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Classic Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Red Velvet Cake is a beloved classic, known for its striking red hue, velvety texture, and subtle cocoa flavor. Originating in the United States, this cake gained popularity in the early 20th century and remains a staple for celebrations. The combination of buttermilk and vinegar creates a tender crumb, while Dutch-processed cocoa adds depth to the flavor. The rich cream cheese frosting provides the perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness. This recipe ensures a moist, flavorful cake with a smooth, luscious frosting, making it ideal for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.

Dessert | American | Vegetarian | Layer Cake | Cake Pan | Mixing Bowl | Oven | Stand Mixer | Whisk | Wire Rack | All-Purpose Flour | Buttermilk | Cocoa Powder | Cream Cheese | Baking | Folding | Stirring | Whipping | Birthday | Festive | Holiday
Time to complete

Prep

30min

Cook

25min

Wait

30min

Total

1h 25min

Ingredients (Makes 12 servings)

Ingredients

  • 400g (2 cups) granulated sugar
  • 170g (¾ cup) vegetable oil
  • 113g (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 320g (1⅓ cups) buttermilk
  • 2 tsp vinegar
  • 1 tbsp red gel food coloring (adjust up to 1.5 tbsp as needed)
  • 60g (¼ cup) boiling water
  • 15g (2½ tbsp) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
  • 390g (3 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 30g (¼ cup) cornstarch
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt

For the Frosting

  • 283g (1¼ cups) unsalted butter, softened
  • 570g (20 oz) cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 360-480g (3-4 cups) powdered sugar, sifted
Nutrition Information (per 100g)
  • Calories: 380
  • Fat: 18
  • Protein: 5
  • Carbohydrates: 50
  • Fiber: 1
Directions

Preparing the Cake Batter

  • 1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
  • 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, and melted butter for 1-2 minutes until lighter in color.
  • 3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth and creamy.
  • 4. Mix in the buttermilk, vinegar, and red food coloring until fully incorporated.
  • 5. In a separate bowl, whisk the cocoa powder with boiling water until smooth, then add to the wet ingredients.
  • 6. Sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Baking the Cake

  • 7. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
  • 8. Bake for 23-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
  • 9. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Frosting

  • 10. In a stand mixer, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and salt on medium speed until smooth.
  • 11. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until fluffy and smooth.

Assembling the Cake

  • 12. Trim the domed tops of the cake layers if necessary.
  • 13. Spread a generous layer of frosting between each cake layer, stacking them carefully.
  • 14. Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting over the entire cake and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
  • 15. Spread the remaining frosting evenly over the cake and decorate as desired.

Serving

  • 16. Slice and serve. Enjoy!
Cookix's Secrets

Alternative Cooking Method

  • Bake in a single 9x13-inch pan for a sheet cake version.

Baking Tips

  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter and frosting.
  • Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb.

Decoration Tips

  • Use cake crumbs from trimmed tops for a decorative finish.

Flavor Enhancements

  • Add a hint of espresso powder to deepen the cocoa flavor.

Frosting Tips

  • If the frosting is too soft, refrigerate briefly before spreading.

Healthier Version

  • Replace half the sugar with coconut sugar and use Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Use natural beet powder instead of food coloring for a more organic approach.

Seasonal Tweaks

  • Top with fresh berries for a summer twist.