Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’ve ever fallen in love with a dessert at first bite, then you know the magic of a perfectly made Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. This cake is a celebration of color, flavor, and texture—a delicate balance of moist, tender crumb with just the right hint of cocoa, all topped with a luxuriously tangy, smooth cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe brings an irresistible charm that’s as delightful to make as it is to enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in a wonderfully simple way to deliver that classic red velvet experience. Each one plays a vital role: the flour forms the cake’s tender structure, cocoa powder adds a subtle chocolate depth, and the red food coloring gives that iconic vibrant hue. The buttermilk and vinegar react with baking soda to ensure the texture is soft and velvety, while the cream cheese frosting brings a perfect tangy sweetness that complements the cake beautifully.

• 2 ½ cups All-purpose flour: The foundation of your cake, or swap with cake flour (2 ¾ cups) for extra softness.
• 2 tablespoons Cocoa powder: Dutch-processed is best for a smoother, richer chocolate flavor.
• 1 ½ cups Granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances the tang and cocoa without overpowering.
• 1 cup Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist—can substitute melted butter or applesauce.
• 2 Large eggs: At room temperature, they help bind everything and add richness.
• 1 cup Buttermilk: Or milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice; it lends that signature tang and tenderness.
• 2 tablespoons Red food coloring: Adjust this to get your perfect shade of red.
• 1 teaspoon White vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to give the cake its velvety crumb.
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract: Or almond extract for a subtle twist, though use slightly less.
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda: The leavening agent that makes the cake rise just right.
• ½ teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
• 8 oz Cream cheese: Full-fat and softened, it’s the heart of the frosting’s creamy texture.
• ½ cup Butter: Unsalted and softened, for richness and smoothness in frosting.
• 3-4 cups Powdered sugar: Adjust based on how sweet and thick you want your frosting.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract: Adds warm, mellow flavor to the frosting; almond extract also works.
• 1 pinch Salt: Just a touch to brighten the frosting’s taste.

How to Make Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch cake pans and line them with parchment paper for easy cake removal. Bringing all your ingredients to room temperature before you start mixing ensures an even batter, which bakes more uniformly, giving you a perfectly smooth crumb.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. This not only blends the cocoa evenly but also helps the salt distribute throughout the cake, enhancing every bite.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Beat the vegetable oil and sugar until they are well combined and slightly fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time to ensure they are fully incorporated, followed by the vanilla extract, which adds a lovely warmth and depth to your batter.

Step 4: Add Red Food Coloring to Buttermilk

Mix your red food coloring into the cup of buttermilk. This ensures the color spreads evenly without streaks. Then, alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk mixture to the wet batter, starting and ending with dry. This keeps the batter smooth and helps avoid any lumps.

Step 5: Activate the Batter with Vinegar and Baking Soda

Stir together the white vinegar and baking soda until foamy and fold this immediately into the batter. This chemical reaction is what gives your red velvet cake its signature light, velvety texture and helps the cake rise beautifully.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid over-baking; you want moistness that’s tender and not dry.

Step 7: Cool and Transfer

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes—they’ll firm up just enough to handle. Then, turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting to prevent your frosting from melting and sliding off.

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until fluffy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar to reach the frosting thickness you love. Finish with vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the tangy flavor.

Step 9: Assemble and Frost Your Cake

Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread an even layer of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing the sides and top for that classic, luscious finish.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of white chocolate shavings, chopped pecans, or a dusting of cocoa powder makes a beautiful and tasty finishing touch. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries also complement the cake’s flavor wonderfully and add a fresh pop of color.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. A cup of robust coffee or a fruity tea serves as a perfect companion, balancing out the cake’s richness without overwhelming it.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try layering the cake in a trifle dish with alternating layers of frosting and fresh berries for an elegant look. You can also cut the cake into smaller, bite-sized squares for a party platter, piping a small rosette of frosting on each.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh and prevent the cake from drying out. Properly stored, your cake stays delightful for 3 to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake layers before frosting by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and then foil; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting and serving, preserving that moist texture and delicious flavor.

Reheating

Since this cake is best enjoyed cool, avoid reheating it. Instead, bring refrigerated slices to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavor and texture without melting the frosting.

FAQs

Can I make this Red Velvet Cake without food coloring?

Absolutely! While the red food coloring gives the cake its signature vibrant appearance, you can skip it if you prefer a more subtle color. The cake will still have the classic flavor and texture, just without the striking red hue.

What can I use as a substitute for buttermilk?

Simply mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This homemade buttermilk substitute works beautifully in this recipe.

How do I prevent my cream cheese frosting from being runny?

Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are softened but not melted. Also, gradually add powdered sugar until you achieve the desired thickness. If frosting gets too soft, chilling it briefly helps it firm up for easier spreading.

Can I use almond extract instead of vanilla?

Yes! Almond extract adds a lovely nutty undertone. Just use half the amount of almond extract compared to vanilla to keep the flavor balanced and not overpowering.

Is this recipe suitable for a layered cake?

Definitely. The recipe is designed for two 9-inch pans, resulting in perfect layers for stacking with frosting in between. You can also double it for more layers or to create a taller cake!

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a joyful experience that brings warmth and sweetness to any gathering or quiet moment alike. With its vibrant color, tender crumb, and irresistibly creamy frosting, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a beloved favorite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bake a slice of happiness—you won’t regret it!

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