Description
This moist and fluffy red velvet cake is a timeless favorite, known for its subtle chocolate flavor, vibrant red color, and luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for special occasions or just because.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- In another bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
- To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
- Frost the top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the entire cake.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for a more intense red hue.
- Chilling the cake slightly helps the frosting set and improves slicing.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 44g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg