Description
Discover the rich and velvety Red Velvet Cake with tangy cream cheese frosting, featuring a moist, tender crumb and vibrant red color. Perfect for celebrations or as a special treat, this classic recipe balances chocolate, sweetness, and a luscious frosting that delights every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all ingredients to ensure smooth baking. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease or line your cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and cocoa for a consistent crumb.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until smooth and well incorporated.
- Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cake tender and soft.
- Bake the Cakes: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fluffy, then chill slightly before spreading.
- Assemble and Frost: Stack the cooled cake layers and generously spread cream cheese frosting between each layer and over the top and sides. Smooth with a spatula or create decorative swirls for an inviting look.
Notes
- Use eggs, buttermilk, cream cheese, and butter at room temperature for smoother blending and better texture.
- Sift dry ingredients to avoid lumps and ensure even mixing.
- Measure flour carefully using the spoon-and-level method to prevent a dense cake.
- Use real cream cheese for the best flavor and texture in frosting.
- Chill frosting before use for easier spreading and a neater finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg