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Red Velvet Cake: The Ultimate Recipe for a Decadent Dessert

Indulge in a moist and vibrant Red Velvet Cake, layered with rich cream cheese frosting. This stunning dessert is perfect for celebrations or as a sweet treat, guaranteed to impress with its delightful flavor and eye-catching color.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ 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
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 12 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for consistency)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line the bottoms with parchment paper for easier removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until well mixed.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops if necessary.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. 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.
  8. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
  9. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Increase the speed to medium and beat until fluffy.
  10. Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated. Adjust the consistency with heavy cream if needed.
  11. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate.
  12. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of the first layer.
  13. Carefully place the second layer on top and gently press down.
  14. Spread frosting over the top and down the sides of the cake. Create a smooth finish or a textured look as desired.
  15. Add any additional decorations if you like, such as sprinkles or chocolate shavings.

Notes

  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
  • For a more intense red color, you can adjust the amount of food coloring used.
  • Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.