Red velvet cake, with its deep red hue and velvety texture, is a dessert that stands out both in appearance and taste. This recipe ensures a moist and fluffy cake every time, perfectly complemented by a tangy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
For The Cake
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
For The Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat & Prep: Before preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C), butter and flour two 9-inch round aluminum cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
Dry Ingredients: Mix the flour, baking powder, salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and cocoa powder in a medium bowl. Place aside.
Creaming Butter and Sugar: Use an electric mixer to thoroughly combine the butter and sugar in a large bowl. It ought to take three to four minutes.
Adding Eggs: One at a time, whisk the eggs well after each addition before adding them to the butter and sugar mixture.
Buttermilk & Color: In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, red dye food coloring, and vanilla extract. The color should be a deep red.
Combine Mixtures: Combine the dry ingredients and buttermilk mixtures separately, then add them both in turns to the butter and sugar combination. The dry ingredients should come first and last. Be careful not to overmix as you mix until just incorporated.
Vinegar Reaction: In a small basin, mix the vinegar and 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda. The concoction will fizz. This should be swiftly mixed with the cake batter.
Pour & Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. A toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes should come out clean after 25 to 30 minutes in a preheated oven.
Cooling Time: The cakes should be taken out of the oven and allowed to cool for about 10 minutes in the pans. After that, move them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Frosting: Cream cheese and butter should be combined in a big basin and mixed until smooth and creamy. While gradually adding the powdered sugar, whip the mixture until thoroughly blended. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Assembly: Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one of the cakes after it has totally cooled. Put the second cake on top and gently press down. Frost the cake's entire top and sides. Decorate as you please.
Variations
Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake: Add a cheesecake layer between two layers of red velvet cake. Top with cream cheese frosting.
Red Velvet Bundt Cake: Pour the batter into a greased Bundt pan and bake. Drizzle with a cream cheese glaze once cooled.
Red Velvet Cupcakes: Divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake for 20-25 minutes. Top with cream cheese frosting.
Red Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Frosting: Substitute cream cheese frosting with a white chocolate buttercream for a different taste profile.
Vegan Red Velvet Cake: Use vegan eggs, butter, and buttermilk substitutes. Pair with a vegan cream cheese frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is Red velvet Cake Red?
The red color traditionally came from the reaction of acidic vinegar and buttermilk with natural cocoa powder, which can give a reddish hue. Today, most recipes, including this one, use red food coloring for a vibrant color.
Can I Make This Cake Without Food Coloring?
Yes, the cake will have a brownish-red hue without the coloring. Some people use beet juice or pomegranate juice as natural alternatives, but the color might need to be more vibrant.
What Does Red Velvet Cake Taste Like?
The moist, silky texture of red velvet cake has a faint cocoa taste. The buttermilk's tartness and the cream cheese frosting's creaminess balance out the mild chocolate flavor.
Enjoy your baking experience with these sumptuous variations of the beloved Red Velvet Cake!
