Description
This Classic Red Velvet Cake recipe features a moist and tender cake with a subtle chocolate flavor and an iconic vibrant red color. Paired with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting, this dessert is perfect for celebrations or an indulgent treat. The recipe includes detailed steps to bake two layers of soft cake and create a smooth, tangy frosting that complements the delicate crumb of the cake.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 2.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons Cocoa powder
- 1.5 cups Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Vegetable oil
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 tablespoons Red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 ounces Cream cheese
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter
- 4 cups Powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons Milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter and dust them lightly with flour to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt to ensure a smooth, lump-free base.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, and red food coloring until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or spoon until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add Flavoring: Stir in the vanilla extract evenly throughout the batter.
- Divide Batter and Smooth: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake the Cakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cakes are done.
- Cool Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then carefully invert them onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Make Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until fluffy. Add milk as needed to adjust the consistency.
- Assemble Cake Layers: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top layer.
- Apply Crumb Coat: Add the second cake layer on top, then apply a thin crumb coat of frosting over the entire cake. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set.
- Frost and Serve: After chilling, apply a final smooth layer of frosting over the cake. Slice and serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- Red food coloring intensity can be adjusted based on preference.
- Chilling the cake after crumb coating helps to achieve a clean frosting finish.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator to keep the cake fresh.
