Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
A delightful dessert with a soft, velvety crumb, rich cream cheese frosting, and a striking red hue, perfect for special occasions.
Servings 12 pieces
Calories 400kcal
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour This forms the tender base of your cake.
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar Adds sweetness and enhances the cake’s moistness.
- 1 tsp baking soda Essential for the cake's rise.
- 1 tsp cocoa powder Provides the faintest hint of chocolate flavor.
- 0.5 tsp salt Balances the sweetness.
- 1.5 cups vegetable oil Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature Adds richness and a slight tang.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature Binds the ingredients together.
- 2 tbsp red food coloring Gives the cake its iconic color.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp white vinegar Reacts with baking soda for a lighter texture.
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened Forms the creamy base of the frosting.
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened Adds smoothness to the frosting.
- 4 cups powdered sugar Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Infuses the frosting with flavor.
- a pinch of salt Enhances the frosting's sweetness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them or lining them with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt until well-mixed.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar. Whisk until thoroughly combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Baking
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting and Assembly
- For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until thick and fluffy, then add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Once cooled, frost the first layer of the cake with frosting, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides.
- Decorate as desired and serve.
Notes
For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting the recipe. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the cream cheese frosting.