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Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Red Velvet Cake Recipe

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There’s something magical about red velvet cake. Its vibrant crimson hue, layered with creamy cream cheese frosting, feels both nostalgic and luxurious.

For me, it brings back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, where I first learned the perfect balance of cocoa and tangy buttermilk.

Over the years, I’ve perfected this recipe to ensure a tender, moist crumb, with one important step: sifting the dry ingredients twice.

What makes this red velvet cake unique? A dash of espresso powder adds depth without tasting like coffee, while the vanilla in the frosting gives it a lovely aromatic finish.

It’s the kind of cake that makes people pause after the first bite, savoring its creamy tang and delicate texture.

Bake it for any occasion, and for an extra treat, pair it with some Peanut Butter Cookies—a combination that’s sure to delight everyone!

What’s So Great About This Dish?

  • Customizable: Works as cupcakes, sheet cakes, or a towering layer cake.
  • Balanced Flavor: Slightly tangy, delicately sweet, with a whisper of cocoa.
  • Show-Stopping Visuals: That bold red color never fails to impress.
  • Foolproof Technique: Easy-to-follow steps with tips to ensure a moist, tender cake every time.
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Best Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Whisk up Red Velvet magic: velvety cocoa layers, painted in vibrant red, dancing with a luscious cream cheese frosting!
4 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Cooling and Frosting: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Calories: 630kcal
Author: Austin Carter
Servings:

Equipment

  • Whisk or Electric Hand Mixer
  • Measuring Spoons and Cups
  • Cake Pans
  • Cooling Rack
  • Spatula or Palette Knife
  • Oven
  • Toothpicks
  • Cake Stand

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
    Preheating the Oven
  • In a bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and cocoa powder.
    Sifting the Dry Ingredients
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
    Whisking the Wet Ingredients
  • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
    Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
  • Divide the batter equally among the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    Dividing the Batter
  • Allow the cake layers to cool in the pans for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
    Cooling the Cake Layers
  • For the cream cheese frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
    For the cream cheese frosting
  • Once the cake layers are completely cooled, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one layer, then stack the second layer on top and repeat. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
  • Optional: Decorate with additional red velvet crumbs or as desired.
  • Slice and enjoy your delicious homemade Red Velvet Cake!
    Best Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Notes

  1. Precision Matters: Accurate measurements are crucial.
  2. Room Temperature Magic: Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
  3. Patience in Cooling: Allow complete cooling before frosting for a polished finish.

Nutrition

Calories: 630kcal | Carbohydrates: 80g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 360mg | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1.5mg
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Variations that Will Help You Customize Your Dish

  1. Chocolate-Infused Red Velvet: Enhance the cocoa flavor by incorporating chocolate chips or chunks into the batter for an extra layer of richness.
  2. Fruity Fusion with Berries: Add a burst of freshness by folding in raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries into the batter before baking.
  3. Citrus Zest Elegance: Infuse a hint of citrus by adding orange or lemon zest to the batter, providing a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
  4. Buttermilk Bliss: Substitute a portion of the buttermilk with sour cream for an even creamier and tangier texture.
  5. Red Velvet Marble Cake: Create a visually striking marble effect by swirling a chocolate batter into the red velvet batter before baking.
  6. Nutty Indulgence: Introduce a crunch by folding in chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to add texture and a nutty flavor.
  7. Mocha Marvel: Infuse a coffee kick by incorporating a tablespoon of instant coffee or espresso powder into the cocoa mixture.
  8. Red Velvet Roll: Roll up the red velvet goodness with a cream cheese filling to create a delightful Red Velvet Cake Roll.
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4 from 1 vote
Recipe Rating




Tiina

Sunday 29th of December 2024

Icing was delicious, the cake was a little dry.

James Taylor

Monday 30th of December 2024

Thank you, Tiina! I'm so glad you enjoyed the icing. If the cake turned out a little dry, it might help to ensure the batter isn’t overmixed, as that can affect the texture. Also, be sure to check the cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking. I hope you'll give it another try!