Delicious Red Velvet Cake (Print)
Luscious red velvet cake with cocoa flavor and creamy frosting, ideal for celebrations.
# Ingredient List:
→ Cake Base
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1 teaspoon fine salt
05 - 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
06 - 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
07 - 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
08 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
09 - 2 tablespoons red food coloring
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 - 1 teaspoon white vinegar
→ Cream Cheese Frosting
12 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
13 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
14 - 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
15 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
16 - Pinch of salt
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
02 - In a medium bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar until well combined.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until smooth.
05 - Divide the batter evenly between prepared cake pans. Bake for 28–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
06 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
07 - Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla and salt. Beat until light and fluffy.
08 - Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer over the first and frost the top and sides.
09 - Chill for 30 minutes before slicing for clean cuts.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The tangy cream cheese frosting balances that subtle cocoa notes perfectly
- Moist enough to stay fresh for days, though it never lasts that long
- That striking red slice makes everyone feel like they are at a real celebration
02 -
- Room temperature ingredients prevent curdling and ensure even baking
- Over mixing develops gluten and makes the cake tough instead of tender
- The vinegar is not optional, it is the secret to the signature velvety crumb
03 -
- Weighing your flour yields more consistent results than cup measurements
- Place a dab of frosting under your cake plate to keep it from sliding
- Chill your frosted cake for 15 minutes before serving the cleanest slices