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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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