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Red Velvet Cake

Red Velvet Cake
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This classic Red Velvet Cake recipe features a moist, tender crumb with a vibrant red hue and balanced hints of cocoa. Topped with silky cream cheese frosting, this delightful cake is perfect for celebrations and simple to prepare with pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups (312g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons (12g) cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar

Frosting Ingredients

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, full-fat and softened
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Pans and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures your cake crumb will be even and light.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the sugar and vegetable oil until well blended. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly. Stir in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and white vinegar to create the signature Red Velvet batter.
  4. Blend Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, careful not to overmix. This keeps the cake tender and airy.
  5. Bake It Right: Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting.
  6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until fluffy and spreadable.
  7. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a generous layer of frosting, then top with the second layer. Finish by frosting the top and sides evenly for a gorgeous presentation.

Notes

  • Make sure all wet ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
  • Fold ingredients until just combined to avoid a dense cake; do not overmix.
  • Use buttermilk for the tender crumb and slight tanginess unique to Red Velvet Cake.
  • Use full-fat and freshly opened cream cheese for the richest frosting flavor.
  • Check oven temperature with an accurate thermometer to ensure even baking without drying out the cake.

Nutrition

Keywords: Red Velvet Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting, Classic Cake, Moist Cake, Celebration Dessert

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/red-velvet-cake/