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The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe

The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe
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The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe is a moist, rich, and vibrantly red dessert perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. Featuring a harmonious blend of subtle cocoa, tangy buttermilk, and a luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake balances sweetness and tang with a tender crumb and classic flavor. Easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to impress, it’s an indulgent treat everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 teaspoons milk (optional, for frosting consistency)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, combine sugar and vegetable oil, then add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk into the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth but avoid overmixing to keep the cake light.
  2. Bake the Cake: Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Divide the batter evenly between them and smooth the tops. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
  3. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Finally, add vanilla extract and continue to beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable. Adjust consistency with a teaspoon of milk if necessary.
  4. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a thick layer of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly. Use an offset spatula or butter knife to create smooth or textured swirls as desired. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting before serving.

Notes

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs, buttermilk, and butter are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
  • Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level flour to avoid a dense or dry cake texture.
  • Don’t Skip the Vinegar: It reacts with baking soda to give the cake a tender crumb.
  • Use Gel Food Coloring: Provides vibrant color without additional liquid.
  • Chill Frosting Before Spreading: Helps prevent melting and makes frosting easier to spread.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet cake, cream cheese frosting, chocolate cake, moist cake, birthday cake, holiday dessert, homemade cake

Find it online: https://mydishez.com/the-ultimate-red-velvet-cake-recipe/