Description
This classic Red Velvet Cake is a soft, moist, and tender dessert with a hint of cocoa and a signature deep red color. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, it offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, combine the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and white vinegar. Mix well.
- Add the red food coloring to the wet mixture and stir until evenly blended.
- Combine the mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy.
- Assemble the cake: Spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer, then place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake.
- Chill or serve immediately. For best results, refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- For extra moisture, brush the cake layers with simple syrup before frosting.
- Gel food coloring provides a more vibrant red color than liquid food coloring.
- Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: red velvet cake, cream cheese frosting, classic cake, moist cake, chocolate cake, layered cake, homemade cake, easy cake recipe, holiday dessert, birthday cake