Classic Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

4 stars
4.04 (15)
Classic Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
120 mins
Total Time:
140mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on December 29, 2023

Indulge in this classic Red Velvet Cake with velvety smooth cream cheese frosting. This recipe will guide you through the steps of creating a moist and tender cake with a vibrant red color and a hint of cocoa flavor. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion, this homemade red velvet cake is sure to impress.

Ingredients

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

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
  8. Transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  10. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top.
  11. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
  12. Decorate the cake as desired and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Interesting Facts

  • Red velvet cake is believed to have originated in the 1920s and gained popularity during the Great Depression.
  • The red color in red velvet cake is traditionally achieved using cocoa powder and a small amount of red food coloring.
  • Cream cheese frosting is the classic choice for red velvet cake, providing a tangy and creamy complement to the cake's flavor.