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