If you are craving a show-stopping dessert that brings together a perfect balance of moist texture, vibrant color, and heavenly cream cheese frosting, look no further than The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe. This classic favorite never fails to impress whether for a special celebration or a cozy afternoon treat. Each bite delivers just the right amount of cocoa undertone and tangy sweetness that makes this cake so irresistible. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to whenever you want to share something truly memorable with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe plays a crucial role in creating its signature flavor and texture. These simple pantry staples come together beautifully, giving you that iconic red color, tender crumb, and luscious frosting.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and perfect crumb for the cake layers.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping with moisture retention.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent to give the cake lift and fluffiness.
- 1 teaspoon fine salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a subtle chocolate depth essential to red velvet’s unique taste.
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil: Keeps the cake exceptionally moist and tender.
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature: Brings a slight tang and reacts with baking soda to help cake rise perfectly.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring: Delivers that striking red hue that’s synonymous with red velvet cake.
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar: Enhances the red color and balances flavors with a touch of acidity.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with warm, sweet notes.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened: Provides the signature tangy creaminess and smooth texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and contributes to a silky frosting.
- 4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect spreadability.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds fragrant warmth against the tang of cream cheese.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and brightens the frosting flavors.
How to Make The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F and preparing two 9-inch round cake pans—grease them well and flour or line with parchment paper. This step ensures your masterpiece comes out effortlessly without sticking and baking evenly from edge to edge.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until fully combined. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and that subtle chocolate flavor throughout every bite.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the vegetable oil, room temperature buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and silky—this is the base that will bring moisture and vibrant color to your cake.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until no flour pockets remain and the batter is evenly mixed. Be careful not to overmix, or the cake might lose its tender crumb.
Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide your batter evenly between the two prepared pans and bake for 30 to 32 minutes. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely—patience here means easier frosting application later.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar while continuing to mix until fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness perfectly.
Step 7: Assemble Your Cake
Once the layers are fully cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting on the top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides evenly. Smooth with a spatula for a neat finish or get creative with your piping—either way, you’re about to enjoy a stunning dessert.
How to Serve The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra flair, consider topping your red velvet cake with fresh berries, a sprinkle of toasted pecans, or delicate edible flowers. These add texture, color contrast, and a hint of fresh flavor that beautifully complements the richness of the cake.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk, both of which provide a perfect balance to the creamy frosting and sweet layers. For a festive touch, try serving with fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your cake into traditional wedges or try cutting it into cubes for bite-sized party treats. You could also transform the recipe into cupcakes for individual servings, perfect for gatherings or gift-giving. Whichever way you choose, presentation is a chance to showcase your love for this classic dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cake covered in the refrigerator to preserve freshness and maintain the creamy texture of the frosting. Wrapped tightly, it should stay delicious for up to 4 days. Make sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Freezing
The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe freezes beautifully either as a whole cake or as individual layers. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and refrost if needed for that freshly made feel.
Reheating
While cake is best enjoyed cool or at room temperature, you can warm single slices slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften the frosting and enhance the flavor. Avoid overheating to prevent melting the frosting completely.
FAQs
Can I substitute buttermilk with regular milk?
While regular milk can be used, buttermilk is preferred because its acidity reacts with the baking soda to create a tender, fluffy crumb and subtle tanginess characteristic of red velvet cake. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup milk and let it sit for 10 minutes as a good substitute.
Is red food coloring necessary?
Yes, the red food coloring is key to achieving that iconic vibrant red color you expect from a red velvet cake. Without it, the cake will be more like a mild chocolate cake. If you prefer natural options, beet juice can be experimented with but may alter the flavor slightly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can try swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking. However, this might affect the texture slightly, so it’s best to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to mimic the structure flour provides.
How should I adjust baking time for cupcakes?
Bake cupcakes at the same temperature, 350°F, but reduce baking time to around 18 to 22 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean, they’re ready. Cupcakes offer a fun, portable way to enjoy this recipe.
Can I use this frosting recipe for other cakes?
Absolutely! The cream cheese frosting here is a classic that pairs beautifully with many cakes, especially spice cakes, carrot cakes, and pumpkin cakes. Its balance of sweetness and tang makes it versatile and delicious beyond just red velvet.
Final Thoughts
Making The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe is a joyful experience that results in a stunning cake loved by all. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, holiday, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe delivers consistent, mouthwatering results every time. I hope you give it a try and watch it quickly become your favorite for years to come!
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The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Ultimate Red Velvet Cake recipe delivers a moist, tender cake layered with rich, creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any celebration, this classic Southern-inspired dessert combines the subtle chocolate flavor with striking red color and velvety texture, guaranteed to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, fine salt, and unsweetened cocoa powder until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, room temperature buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, white vinegar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully mixed.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixes: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until the batter is smooth and uniform without overmixing.
- Divide Batter and Bake: Evenly distribute the batter between the two prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then carefully remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together using a mixer until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar while continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy and well combined. Mix in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for balance.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake layers are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one layer. Place the second layer on top, then frost the top and sides of the entire cake. Use a spatula to smooth the frosting evenly.
- Serve: For best texture and flavor, chill the frosted cake for 30 minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Chill the frosted cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing to achieve clean cuts and better texture.
- You can adapt this recipe to bake as a sheet cake or cupcakes; adjust baking time accordingly (reduce for cupcakes, increase for sheet cakes).
- Ensure all cold ingredients like eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for optimal texture.
- Use high-quality red food coloring for the best vibrant color without altering taste.
