Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft, moist crumb with a delicate tang from buttermilk and vinegar
Light cocoa flavor that complements the rich red hue
Classic pairing with cream cheese frosting—sweet and slightly tangy
Show-stopping appearance with striking red layers
Easy to decorate and serve, ideal for birthdays, holidays, or date nights

ingredients

(Tip: you’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Baking soda and salt
Buttermilk
Large eggs
Vegetable oil (or a blend with melted butter)
Pure vanilla extract
White vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
Red food coloring (gel or liquid)
Cream cheese, softened
Unsalted butter, softened
Confectioners’ (powdered) sugar
A pinch of salt in frosting

directions

Prep – Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease and flour two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment).
Combine dry – Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mix wet – In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring until blended.
Combine – Gradually add dry mix to wet, stirring until just combined—do not overmix.
Bake – Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
Cool – Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then run a knife around edges, invert onto wire racks, and cool completely before frosting.
Make frosting – Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla; blend until creamy and spreadable. Add salt if needed to balance sweetness.
Assemble – Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of frosting, top with the second cake layer, and frost the top and sides evenly.
Decorate – Smooth the frosting or create swirls, and garnish with cake crumbs, sprinkles, or fresh berries as desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12–16 slices from two 8‑ or 9‑inch layers
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 25–30 minutes
Cooling & frosting time: 30–45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

Use three thinner layers instead of two for an elegant tiered look
Swap in natural beet powder or juice for red coloring
Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder for depth of flavor
Make cupcakes instead of a cake using the same batter
Flavor the frosting with lemon zest or orange zest for a citrus twist
Try a vegan or dairy-free version using plant-based milk, vegan cream cheese, and flax egg

storage/reheating

Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 5 days (bring to room temperature before serving)
Counter (cool environment): Keep for 1 day covered
Freezing: Freeze frosted slices individually or the whole cake (well wrapped) for up to 2 months; thaw in fridge overnight
Refreshing slices: Briefly warm in the microwave (5–10 sec) or enjoy chilled

FAQs

What gives red velvet its red color?

Traditionally red food coloring is used; beet juice or beet powder can be a natural alternative.

Can I skip the cocoa powder?

Cocoa adds essential flavor and depth—reducing it will change the classic taste.

Do I need to use buttermilk?

Yes—its acidity reacts with baking soda for a tender crumb and slight tang.

Can I make the cake in one pan?

Yes, using a 9×13-inch pan; bake time may increase by 5–10 minutes.

What’s the best oil to use?

Neutral oils like vegetable or canola are recommended; melted butter works but yields a firmer texture.

Why add vinegar?

It reacts subtly with the buttermilk to enhance the cake’s tender texture and red color.

Can I make the frosting ahead?

Absolutely—cream cheese frosting can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge; stir before spreading.

How do I store a frosted cake?

Keep it in a cake dome or airtight container in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before serving.

Can I freeze frosted cake?

Yes—wrap the cake or slices well to prevent freezer burn, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Is this cake suitable for special diets?

A gluten-free version works with a 1:1 GF flour blend; vegan versions require plant-based substitutions and binders.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Cake delivers a stunning presentation and luxurious flavor experience—moist, tangy, and beautifully balanced. With its iconic layers and luscious cream cheese frosting, it’s a timeless favorite for birthdays, holidays, or any moment you need to sweeten the day.