Make the Best Red Velvet Cake at home
If you’re craving a dessert that’s as delicious as it is visually stunning, look no further than the iconic Red Velvet Cake. With its striking red color, smooth cream cheese frosting, and a perfect balance of flavor, this cake is sure to steal the show at any celebration.
Whether you’re a baking pro or just starting in the kitchen, this easy Red Velvet Cake recipe will guide you through each step to create the perfect dessert. Let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
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 for easy removal.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the vegetable oil, eggs, buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Whisk until everything is fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared 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, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting by beating the cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
Assemble the Cake:
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Red Velvet Cake:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: To ensure the cake batter mixes smoothly, make sure your eggs, buttermilk, and other ingredients are at room temperature.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
- For a Richer Color: If you want an even more vibrant red, feel free to add an extra tablespoon of red food coloring, but make sure it’s gel food coloring to avoid altering the cake’s texture.
Why Red Velvet Cake is Perfect for Any Occasion:
The Red Velvet Cake is not just visually stunning; its flavor is the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and rich. The cream cheese frosting adds a delicious, creamy tang that complements the moist cake beautifully. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just looking for a special treat, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser!
Final Thoughts:
Now that you have this easy and delicious Red Velvet Cake recipe, you’re ready to impress your friends and family with a stunning homemade dessert. The best part? It’s as fun to make as it is to eat!