Indulge in the Best Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Name: Red Velvet Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp cocoa powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 2 tbsp red gel food coloring; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Recipe By:

Lily Hartwell

Posted:

July 26, 2025

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Catch a whiff of that velvety cocoa mingling with a hint of tangy buttermilk—just imagine slicing into a rich slice of red velvet cake. The smooth cream cheese frosting glistens atop the colorful layers like a warm hug on a chilly day. If desserts had personalities, this one would be the life of the party—sweet, charming, and just a tad dramatic!

I remember the first time I baked this beauty; it was my sister’s birthday. As I pulled it out of the oven and let it cool, her eyes lit up with delight. Little did I know that this delightful dessert would become our family’s go-to celebration treat. Perfect for birthdays or just because you want to impress your friends with your baking prowess!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This red velvet cake is surprisingly easy to whip up while delivering an impressive wow factor at any gathering.
Its divine flavor profile balances sweet cocoa and creamy frosting perfectly.
The stunning crimson color makes it visually striking on any dessert table.
Plus, it’s versatile enough to enjoy on any occasion—celebration or casual tea time!

Every time my sister bites into this luscious slice of heaven, she declares me the “Queen of Cakes.” It’s all about that sweet frosting meeting the tender cake layers.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for optimal texture; sifted flour ensures lighter layers.
Cocoa Powder: Choose unsweetened cocoa powder; it adds rich chocolate flavor without excessive sweetness.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works best here; it helps create that irresistible sweetness while balancing flavors.
Baking Soda: Essential for rising; ensure it’s fresh for maximum leavening power.
Buttermilk: Adds moistness and a slight tang; making homemade buttermilk is easy if you’re in a pinch!
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender; feel free to substitute with canola oil if preferred.
Red Food Coloring: Use gel food coloring for vibrant results without altering texture; liquid may dilute batter.
Eggs: Eggs provide structure and stability; make sure they are at room temperature for better mixing.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances flavor; avoid imitation varieties for best results.
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients (Butter & Cream Cheese): Essential components for that dreamy top layer; make sure they’re softened for easy blending.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven : Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Mix Dry Ingredients : In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. This helps ensure no clumps sneak into your batter.

Create Wet Mixture : In another bowl, combine vegetable oil and sugar until well blended. Add eggs one at a time, followed by buttermilk and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.

Add Color < /strong>: Gently mix in red food coloring until you achieve your desired shade of crimson—it should resemble a lovely sunset!

Combine Everything : Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture using a spatula—be gentle to preserve airiness! The batter should be well combined but not overworked.

Bake & Cool : Pour batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Let them cool in pans before transferring to wire racks.

Prepare Frosting : While cakes cool down completely, whip together softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy perfection is achieved.

Frost Your Cake : Once cooled completely, place one layer on your serving plate. Generously spread frosting over it before adding the second layer on top—don’t forget to frost the sides too!

Enjoy every moist bite of this glorious red velvet creation!

This delightful treat is perfect for sharing with friends or indulging solo when you need some self-love (because who doesn’t?).

You Must Know

Use high-quality cocoa powder for rich flavor.
Don’t overmix the batter to ensure a tender texture.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by mixing dry ingredients first, then cream butter and sugar separately. Add eggs gradually while alternating with dry ingredients to keep a smooth batter throughout.

Add Your Touch

Try adding a hint of espresso or coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor. You can also swap traditional cream cheese frosting for whipped cream for a lighter touch.

Storing & Reheating

Store your red velvet cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If refrigerating, place it in the fridge but allow it to come back to room temperature before serving.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Always sift flour and cocoa together to avoid lumps in your batter; this ensures a smooth cake.
Remember to grease your pans thoroughly for easy removal after baking.
Lastly, using room-temperature ingredients helps create a fluffy texture that’s hard to resist.

I distinctly remember the first time I made red velvet cake; my grandma’s face lit up with delight as she took her first bite—it was pure magic!

FAQ

Can I use regular flour instead of cake flour?

Absolutely! Just sift all-purpose flour for a lighter texture in your red velvet cake.

Is red velvet cake chocolate flavored?

Yes, it has a subtle chocolate flavor thanks to cocoa powder, paired with vibrant red color.

Can I substitute buttermilk with milk?

You can use milk mixed with vinegar as an alternative to create acidity similar to buttermilk.

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