Description
This Easy Red Velvet Cake is a simple homemade recipe that delivers a classic Southern dessert. It features a soft, tender crumb, a mild cocoa flavor, and the iconic tangy cream cheese frosting. This recipe is straightforward, perfect for bakers of all levels, and results in a show-stopping cake for any celebration.
Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Cake:2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon salt1 tablespoon (15g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder1 1/2 cups (360ml) vegetable oil1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature2 large eggs, room temperature1 tablespoon (15ml) red food coloring (gel preferred)1 teaspoon white vinegar1 teaspoon vanilla extractFor the Cream Cheese Frosting:16 ounces (452g) block cream cheese, room temperature1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, room temperature4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven and Prep Pans:2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. For best results, line the bottom with parchment paper circles, then grease and flour the parchment.3. 4. Mix Dry Ingredients:5. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.6. 7. Mix Wet Ingredients:8. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, large eggs, red food coloring, white vinegar, and vanilla extract until well combined.9. 10. Combine Wet and Dry:11. Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredient mixture. Whisk (or use a stand mixer on low) until just combined. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are okay.12. 13. Divide and Bake:14. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared 9-inch pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.15. 16. Cool the Cakes:17. Let the cake layers cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Ensure cakes are 100% cool before frosting.18. 19. Make the Frosting:20. In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer, beat the room-temperature cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed until completely smooth, about 2 minutes.21. 22. Add Sugar and Vanilla:23. Reduce speed to low. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar until incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and salt.24. 25. Finish Frosting:26. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and creamy.27. 28. Assemble the Cake:29. Place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread about 1 1/2 cups of frosting evenly over the top. Place the second layer on top. Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Chill for 30 minutes.30. 31. Frost and Serve:32. Apply the remaining frosting generously over the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with cake crumbs or sprinkles, if desired. Store in the refrigerator but serve at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
Room Temperature Ingredients: For the smoothest batter and frosting, ensure your buttermilk, eggs, butter, and cream cheese are all at room temperature before you begin.Food Coloring: Gel food coloring provides the most vibrant red with the least amount of liquid. If using liquid coloring, you may need 1-2 tablespoons.Do Not Overmix: Mix the batter only until the wet and dry ingredients are combined. Overmixing develops gluten and leads to a dense cake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg