Red Velvet Cake

Red Velvet Cake
Prep Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 25 mins Total Time: 55 mins Serves: 12

A classic red velvet cake with rich cream cheese frosting, perfectly balanced flavors, and a stunning presentation.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

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

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
  3. In a large bowl, beat oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla until well combined.
  4. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
  5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
  6. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on wire racks.

For the Frosting:

  1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt.
  3. Beat until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
  4. Once cake is completely cool, frost between layers and cover entire cake.
  5. Optional: Decorate with cake crumbs or red velvet cake crumbles.

Tips

  • Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
  • Don't overmix the batter to ensure a tender cake.
  • For the deepest red color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid.
  • Chill the cake before serving for cleaner slices.