Name: Classic Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 80 min
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 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1-2 tablespoons red food coloring; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; Cream Cheese Frosting (store-bought or homemade)

Indulge in the rich and velvety flavors of this classic Red Velvet Cake. This moist and tender cake is made with a hint of cocoa, buttermilk, and a rich red color that is guaranteed to impress. Top it off with a smooth and creamy cream cheese frosting for the perfect finishing touch. This cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. Follow this easy recipe and enjoy the taste of heaven in every bite!

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 teaspoons vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon white vinegar
Cream Cheese Frosting (store-bought or homemade)

Directions

Preheat your 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 mixing bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the white vinegar and mix until just combined.
Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans and smooth out the tops.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Remove the pans from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cakes have cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top.
Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the frosting to set.
Slice and enjoy!

Interesting Facts

The origin of Red Velvet Cake dates back to the 19th century but gained popularity during World War II when food rationing led to the use of beet juice as a natural food coloring substitute.

The red color in Red Velvet Cake is traditionally achieved using red food coloring, but some recipes also include beets or beet juice for a natural red hue.

Cream Cheese Frosting is the classic companion to Red Velvet Cake, but you can also use buttercream or whipped cream frosting for a different flavor profile.

Red Velvet Cake is often associated with Southern cuisine and is considered a traditional dessert for special occasions like weddings and holidays.