If you are craving a dessert that is as stunning to look at as it is delightful to eat, this Red Velvet Cake Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. The perfect balance of moist, tender crumb with a subtle cocoa flavor beneath its vibrant red hue creates a cake that is show-stopping and comforting all at once. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s rich yet tangy, this cake offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that elevates every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this Red Velvet Cake Recipe guarantees smiles and seconds around the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to create the signature taste, texture, and color of a classic red velvet cake. Each element plays a crucial role, from the buttermilk tenderizing the crumb to the cream cheese adding richness and tang.

2½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure to support the cake’s soft crumb without weighing it down.
1½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter while helping create a tender texture.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the vinegar to leaven the cake and ensure it rises evenly.
1 teaspoon fine salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
1 teaspoon cocoa powder: Adds just a hint of chocolate flavor, essential for authentic red velvet.
1½ cups vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without any greasy heaviness.
1 cup buttermilk (room temperature): Adds acidity for tenderizing and reacts with baking soda to give a light crumb.
2 large eggs (room temperature): Bind ingredients together and provide richness.
2 tablespoons red food coloring: Creates that iconic, vibrant red color that makes red velvet unique.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the layers of flavor in both cake and frosting.
1 teaspoon white vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to help the cake rise and adds subtle tang.
8 oz cream cheese (softened): The base of the frosting, supplying creamy richness and tanginess.
½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds smoothness and body to the frosting.
4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a perfectly spreadable consistency.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the frosting’s flavor.

How to Make Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready when your batter is mixed. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly so the cakes release easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Sifting is key here as it helps to combine the ingredients evenly and prevent lumps, ensuring your batter will be smooth.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, room temperature buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until the mixture is smooth and vibrant. The buttermilk and vinegar work in harmony with the baking soda to lighten the texture of your cake perfectly.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the batter to be smooth but still light and airy, which helps the cake stay tender when baked.

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 32 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking in two pans allows the layers to bake evenly and be ready for frosting sooner.

Step 6: Cool the Cakes

Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then carefully turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely. Cooling completely is essential before frosting to prevent your cream cheese frosting from melting or sliding off.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition, then blend in the vanilla extract. Beat the frosting until it’s light and fluffy — this will make it incredibly easy to spread and taste heavenly.

Step 8: Assemble and Frost Your Cake

Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top, then gently place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides evenly for that classic red velvet cake look that everyone adores.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Add a personal touch by garnishing your finished cake with simple but beautiful accents. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries complement the slight cocoa flavor, while a sprinkle of edible rose petals or a dusting of cocoa powder elevates its elegance.

Side Dishes

Red velvet cake is rich and indulgent, so serving it alongside a cup of hot coffee or a refreshing glass of milk balances the sweetness wonderfully. For an extra special treat, pair it with vanilla bean ice cream or lightly whipped cream.

Creative Ways to Present

If you love a twist, try serving this Red Velvet Cake Recipe as cupcakes with individual cream cheese frosting swirls, or turn it into a layered trifle mixing cake pieces with berries and whipped cream. You can even cube the cake and serve it alongside a scoop of cream cheese frosting as a dip for a playful dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting requires refrigeration and will keep the cake moist and fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cake layers by wrapping them well in plastic and foil and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before frosting and serving to maintain texture and flavor integrity.

Reheating

The best way to enjoy your Red Velvet Cake Recipe after refrigeration is at room temperature. If preferred slightly warm, heat single slices gently in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds, but avoid overheating to preserve the frosting’s texture.

FAQs

Why is red velvet cake red?

The vibrant red color traditionally comes from red food coloring added to the batter. The mild cocoa powder combined with acidic ingredients like buttermilk and vinegar helps enhance this striking hue and adds depth to the flavor.

Can I make this cake without buttermilk?

Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can create a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This will provide the acidity needed for tender texture and proper rise.

What makes cream cheese frosting different from regular frosting?

Cream cheese frosting includes cream cheese and butter, giving it a tangy flavor and creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the sweet, dense cake. This combination is iconic for red velvet cake and adds complexity to every bite.

Can I bake this in a different pan size?

Absolutely! This Red Velvet Cake Recipe adapts well to a 9×13-inch sheet pan if you prefer a sheet cake. Baking times will vary, so start checking for doneness around 25 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center.

Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?

Definitely! The classic look and taste of this Red Velvet Cake Recipe make it a beloved choice for birthdays, holidays, and celebrations, offering a striking visual and delicious flavor that impresses guests every time.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about baking and sharing this Red Velvet Cake Recipe with the people you love. Its gorgeous color, moist crumb, and rich cream cheese frosting come together to create a dessert that feels both festive and utterly comforting. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon and make it your new go-to for creating sweet memories in your kitchen.