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The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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

Keywords: red velvet cake, cream cheese frosting, moist cake, classic dessert, birthday cake, easy cake recipe