Red velvet cake is one of those desserts that never goes out of style. Its vibrant red color, velvety texture, and tangy flavor make it a showstopper at any celebration. Whether it’s for a birthday, wedding, or holiday gathering, this cake is sure to impress. But don’t be fooled by its dramatic color—red velvet cake is surprisingly easy to make! Follow this step-by-step guide for a homemade red velvet cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients for Red Velvet Cake
To make the perfect red velvet cake, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper. This will help the cakes release easily from the pans once they’re done baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. This mixture is the foundation for your cake and ensures an even distribution of all the dry ingredients. Set it aside.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar. The food coloring is what gives red velvet cake its signature vibrant hue, so don’t be shy when adding it! Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Use a spatula or an electric mixer on low speed to combine everything gently. Mix until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain. The batter should be relatively thin, which is perfectly normal for red velvet cake.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth out the top with a spatula. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cakes—if it comes out clean, they’re ready to come out of the oven.
Step 6: Cool the Cakes
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. It’s important to let the cakes cool before frosting them to prevent the frosting from melting.
Step 7: Cream Cheese Frosting
Red velvet cake is traditionally paired with a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting. Here’s how to make it:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for added flavor. Continue beating until the frosting is light and creamy.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of the first layer. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting. If desired, you can decorate the cake with red velvet cake crumbs or fresh berries for an extra touch of elegance.
Step 9: Chill and Serve
For the best results, refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the frosting to set and makes it easier to slice. When you’re ready to serve, slice into this beautiful cake and enjoy the rich, velvety texture and delightful tangy flavor.
Conclusion: The Perfect Red Velvet Cake
Your homemade red velvet cake is now ready to be enjoyed! With its signature red color, moist crumb, and tangy cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for any special occasion or just as an indulgent treat. The combination of flavors and textures makes red velvet cake a timeless classic that will never go out of style. Whether you’re a first-time baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe will help you create a showstopping dessert that everyone will love.
Happy baking, and enjoy the luxurious flavor of your homemade red velvet cake!
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