Dessert Recipes
Recipe:

Red Velvet Cake

By Toni Oliver - 03/14/2025

Red Velvet Cake is a soft, moist cake with a hint of cocoa and a deep red color, traditionally paired with a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s a beloved dessert perfect for celebrations.

Preparation and Yield

Cook time: 30 min Prep time: 15 min Total time: 45 min 12 servings

Nutrition:

350 calories per slice 18 grams of fat per slice

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cocoa powder 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil 1 cup buttermilk 2 large eggs 2 tablespoons red food coloring 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon white vinegar 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 8 oz cream cheese, softened 4 cups powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth and combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the frosting, beat the butter and cream cheese together until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract. Frost the cooled cake layers, stacking them with frosting between each layer and spreading frosting evenly over the top and sides.
Slice and serve your delicious Red Velvet Cake!

The Iconic Red Velvet Cake

Red Velvet Cake is a timeless classic known for its striking red color and velvety texture. Originally, the color came from a natural reaction between cocoa and acidic ingredients, but today, food coloring enhances its appeal. The cake is mildly chocolaty, with a delicate tang from buttermilk and vinegar, making it incredibly soft and flavorful. Paired with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake creates a perfect balance of sweetness and richness, making it a favorite for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions.

What Makes It So Special?

One of the reasons Red Velvet Cake stands out is its unique combination of ingredients. The buttermilk and vinegar contribute to its tender crumb, while the cocoa powder adds a subtle chocolate undertone. The red hue adds a visual appeal, making it instantly recognizable. Whether served as a layered cake, cupcakes, or even in trifle form, its smooth texture and tangy-sweet frosting make it an irresistible treat. This cake is not just about taste; it’s about the experience of indulgence.

Tips for the Perfect Red Velvet Cake

To achieve the best results, use high-quality cocoa powder and a gel-based food coloring for a vibrant red hue. Make sure not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting. For an extra moist cake, consider brushing the layers with a simple syrup before assembling. Finally, store the cake in the refrigerator for a firmer texture and serve at room temperature for the best flavor experience.