Description
This classic Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a luscious, moist, and tender dessert perfect for any special occasion or indulgent treat. Featuring a vibrant red hue and rich cream cheese frosting, this recipe combines a subtle cocoa flavor with a hint of vanilla, resulting in a well-balanced, iconic American dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 and 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Frosting Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Blend batter: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients while mixing, ensuring everything is fully combined but avoiding overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Fill pans and bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes: Let cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
- Make frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract to finish the frosting.
- Assemble cake: Once the cakes have fully cooled, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting evenly.
- Serve: Slice the cake cleanly after chilling slightly, and enjoy this classic red velvet dessert!
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and frosting consistency.
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender and moist texture.
- Chilling the cake slightly before slicing allows for cleaner, neater cuts.
