Description
Red Velvet Cake is a tender, vibrant cake with a light cocoa flavor and a tangy cream cheese frosting. With its signature red hue and moist crumb, it’s perfect for celebrations and loved for its classic flavor and eye-catching presentation.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1–2 tablespoons red food coloring (liquid or gel)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Pinch of salt (for frosting)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease and flour two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, oil, vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring until well blended.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and invert onto wire racks. Cool completely before frosting.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy. Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness if desired.
- To assemble, place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of frosting, add second layer, and frost the top and sides evenly.
- Decorate with swirls, crumbs, sprinkles, or fresh berries if desired.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red without thinning the batter.
- Chill frosting slightly for firmer piping consistency.
- For clean slices, chill cake before cutting and wipe knife between cuts.
- Can be made as cupcakes—reduce bake time to 18–22 minutes.
- To make gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
