Delicious Red Velvet Cake (Printable)
Moist red velvet layers with subtle cocoa, topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. A stunning centerpiece for any celebration.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Cake Components
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1 teaspoon fine salt
05 - 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
06 - 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
07 - 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
08 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
09 - 2 tablespoons red food coloring
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 - 1 teaspoon white vinegar
→ Cream Cheese Frosting
12 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
13 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
14 - 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
15 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
16 - Pinch of salt
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
02 - In a medium bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well blended.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar until fully incorporated.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until smooth and no lumps remain.
05 - Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
06 - Bake for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
07 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla and salt. Beat until light and fluffy.
09 - Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of frosting on top. Position the second layer over the first and frost the top and sides completely.
10 - Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes before slicing to ensure clean, neat cuts.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The texture is impossibly moist without feeling heavy, striking that perfect balance between decadent and light
- Cream cheese frosting and red velvet were made for each other creating the most iconic flavor pairing
02 -
- Room temperature ingredients are nonnegotiable for smooth frosting and even baking
- Overmixing the batter leads to tough, chewy cake instead of tender velvet
03 -
- Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for a deeper red without adding excess liquid
- Level your cake layers with a serrated knife if they domed during baking