Indulge in the Velvety Bliss of Homemade Red Velvet Cake
Get ready to impress your taste buds and wow your guests with this irresistible Red Velvet Cake recipe! This classic dessert combines rich cocoa flavors with a tender, moist crumb and a tangy cream cheese frosting that’ll have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something decadent, this homemade Red Velvet Cake is sure to satisfy.
What You’ll Need
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 1/2 cups |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 2 tablespoons |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 2 cups |
| Vegetable oil | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Red food coloring | 2 tablespoons |
| White vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup |
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese, softened | 16 oz |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1/2 cup |
| Powdered sugar | 4 cups |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
Kitchen Essentials
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Let’s Bake This Red Velvet Masterpiece!
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12
- Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use your electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the oil, eggs (one at a time), red food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Alternate Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined after each addition.
- Bake to Perfection: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Release: Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Whip Up the Frosting: While the cakes cool, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy and lump-free.
- Assemble and Frost: Once cooled, place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top, then add the second layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake, creating swirls for a beautiful finish.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving to allow the frosting to set. Slice, serve, and watch eyes light up with delight!
Pro Tips for Red Velvet Perfection
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for the best texture and even mixing.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to avoid a tough cake.
- Color Control: Adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your desired shade of red.
- Crumb Coat: For a flawless finish, apply a thin layer of frosting first (crumb coat), chill, then add the final layer.
Serve and Enjoy Your Homemade Red Velvet Delight!
There you have it – a show-stopping Red Velvet Cake that’s sure to become your new go-to recipe. The combination of rich cocoa, tangy buttermilk, and creamy frosting creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake a Red Velvet Cake that’ll have everyone talking. Trust us, once you’ve tasted this homemade version, you’ll never go back to store-bought again. Happy baking, and enjoy every velvety bite!
