The BEST Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Posted by by Sara 1 year Ago 452 Views

This is the ultimate red velvet cake recipe, featuring a moist, tender crumb with just a hint of cocoa and a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion, this classic Southern favorite is as delicious as it is beautiful!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

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

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Make the Cake:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Set aside.
  4. Cream Sugar and Oil: In a large bowl, beat the sugar and vegetable oil until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  5. Combine: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk mixture to the sugar mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
  6. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on wire racks.

Make the Frosting:

  1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Assemble the Cake:

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
  2. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly.
  3. Decorate with cake crumbs, sprinkles, or a dusting of cocoa powder if desired.

Tips for the Best Red Velvet Cake

  • Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: This ensures smoother mixing and a better texture.
  • Don’t Skip the Vinegar: It reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise and enhance the red color.
  • Chill Before Slicing: Refrigerate the cake for 20-30 minutes before slicing for clean, neat cuts.

Nutrition Information (Per Slice)

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: 320mg