Description
The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake is a show-stopping dessert that’s as decadent as it is beautiful. With its rich, velvety texture, deep red color, and creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for any special occasion. It’s moist, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 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
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 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)
Instructions
- 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. - Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until well combined. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. - Bake the Cake:
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake 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 before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. - Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream. If the frosting is too thick, add more cream, a teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. - Assemble the Cake:
Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of frosting on top of the first cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top, then frost the top and sides of the entire cake. - Serve:
Decorate with extra cake crumbs or red velvet shavings on top if desired. Slice and serve!
Notes
- Make sure your buttermilk is at room temperature to achieve the best texture in the cake.
- If you prefer a stronger red color, you can add more food coloring, but be cautious not to overdo it.
- For an extra special touch, add a few fresh raspberries or chocolate shavings on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of the cake)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 40
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg