Description
Deliciously rich and moist red velvet layer cake with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring. Mix until well combined.
- Combine All Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on medium speed until everything is smooth and combined.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them to finish cooling on a wire rack.
- Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one layer of cake on a serving platter. Spread frosting over the top. Repeat with the second and third layers. Spread frosting on the top and sides of the cake.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to set the frosting.
Notes
- Ensure Ingredients are at Room Temperature: This helps them to mix more smoothly.
- Use Gel Food Coloring: For a more vibrant red color, consider using gel food coloring instead of liquid.
- Frosting Variations: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the frosting for a tangy contrast.
- Cake Texture: For a moist cake, be careful not to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg