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
Scale
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.
