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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