Description
This classic Red Velvet Cake recipe delivers a moist, tender cake with a subtle cocoa flavor and a striking red color, perfectly complemented by creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting. Ideal for celebrations or any special occasion, this recipe ensures a deliciously beautiful homemade dessert that impresses every time.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until the mixture is smooth and evenly colored.
- Make the Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing the batter which can make the cake tough.
- Divide and Bake: Evenly distribute the batter between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, about one cup at a time, beating until smooth and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, decorate with cake crumbs or red sprinkles to add a festive touch. Slice and serve to enjoy the rich, velvety flavors.
Notes
- Ensure all wet ingredients like eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for better blending and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and moist.
- Use good-quality red food coloring or natural alternatives to achieve the best color without affecting taste.
- Cool cakes completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For best results, chill the frosted cake for an hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
