Name: The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 1 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened); 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil; 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 tbsp red food coloring (liquid or gel); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp white vinegar; 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1-2 tbsp heavy cream (to adjust frosting consistency)

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Are you ready to experience a dessert that’s as striking as it is delicious? This Ultimate Red Velvet Cake is a showstopper in both appearance and taste. With its rich, velvety texture, a delicate cocoa flavor, and that iconic crimson color, this cake will become the highlight of any occasion. Picture layers of moist, fluffy cake perfectly balanced with a tangy, creamy cream cheese frosting. It’s the kind of cake that makes you feel like you’re indulging in something extra special, whether it’s for a celebration or a sweet treat just because.

Trust me, once you make this cake, you won’t be able to resist its magic. The contrast between the soft cake and smooth, luscious frosting is enough to make your taste buds sing. It’s the perfect balance of flavors, and I promise it’ll quickly become your go-to dessert for everything from birthdays to dinner parties.

Why You’ll Love The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake

Showstopping Appearance: The vibrant red color of this cake makes it the perfect centerpiece for any celebration. It’s bold, beautiful, and screams “party!” (even if you’re just eating it for yourself).

Moist & Tender: Every slice of this cake is soft, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth moist. The key is to balance the ingredients just right, and this recipe nails it!

Cream Cheese Frosting: The tangy, rich cream cheese frosting is the star of the show. It’s smooth, creamy, and the perfect contrast to the subtle cocoa flavor of the cake.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a weekend treat, this cake is guaranteed to make any moment feel like a celebration.

Easy to Make: Despite how fancy this cake looks, it’s surprisingly easy to make! The steps are simple and straightforward, so you can enjoy the process as much as the end result.

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Cake:

All-Purpose Flour: This will be the base for your cake, giving it structure and softness.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance out the cocoa flavor.

Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
Cocoa Powder: Just a touch of unsweetened cocoa powder gives the cake its subtle chocolate flavor.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.

Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender, without weighing it down.
Buttermilk: This is key for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It also reacts with the baking soda to give the cake lift.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s richness.

Red Food Coloring: This gives the cake its iconic vibrant color.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds a depth of flavor to the cake.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

Cream Cheese: This gives the frosting its signature tang and creamy texture.

Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a smooth consistency in the frosting.
Powdered Sugar: The powdered sugar makes the frosting sweet without being overly thick or grainy.
Vanilla Extract: A little bit of vanilla in the frosting enhances the flavor.

Salt: A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness of the frosting.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s break down how to create this stunning cake:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat the sugar and vegetable oil together until smooth and combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and red food coloring.

Step 4: Add the Buttermilk & Dry Ingredients

Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake layers cool, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and salt, and continue to beat until the frosting is light and creamy.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

Step 8: Decorate and Serve

Feel free to decorate the cake with cake crumbs, sprinkles, or even extra frosting swirls. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12-16 slices (depending on size)
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories per slice
Carbs: 45g per slice
Protein: 3g per slice
Fat: 18g per slice
(Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient brands and exact measurements used.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes

How to Serve The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake

For Special Occasions: This cake is a showstopper at birthdays, holidays, or any celebration that calls for something extra special.

For Afternoon Tea: Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee for the perfect mid-day treat.

With Ice Cream: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.

With Fresh Berries: Add a few fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side for a little tartness to balance the sweetness.

Additional Tips

Ensure the Cake Cools Completely: Make sure the cake layers are completely cool before frosting. Otherwise, the frosting could melt and slide off.

Food Coloring Tip: Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for a more vibrant color without affecting the cake’s consistency.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Let the cake sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving again for the best flavor and texture.
Make Ahead: You can make the cake layers in advance and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and let them thaw before frosting.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this cake without food coloring?
A1: You can make it without food coloring, but the iconic red color will be missing. The flavor will still be fantastic!

Q2: Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the frosting?
A2: Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the texture may be a bit different, and the frosting may not be as rich.

Q3: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. Just frost before serving.

Q4: What can I substitute for buttermilk?
A4: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk and a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the tangy flavor.

Q5: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A5: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be sure to check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Q6: How can I make the cake less sweet?
A6: You can reduce the sugar in both the cake and frosting, but keep in mind that it will change the overall texture and flavor.

Q7: Can I freeze Red Velvet Cake?
A7: Yes, you can freeze the cake layers before frosting. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to use, thaw them and frost as usual.

Q8: Can I add something to the frosting for extra flavor?
A8: Absolutely! You can add a teaspoon of cocoa powder, a dash of cinnamon, or even a little coffee extract to the frosting for added depth of flavor.

Q9: Can I use a different frosting for this cake?
A9: Yes! While cream cheese frosting is traditional, you can use buttercream frosting if you prefer a sweeter, lighter option.

Q10: How do I make the cake more moist?
A10: Ensure you’re using enough oil and buttermilk for moisture. Additionally, don’t overbake the cake, as this can dry it out.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a cake that’s both decadent and visually stunning, The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake is the one for you! This cake is the perfect balance of fluffy texture, subtle cocoa flavor, and rich cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress everyone who gets a slice. So go ahead—make this cake, slice it up, and let the compliments roll in!

The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe