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Red Velvet Cake Recipe

This Red Velvet Cake is a showstopper! With its vibrant color and rich flavor, it's perfect for any celebration.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup room-temperature buttermilk
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large room-temperature eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons liquid red food color

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 2 8-ounce blocks room-temperature cream cheese
  • 8 ounces room-temperature unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract for frosting
  • 1 cup powdered sugar to sweeten frosting

Instructions

Instructions:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  • In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vinegar, vanilla extract, and liquid red food color. Whisk until smooth.
  • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
  • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
  • In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and gradually mix in the powdered sugar until fully incorporated.
  • Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake as desired.
  • Feel free to decorate with sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries. Slice, serve, and enjoy this beautiful, delectable Red Velvet Cake!

Equipment

  • 2 round cake pans (9-inch)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric Mixer
  • Spatula
  • Cooling rack

Notes

  • For a lighter cake, ensure ingredients are at room temperature.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze layers wrapped tightly in plastic for up to 3 months.