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.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour substitution)
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
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for even mixing and the best texture.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Red Velvet Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting, Birthday Cake, Moist Cake, Classic Dessert, Gluten-Free Option