Velvety Red Delight: Classic Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

There’s something undeniably special about a classic Red Velvet Cake. Its rich, velvety texture, striking red hue, and the tangy sweetness of cream cheese frosting make it a beloved treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply indulging in a slice of nostalgia, this recipe will guide you through creating the perfect Red Velvet Cake that looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients

Red Velvet Cake:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 1¼ tsp baking soda
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder (regular, not dark)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1½ cups vegetable oil (or other neutral cooking oil)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1 tbsp red gel food coloring

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 2 cups unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
• 7 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

Directions

Prepare the Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 7-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the vegetable oil, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red gel food coloring until smooth.
4. Blend and Pour: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Whisk until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
5. Divide and Bake: Evenly divide the batter among the prepared pans. Use a kitchen scale for even layers. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly touched.
6. Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 15-20 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Cream the Butter and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat the unsalted butter and cream cheese on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
2. Incorporate Sugar: Gradually add half of the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Add the remaining powdered sugar and mix until fully incorporated.
3. Add Flavor: Add the vanilla extract and salt, then mix on medium speed for an additional 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Level the Layers: If needed, level the tops of the cooled cake layers with a serrated knife to ensure even stacking.
2. Layer and Frost: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake board. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Add the second layer and repeat with more frosting. Top with the third layer.
3. Crumb Coat: Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting over the entire cake. Chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to set the crumb coat.
4. Final Frosting: Once chilled, apply a thicker final layer of frosting. Smooth it with an offset spatula and use a cake scraper for a clean finish on the sides and top.
5. Decorate: For a classic look, add crumbs from the leveled cake layers to the sides or top, or pipe a decorative border using a Wilton 1M tip if desired.

Conclusion

This Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a true showstopper, combining the perfect balance of flavors and textures. With its moist, tender crumb and creamy, tangy frosting, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy a slice of this classic cake, and revel in its timeless appeal.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Calories: Approximately 650 kcal per slice
Servings: 12 servings