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The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe

If you have been searching high and low for a show-stopping dessert that combines a delicate cocoa punch with a luxuriously creamy frosting, look no further than The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe. This recipe is not just any cake; it’s a celebration of vibrant color, rich flavor, and the perfect balance of moist texture and sweet tang. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because you deserve a treat, this cake will captivate your taste buds and become an instant favorite in your repertoire.

The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the first step to creating this memorable dessert. Each one plays a vital role in building the cake’s signature taste, smooth texture, and that unmistakable ruby-red appearance.

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for a tender crumb.
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while contributing to its moist texture.
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic ingredients to tenderize the batter.
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a subtle, balanced chocolate flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
  • 1 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake wonderfully moist and soft.
  • 1 cup buttermilk: Brings a slight tang and tenderness to the crumb.
  • 2 large eggs: Provide richness and structure.
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring: Creates that iconic, vibrant red hue.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth.
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda to give the cake lift and lightness.
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Essential for a smooth and tangy frosting.
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and silky texture to the frosting.
  • 4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the frosting’s flavors with aromatic warmth.
  • Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the frosting.

How to Make The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans so your beautiful cakes come out effortlessly after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. This ensures all the dry components are evenly combined, which is key for a perfectly textured cake.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large separate bowl, beat together vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until the mixture is smooth and unified. This blend creates the moisture and vibrant color essential to the cake’s character.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently until everything is blended into a smooth, luscious batter. Take care not to overmix, keeping the cake tender.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Place them in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The timing is perfect to achieve a moist crumb that holds together without being dense.

Step 6: Cool the Cake

Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is critical before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, beat together soft cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until the frosting is fluffy and silky.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

Once cooled, spread a thick, even layer of cream cheese frosting over the first cake layer. Place the second cake on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it out or creating your desired texture.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Slice into generous pieces and dig into the moist, velvety layers, perfectly complemented by the tangy frosting. This step is the sweetest reward for your time and love in baking.

How to Serve The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe

The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Consider topping your cake with fresh raspberries, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, or even a few edible flowers for an elegant touch. These garnishes enhance the cake’s look and provide a burst of freshness that complements its rich flavors.

Side Dishes

Serve slices alongside lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a luxurious dessert experience. Fresh fruit like strawberries or a dollop of citrusy curd can add brightness and cut through the cake’s richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering this cake into individual parfait glasses with extra frosting or berries for a playful twist. Alternatively, create mini cupcakes from the batter, perfect for parties or sharing, making The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe even more versatile.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will remain moist and fresh for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy later without sacrificing quality.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in several layers of plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, to prevent freezer burn. Frozen cake will keep for up to 3 months and can be thawed in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake at room temperature, allow frozen or refrigerated slices to sit out for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid reheating in the microwave to preserve the texture; the cake is best enjoyed as is.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While regular milk can be used in a pinch, buttermilk is key to achieving the tender crumb and mild tang that defines this cake. You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Why is red food coloring important in this recipe?

The red food coloring gives the cake its classic vibrant hue that makes red velvet so iconic. Without it, you’ll still have a delicious cake, but it will lack that signature deep red color.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, you can make a gluten-free version. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well, and consider adding a binding agent like xanthan gum if your mix doesn’t already contain it.

Can I double this recipe for a larger cake?

Absolutely! This recipe scales up beautifully. Just double all ingredients and bake in appropriately sized pans, adjusting the baking time slightly. Keep an eye on the cake to avoid overbaking.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

A simple toothpick test works best—insert a toothpick into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached, your cake is perfectly baked and ready to cool.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve uncovered the secrets of The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe, you’re well on your way to creating a dessert that will wow friends and family alike. It’s a cake full of love, color, and unforgettable flavor, perfect for any occasion or just a delightful personal indulgence. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become one you reach for again and again.

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The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe


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3.9 from 79 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe delivers a classic, moist, and rich red velvet cake layered with a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or any special occasion, this cake features a balance of cocoa flavor and vibrant red color, with a luscious texture that melts in your mouth.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking, then set them aside while you prepare the batter.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt until thoroughly combined to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and cocoa.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
  4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until the batter is smooth and lump-free, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
  5. Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cakes are fully baked.
  6. Cool the Cake: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature, which will help the frosting adhere properly.
  7. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
  8. Frost the Cake: Once the cakes have completely cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting for a beautiful finish.
  9. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake into portions and enjoy this decadent, classic red velvet treat with your friends and family.

Notes

  • Ensure the cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for smoother batter and frosting consistency.
  • For a more intense red color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid.
  • Red Velvet Cake tastes even better the next day when flavors meld.
  • Store scraps of cake layers wrapped tightly in the fridge for up to 3 days for snacks or trifle.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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