Master the Magic: Velvety Red Cake Recipe Everyone Adores

Sweet secrets whisper through every red velvet cake slice that promises pure indulgence.

Luxurious crimson layers have captured hearts with their velvety texture and rich cocoa undertones.

Chocolate’s subtle embrace gives this classic dessert its signature charm and elegant allure.

Southern bakers perfected this remarkable treat decades ago, turning simple ingredients into culinary magic.

Cream cheese frosting adds dreamy smoothness that complements the cake’s deep ruby hue.

Decadent and surprisingly simple, this recipe will become your signature showstopper at gatherings.

Bake this masterpiece and watch delighted faces light up with the first delectable bite.

How To Make Red Velvet Cake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare two round cake pans by generously coating them with butter and dusting with flour, or line with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Step 3: Prepare Liquid Mixture

• Buttermilk
• White vinegar
• Vanilla extract

Set this mixture aside for later.

Step 4: Create Sweet Base

In a large mixing bowl, vigorously beat sugar and oil until they become a smooth, well-combined mixture. Add eggs one at a time, thoroughly mixing after each addition.

Step 5: Add Vibrant Color

Pour in red food coloring and blend until the batter transforms into a rich, even crimson shade.

Step 6: Combine Wet And Dry Elements

Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three separate additions. Alternate with the buttermilk mixture, stirring gently. Mix just until ingredients are incorporated – avoid overmixing.

Step 7: Prepare For Baking

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth the surface with a spatula to ensure even baking.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Place pans in preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean when the cake is ready.

Step 9: Cool Down

Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer to wire racks and let cool completely.

Step 10: Craft Creamy Frosting

• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, beating until frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Step 11: Assemble Delightful Cake

Once cakes are completely cooled, spread frosting between layers. Cover the entire cake with remaining frosting, creating a smooth, even layer.

Step 12: Chill And Serve

Refrigerate cake for 30 minutes to set frosting. This helps create clean, precise slices when serving.

Pro Tips For Red Velvet Cake

• Boost Color Vibrancy: Use gel food coloring for a more intense red hue without altering the cake's liquid balance, ensuring a striking visual presentation.
• Prevent Dry Texture: Measure ingredients precisely and avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a splash of coffee or espresso to intensify the chocolate notes, creating a more complex and rich taste profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute buttermilk with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for a vegan-friendly version.
• Storage Savvy: Wrap unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer preservation without compromising texture.

How To Store Red Velvet Cake Right

• Refrigerate your red velvet cake in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and flavor.
• Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or place it in a cake carrier to prevent drying out.
• Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring it stays fresh and delicious.
• When ready to enjoy, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften the frosting and bring out its rich flavors.
• Avoid leaving the cake at room temperature for extended periods to prevent spoilage.
• Freeze individual slices or the entire cake for longer storage – wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to preserve quality for up to 3 months.
• Thaw frozen cake in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture and taste.

What Pairs Well With Red Velvet Cake

• Sip Creamy Cappuccino: Pair the rich red velvet cake with a smooth, velvety cappuccino. The coffee's warm, frothy texture complements the cake's soft crumb, while its slight bitterness balances the sweet cream cheese frosting.
• Enhance with Raspberry Sorbet: Serve a small scoop of tart raspberry sorbet alongside the cake. The bright, refreshing flavor cuts through the cake's richness and adds a vibrant color contrast to the deep red dessert.
• Match with Dark Red Wine: Select a glass of bold, slightly sweet red wine like Merlot. The wine's deep fruit notes and moderate tannins create a luxurious pairing that elevates the cake's complex flavor profile.
• Enjoy with Champagne Twist: Pop open a chilled glass of sparkling champagne. Its effervescent bubbles and crisp acidity provide a delightful counterpoint to the cake's dense, moist texture, making each bite feel celebratory.

Fun Takes On Red Velvet Cake

• Chocolate Chip Boost: Fold in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter for extra richness and texture, creating a decadent variation that adds delightful crunch to the classic red velvet cake.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between cake layers and on top of frosting for a sophisticated, crunchy element that complements the cake's smooth cream cheese frosting.
• Raspberry Swirl Version: Incorporate a layer of raspberry preserves between cake layers before frosting, adding a tangy fruit dimension that beautifully contrasts with the cake's traditional flavor profile.
• Salted Caramel Upgrade: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the frosted cake and between layers, introducing a complex sweet-and-salty note that elevates the classic red velvet experience.

Red Velvet Cake FAQ Guide

• Why is vinegar used in red velvet cake?

Vinegar reacts with baking soda to help the cake rise and create a tender, light texture. It also enhances the red food coloring’s vibrant color and contributes to the cake’s subtle tangy flavor.

• What gives red velvet cake its signature color?

The bright red color comes from red food coloring. Traditionally, the cake got its reddish hue from a chemical reaction between cocoa powder and buttermilk, but modern recipes rely on food coloring for a more intense, consistent red shade.

• How can I tell if my red velvet cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. The edges should also be slightly pulling away from the pan sides.

• What makes cream cheese frosting so special for red velvet cake?

Cream cheese frosting provides a tangy, rich complement to the cake’s subtle chocolate flavor. Its smooth, creamy texture creates the perfect balance of sweetness and tang that has become iconic with red velvet cake.

Why Red Velvet Cake Is So Rich And Classic

• Wow the Wow Factor: Red velvet cake brings stunning visual drama with its vibrant crimson color and luxurious cream cheese frosting, making it an instant showstopper at any gathering.
• Quick and Simple Baking: This recipe requires basic ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques, perfect for home bakers of all skill levels, even those with minimal baking experience.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Universally loved by both kids and adults, this classic cake delivers rich flavor and soft texture that appeals to wide range of taste preferences, making it ideal for birthdays, holidays, and special celebrations.
• Stress-Free Preparation: With clear step-by-step instructions and total preparation time around 60-75 minutes, this recipe offers an achievable baking experience that doesn't demand complex techniques or specialized equipment.

What You’ll Need For Red Velvet Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for the cake's structure, providing essential texture and body.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the red velvet cake.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, tender crumb.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Granulated Sugar, Vegetable Oil: Create moisture and sweetness in the cake.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Red Food Coloring: Gives the signature vibrant red color to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides depth of flavor and aroma.
• White Vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to help the cake rise.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a smooth, creamy base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the frosting's flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness of the frosting.

Red Velvet Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Red velvet cake emerges as a luxurious Southern classic, blending rich cocoa and cream cheese frosting into a romantic dessert. Chocolate lovers and baking enthusiasts will savor this timeless treat that promises pure indulgence with each elegant slice.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (595 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ounce (28 g) red food coloring

Dry Seasonings and Leavening Agents:

• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Liquid Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 g) cream cheese
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
• 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and preparing cake pans with grease and flour or parchment paper.
2. Create the dry ingredient base by whisking flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl.
3. Craft the liquid mixture by combining buttermilk, vinegar, and vanilla extract in a separate small bowl.
4. In a large mixing bowl, cream sugar and oil until thoroughly integrated, then incorporate eggs individually, ensuring smooth blending after each addition.
5. Introduce red food coloring to the mixture, achieving an even, vibrant crimson tone throughout the batter.
6. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture in three incremental additions, alternating with buttermilk mixture, mixing gently to maintain batter’s delicate texture.
7. Distribute batter evenly between prepared pans, carefully smoothing surfaces for uniform baking.
8. Position pans in preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into cake’s center.
9. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks for complete cooling.
10. Prepare cream cheese frosting by whipping cream cheese and butter until silky, then integrating vanilla and salt.
11. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, beating until frosting reaches light, fluffy consistency.
12. Once cakes have cooled completely, apply frosting between layers and along exterior surfaces.
13. Refrigerate cake for 30 minutes to stabilize frosting and enhance slice precision.

Notes

• Achieving the perfect red hue depends on high-quality food coloring, so choose a concentrated gel or professional-grade brand for vibrant color.
• Buttermilk creates exceptional moisture and tenderness, but you can substitute with milk mixed with a tablespoon of white vinegar if unavailable.
• Room temperature ingredients like eggs and buttermilk blend more smoothly, ensuring a uniform cake texture and preventing potential lumps.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense cake; stop mixing as soon as ingredients are just combined for a light, delicate crumb.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg