Red Velvet Cake
A stunning, moist red velvet cake with a hint of cocoa, layered with a tangy and sweet cream cheese frosting. This classic Southern dessert is perfect for celebrations or any special occasion.
For 12 servings
8 steps.
- 1
Prepare Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
- a.Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. For best results, line the bottoms with parchment paper rounds, then grease the parchment.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift or whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat the granulated sugar and vegetable oil until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, the red food coloring, and the white vinegar until the color is uniform and vibrant.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine Wet and Dry: On low speed, add one-third of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, followed by half of the buttermilk. Repeat, then finish with the last third of the dry ingredients. Mix only until just combined—do not overmix.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- 6
Prepare the Frosting: While the cakes cool, make the frosting
- a.In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Reduce speed to low and gradually add the sifted powdered sugar. Once incorporated, add the remaining 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Increase speed to high and beat for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Assemble and Frost: Once the cakes are 100% cool, level the tops with a serrated knife if needed (save scraps for decoration). Place one layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting over it. Top with the second cake layer. Apply a thin 'crumb coat' of frosting over the entire cake and chill for 20-30 minutes. Apply the final, thicker layer of frosting. Decorate with cake crumbs if desired.
- 8
Step 8
- a.Chill and Serve: For the cleanest slices, chill the finished cake in the refrigerator for at least 30-60 minutes before serving. This allows the frosting to set firmly.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a truly moist cake, ensure your buttermilk and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate into the batter smoothly.
- 2Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour. Mix just until the streaks of flour disappear to avoid a dense, tough cake.
- 3Gel food coloring provides a much more vibrant and deep red color than liquid coloring without adding extra moisture.
- 4Ensure the cake layers are completely cool before frosting. A warm cake will melt the cream cheese frosting into a runny mess.
- 5For a super smooth frosting, make sure your butter and cream cheese are properly softened, and always sift the powdered sugar to remove lumps.
- 6For the most accurate measurements, especially for flour, use a kitchen scale. 2.5 cups of all-purpose flour is approximately 300 grams.
Adapt it for your goals.
Red Velvet Cupcakes
Divide the batter into a lined 24-cup muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes. Cool completely before frosting.
Natural ColoringNatural Coloring
For a natural red hue, substitute the food coloring with 2-3 tablespoons of beet powder or pureed cooked beets, added with the wet ingredients. The color will be more muted and earthy.
Chocolate Cream Cheese FrostingChocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
Add 1/2 cup of sifted unsweetened cocoa powder to the frosting along with the powdered sugar for a rich chocolate twist.
Gluten Free VersionGluten-Free Version
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Provides Quick Energy
The carbohydrates from the flour and sugar in the cake provide a rapid source of energy, which can be useful for a quick boost.
Mood Enhancement
Enjoying a delicious dessert like Red Velvet Cake can be a pleasurable experience, potentially boosting mood and providing comfort by triggering the release of endorphins.
Frequently asked questions
A typical slice of homemade Red Velvet Cake, based on this recipe serving 12, contains approximately 650-750 calories, primarily from the sugar, oil, butter, and cream cheese.