Red Velvet Cake is a timeless dessert that captures hearts with its striking red hue, velvety texture, and irresistible cream cheese frosting. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just because, this cake combines a hint of cocoa with a tangy buttermilk flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying it for the first time, this recipe is sure to impress.
How to Make Red Velvet Cake
This cake is surprisingly simple to make. Start with a rich batter, bake to perfection, and finish with a luscious cream cheese frosting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients and bring the oven up to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prepare them for baking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each to ensure they are fully blended before adding the next.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Combine buttermilk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Gradually add to the butter mixture, alternating with the dry ingredients.
- Combine: Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake:Evenly distribute the batter between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Cool: Let the cakes rest in the pans for 10 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool fully.
- Frost: Spread cream cheese frosting between the layers, on the sides, and on top of the cake.
Red Velvet Cake
12
servings20
minutes30
minutesIngredients
- Cake:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp red food coloring- Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat oven and prepare pans.
- Mix dry ingredients and set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs.
- Mix in wet ingredients, alternating with dry ingredients.
- Bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool completely.
- Frost and assemble the cake.
FAQ
1. Is it possible to prepare this cake in advance? Yes, you can bake the layers in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 days. Frost the cake before serving.
2. How do I achieve the perfect red color?
Use high-quality red food coloring. For bold and vibrant colors, gel food coloring is the most effective choice.
3. Can I freeze red velvet cake?
Absolutely! Tightly wrap the cake layers in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw before frosting.
