Delicious Red Velvet Cake (Printable view)
Luscious red velvet cake with subtle cocoa and creamy frosting, ready in 1 hour.
# 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
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
02 - In a medium bowl, sift together flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, fine salt, and cocoa powder until uniformly blended.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until completely smooth and well incorporated.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently just until no flour streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough texture.
05 - Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 28-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
06 - Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack. Cool completely to room temperature before frosting.
07 - Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually incorporate sifted powdered sugar, followed by vanilla extract and salt. Continue beating until light and fluffy.
08 - Position first cake layer on serving plate. Spread generous frosting layer over top. Place second layer atop first, then coat entire surface with remaining frosting.
09 - Refrigerate assembled cake for 30 minutes to set frosting for cleaner slicing. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The cream cheese frosting is so good you will catch yourself eating it straight from the bowl
- This cake somehow manages to feel fancy enough for weddings while still being the one everyone actually wants to eat
02 -
- Room temperature ingredients are not optional here, cold cream cheese will ruin your frosting texture
- The vinegar is not a mistake, it is essential for that classic red velvet chemical reaction
03 -
- Weigh your flour instead of scooping it, too much flour will make this cake dry instead of velvety
- Tap the cake pans gently on the counter before baking to release any air bubbles