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Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a classic and decadent dessert featuring moist, tender cake layers infused with subtle cocoa and vibrant red color, paired perfectly with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting. Ideal for celebrations or anytime you crave a rich, elegant treat made from simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar

Frosting Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for even mixing and the best texture.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to create an even base.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until smooth and vibrant in color.
  4. Make the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined, making sure not to overmix to keep the cake light and airy.
  5. Bake Your Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between two greased and floured 9-inch cake pans, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy and spreadable.
  7. Assemble and Frost: Once the cakes have fully cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of the first layer, stack the second layer over it, and cover the entire cake with frosting evenly.

Notes

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and buttermilk helps the batter mix evenly, resulting in a smoother texture.
  • Avoid Overmixing: Stir batter just until combined to keep the cake light and prevent toughness.
  • Use High-Quality Cocoa: A good-quality, unsweetened cocoa powder ensures the best subtle chocolate flavor.
  • Don’t Skip the Buttermilk: It’s essential for the moist crumb and slight tang that defines red velvet.
  • Cool Completely Before Frosting: Frosting warm cake can cause melting and a runny texture.
  • Chill the Frosting: If your cream cheese frosting is too soft, refrigerate it briefly to make spreading easier.

Nutrition

Keywords: Red Velvet Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting, Birthday Cake, Moist Cake, Classic Dessert, Gluten-Free Option