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Red Velvet Cake

A classic dessert with a deep red color, soft texture, and creamy frosting, perfect for celebrations and special occasions.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 0.75 cups vegetable oil
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter (melted)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract consider using pure vanilla for the best taste
  • 1.33 cups buttermilk can be homemade
  • 2 tsp white vinegar
  • 0.25 cups red gel food color recommended brand: Ann Clark
  • 2.5 tbsp cocoa powder preferably Dutch processed
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
For the cream cheese frosting
  • 1.25 cups cream cheese (softened)
  • 20 oz powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.25 cups heavy cream optional for frosting

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and melted butter. Mix until the mixture is light in color, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Gently mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and creamy.
  3. Add the buttermilk, white vinegar, and red gel food color. Mix until all ingredients are combined.
  4. Dissolve the cocoa powder in hot water and stir it into the wet mixture.
  5. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gently fold them into the batter just until combined.
  6. Pour the batter evenly into three greased 8-inch cake pans.
Baking
  1. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  2. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Frosting and Serving
  1. For the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  2. Once the cakes are cool, layer them on top of each other, frosting in between and around them.
  3. Serve the cake at room temperature, optionally adding fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Sift the flour to ensure it is light and free from lumps for a fluffy cake. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting. If your frosting is too thick, add a little heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.