The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe
The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe is a classic dessert featuring moist, tender layers infused with a hint of cocoa and colored vibrantly with red food coloring. Perfectly balanced with smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting, this show-stopping cake is ideal for celebrations or anytime you crave a rich, flavorful treat. Easy to make with simple ingredients and clear steps, it suits both beginner and experienced bakers.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Cake Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- Preheat and Prepare Your Pans: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and lightly dust them with flour or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures an even distribution for consistent texture across the cake layers.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and white vinegar. Mixing these separately helps achieve a smooth, vibrant batter.
- Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the wet ingredients to the bowl of dry ingredients, stirring gently until the batter is smooth and uniform. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Bake and Cool: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely on wire racks before frosting.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until smooth and fluffy, perfect for spreading between layers and on top.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate, spread a thick layer of frosting over it, then top with the second cake layer. Finish by frosting the top and sides evenly. Chill if needed to set the frosting.
Notes
- Use eggs, buttermilk, and cream cheese at room temperature for smoother batter and frosting.
- Stir your batter just until combined to maintain a tender crumb.
- Choose a good-quality unsweetened cocoa that is smooth and flavorful.
- Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to help the frosting set and make slicing easier.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: red velvet cake, cream cheese frosting, moist cake, classic dessert, birthday cake, easy cake recipe