Description
This classic Red Velvet Cake is a luscious, moist, and tender treat layered with a creamy and tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or Valentine’s Day, this American favorite combines a subtle cocoa flavor with a striking red color to create an irresistible dessert experience.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon 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 or line them with parchment paper to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt until combined evenly to distribute the leavening and flavor elements.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, room temperature buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, white vinegar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and evenly colored.
- Blend Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently just until smooth and fully combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
- Divide and Bake: Evenly divide the batter into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cakes are fully baked.
- Cool Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes to settle, then transfer them onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then continue beating until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Assemble and Chill: Spread frosting between the two cake layers, then cover the top and sides evenly with the remaining frosting. Chill the frosted cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing to achieve clean, neat cuts.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant and intense red color.
- Cake layers can be baked ahead of time and frozen for future use.
- This cake is ideal for special occasions such as birthdays, holidays, or Valentine’s Day celebrations.
