-1940s: Waldorf-Astoria association enters popular food culture
Post-WWII: Red food dye becomes standard; the cake turns vivid crimson
1989: The film “Steel Magnolias” features an armadillo-shaped red velvet groom’s cake, sparking a national resurgence
2000s-present: Red velvet becomes a mainstream flavor in cupcakes, cookies, cheesecakes, and more

Is Red Velvet Cake Just Chocolate Cake with Food Coloring?

No. Red velvet cake and chocolate cake are related but meaningfully different. Red velvet uses a small amount of cocoa powder (typically 1-2 tablespoons), while a standard chocolate cake uses significantly more. The result is a milder, more nuanced flavor profile [4][8].

The bigger difference is chemistry. Red velvet batter includes both buttermilk and white vinegar, which react with baking soda to create a tender, fine crumb. This acid-base reaction also historically interacted with natural cocoa to enhance the reddish pigment. Chocolate cake skips these acidic components entirely.

Quick comparison:

Feature	Red Velvet Cake	Chocolate Cake
Cocoa amount	1-2 tbsp (small)	1/2 to 1 cup (large)
Buttermilk	Yes	Usually no
Vinegar	Yes	No
Color	Vivid red (dye) or reddish-brown (natural)	Dark brown
Classic frosting	Cream cheese or ermine	Chocolate buttercream or ganache
Flavor profile	Mild cocoa, tangy, slightly sweet	Rich, deep chocolate

Bottom line: Red velvet is not simply chocolate cake with dye. The acidic ingredients and reduced cocoa create a distinct texture and flavor that chocolate cake does not replicate.

Red Velvet Cake Recipe from Scratch: How to Make It at Home

Making red velvet cake from scratch takes about 90 minutes total and is manageable for home bakers with basic equipment. The key is respecting the chemistry: do not substitute regular milk for buttermilk, and do not skip the vinegar [4].

Ingredients (two 9-inch layers):

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp fine salt
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1 cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
2 tbsp red food coloring (gel preferred)
1 tsp white vinegar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, beat eggs, then add buttermilk, oil, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla. Mix until combined.
Pour wet ingredients into dry. Stir until just combined, do not over-mix.
Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake 28-32 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks. Cool completely before frosting.

For the cream cheese frosting: Beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup softened butter until smooth. Add 3-4 cups powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla. Beat until fluffy.

New to scratch baking? The Beginner Baking tag has additional guides to help build foundational skills before tackling layered cakes.

Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: The Classic Pairing

Cream cheese frosting became the standard pairing for red velvet cake in the 20th century, and it works because the tangy, slightly salty frosting balances the cake’s mild sweetness. The contrast between the white frosting and the red crumb also creates the dramatic visual that makes red velvet so recognizable [4][8].

Two frosting options for September 18 Red Velvet Cake Day:

Cream cheese frosting (modern standard): Rich, tangy, stable at room temperature for a few hours. Best for layer cakes and cupcakes.
Ermine buttercream (historical): Made with a cooked flour-and-milk base, then beaten with butter. Less sweet, silkier texture, and the original pairing before cream cheese frosting became dominant.

Common mistake: Adding too much powdered sugar to cream cheese frosting to stiffen it. This makes the frosting gritty and overly sweet. Instead, chill the frosting for 20-30 minutes to firm it up before spreading.

Red Velvet Cake Deals, Specials, and Where to Buy on September 18

On September 18 Red Velvet Cake Day, several national and regional bakeries run promotions. Nothing Bundt Cakes is among the most prominent, offering Bundtastic Bonus rewards for loyalty members tied to the occasion in 2026 [9]. Checking their app or rewards portal before September 18 is the best way to access these offers.

Where to find red velvet cake on September 18:

Nothing Bundt Cakes: Bundtlet deals and loyalty rewards [9]
Grocery store bakeries: Many chains (Kroger, Publix, Whole Foods) stock red velvet cakes year-round and may feature them prominently on food holidays
Local bakeries: Search “[your city] red velvet cake” or check Instagram hashtags like #RedVelvetCakeDay for local specials
Online bakeries: Several ship nationally; order 2-3 days in advance for September 18 delivery
Make your own: The scratch recipe above costs roughly $10-15 in ingredients for a full two-layer cake (estimate based on average U.S. grocery prices in 2026)

Tip: Call ahead or check social media the week before September 18. Many small bakeries announce limited-edition red velvet items only a few days in advance.

Red Velvet Cake Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common red velvet cake mistakes involve the batter chemistry, the color, and the frosting. Avoiding these errors is the difference between a flat, pale cake and a tall, vivid showstopper.

Top mistakes and fixes:

Over-mixing the batter: Develops too much gluten, making the cake tough. Mix only until the dry streaks disappear.
Substituting regular milk for buttermilk: Buttermilk’s acidity is essential for the tender crumb and the baking soda reaction. If you don’t have buttermilk, add 1 tbsp white vinegar to 1 cup whole milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Using liquid food coloring instead of gel: Liquid dye requires a large volume to achieve a vivid red, which can throw off the batter’s liquid ratio. Gel coloring is more concentrated and more reliable.
Frosting a warm cake: The frosting will melt and slide. Always cool layers completely, at least 1 hour at room temperature, or 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
Skipping the vinegar: It activates the baking soda and contributes to the cake’s lift and texture. Do not omit it.
Overbaking: Red velvet cake dries out quickly. Start checking at 28 minutes and pull the cake as soon as the toothpick comes out clean.

Red Velvet Cake Decorating Ideas

A well-decorated red velvet cake turns a good bake into a celebration centerpiece, especially for September 18 Red Velvet Cake Day.

Simple to advanced ideas:

Red velvet crumb coating: Reserve a small piece of baked cake, crumble it finely, and press the crumbs onto the frosted sides and top. Classic and visually striking.
Rosette swirls: Pipe cream cheese frosting in large rosette patterns using a 1M tip. Elegant and achievable for beginners.
Naked cake style: Apply a thin “crumb coat” of frosting and leave the sides largely bare, letting the red layers show through. Very on-trend.
Fresh flowers: Unsprayed roses or peonies in red and white placed on top complement the cake’s color palette.
Chocolate drip: A white chocolate ganache drip down the sides adds contrast and visual drama.
Layered height: Bake three or four thin layers instead of two standard ones for a taller, more impressive cross-section when sliced.

For more cake inspiration, explore February 10 Cream Cheese Brownie Day for ideas on working with cream cheese in baked goods, and the Cheesecake From Scratch tag for related frosting and filling techniques.

Red Velvet Cake Calories and Nutrition

A standard slice of red velvet cake (approximately 1/12 of a two-layer 9-inch cake with cream cheese frosting) contains roughly 350-450 calories, depending on portion size and frosting quantity. This is an estimate based on standard recipe ingredient totals; exact values vary by recipe.

Approximate per-slice breakdown (standard recipe, 1/12 cake):

Calories: 380-430 kcal
Total fat: 18-22 g
Saturated fat: 7-10 g
Total carbohydrates: 52-60 g
Sugar: 38-45 g
Protein: 4-5 g

Context: Red velvet cake is a dessert, not a health food. For those managing sugar or fat intake, smaller “bundtlet” or cupcake portions offer a way to celebrate September 18 Red Velvet Cake Day without a full slice. Many bakeries offer mini versions specifically for this reason.

How to Celebrate September 18 Red Velvet Cake Day in 2026

Celebrating September 18 Red Velvet Cake Day does not require elaborate planning. The most popular approaches range from baking at home to visiting a local bakery or sharing the holiday on social media.

Practical ways to observe the day:

Bake from scratch using the recipe above and share with coworkers, neighbors, or family
Visit a local bakery and ask specifically for their red velvet offering on September 18
Check Nothing Bundt Cakes for Bundtastic Bonus rewards available on the day [9]
Post on social media with #NationalRedVelvetCakeDay or #RedVelvetCakeDay to join the broader conversation
Host a tasting comparing red velvet with chocolate cake to explore the flavor differences firsthand
Try a new format: red velvet cupcakes, cake pops, cookies, or a red velvet cheesecake hybrid

For those interested in other food holidays throughout the year, the Food Holiday 2026 tag is a useful resource for upcoming observances.

FAQ

Q: Is September 18 Red Velvet Cake Day an official national holiday? No. September 18 Red Velvet Cake Day has no government proclamation or legal recognition. It is an informal food observance listed in food-holiday databases and celebrated by bakeries and home bakers [3].

Q: What is the difference between National Red Velvet Cake Day and National Cake Day? National Red Velvet Cake Day is on September 18 and is specific to red velvet cake. National Cake Day is on November 26 and celebrates all cake varieties [6].

Q: Can red velvet cake be made without red food coloring? Yes. Using natural cocoa powder and acidic ingredients (buttermilk and vinegar) produces a subtle reddish-brown hue without dye. The color will be much less vivid than the modern version, but the flavor profile remains authentic [4].

Q: What frosting is best for red velvet cake? Cream cheese frosting is the modern standard. Ermine buttercream (cooked flour-and-butter base) is the historically accurate choice. Both work well; cream cheese frosting is more widely available and easier to find in stores [4][8].

Q: Does Nothing Bundt Cakes offer a red velvet option on September 18? Yes. Nothing Bundt Cakes offers red velvet as a standard flavor and runs Bundtastic Bonus promotions for loyalty members around National Red Velvet Cake Day [9].

Q: How far in advance can red velvet cake be made? Unfrosted cake layers can be baked up to two days ahead and stored wrapped at room temperature, or frozen for up to one month. Frosted cakes keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Q: Why does red velvet cake use both buttermilk and vinegar? Both are acidic and serve different roles. Buttermilk adds moisture and tang while tenderizing the crumb. Vinegar reacts with baking soda to create lift. Together they produce the cake’s characteristic texture [4].

Q: Is red velvet cake a Southern food? Red velvet cake has strong associations with Southern American baking traditions, but its origins are broader. It was popularized in both Southern kitchens and upscale Northern hotels in the early-to-mid 20th century [4][8].

Q: What is the best way to get vivid red color in red velvet cake? Use gel food coloring rather than liquid. Gel is more concentrated, so 1-2 teaspoons achieves a vivid red without adding excess liquid to the batter.

Q: Where can I find red velvet cake near me on September 18? Check Nothing Bundt Cakes, local bakeries, and grocery store bakery departments. Searching Instagram or Google Maps for “[city] red velvet cake” on or just before September 18 will surface local specials and limited-edition items.

Conclusion

September 18 Red Velvet Cake Day is a well-established food holiday that gives bakers, dessert lovers, and bakery brands a shared reason to celebrate one of America’s most visually distinctive cakes. Whether the goal is to bake a scratch layer cake, pick up a bundtlet from a local shop, or simply learn the real difference between red velvet and chocolate cake, the day offers something for every level of involvement.

Actionable next steps for 2026:

Check Nothing Bundt Cakes’ Bundtastic Bonuses portal before September 18 to access any available rewards [9]
Gather ingredients for the scratch recipe at least one day ahead so buttermilk and cream cheese are on hand
Use gel food coloring for the best color payoff
Share the finished cake on social media with #NationalRedVelvetCakeDay to connect with the broader food community
Explore related baking holidays throughout the year using the Food Holiday 2026 calendar

Red velvet cake has earned its place in American baking culture through a combination of striking appearance, distinctive flavor chemistry, and decades of cultural moments. September 18 is simply the best excuse to bake one.

References

[1] Holidays September – https://www.thenibble.com/fun/more/facts/holidays-september.asp [2] eventguide – https://eventguide.com/today/days/2027/09/18.htm [3] National Red Velvet Cake Day – https://www.checkiday.com/d8e21b2d43728129de77480e62e02e2d/national-red-velvet-cake-day [4] Red Velvet Cake Recipes For National Red Velvet Cake Day – https://blog.thenibble.com/2021/09/18/red-velvet-cake-recipes-for-national-red-velvet-cake-day/ [5] checkiday – https://www.checkiday.com/9/18/2025 [6] National Cake Day – https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/national-cake-day [7] eventguide – https://eventguide.com/today/days/2025/09/18.htm [8] National Red Velvet Cake Day – https://www.obbg.org/blog/2022/09/national-red-velvet-cake-day/ [9] Bundtastic Bonuses – https://www.nothingbundtcakes.com/bundtastic-rewards/bundtastic-bonuses/