Red Velvet Cake (Printable)

Moist cocoa cake with tangy cream cheese frosting, a beloved Southern classic.

# Ingredient List:

→ Cake Components

01 - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 - ½ teaspoon salt
05 - 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
06 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
09 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
10 - 1 teaspoon white vinegar
11 - 1 ounce red food coloring
12 - ½ cup vegetable oil

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

13 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
14 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
15 - 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
16 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
17 - Pinch of salt

# How To Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring thorough coverage to prevent sticking.
02 - Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside for later use.
03 - Beat granulated sugar and softened butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
04 - Mix in vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until fully incorporated into the batter.
05 - Combine buttermilk and red food coloring in a small bowl, whisking until uniformly colored.
06 - Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three alternating parts with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid developing gluten.
07 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
08 - Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully turn out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
09 - Beat cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until light and fluffy.
10 - Once cakes have cooled completely, spread a layer of frosting between the cake layers. Apply remaining frosting to the top and sides, creating an even finish.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Incredibly Moist Crumb: The combination of buttermilk and oil creates a tender, velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Rich & Tangy Flavor: A delicate balance of cocoa, vanilla, and a hint of tang makes every bite memorable.
  • Luxurious Cream Cheese Frosting: The sweet and tangy frosting is the perfect complement to the rich cake.
  • Perfect for Celebrations: Its stunning appearance makes it the ideal dessert for birthdays, holidays, and special gatherings.
02 -
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smooth, well-emulsified batter, make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature before you start.
  • Do Not Overmix: Mix the batter until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake.
  • Cool Completely: Ensure the cake layers are completely cool before frosting. A warm cake will melt the cream cheese frosting.
  • Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting the flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar prevents lumps and results in a finer texture for both the cake and frosting.
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