Description
Looking for a red velvet cake everyone will love? This recipe is foolproof! It’s rich, moist, and topped with the creamiest cream cheese frosting. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. Simple ingredients and easy steps make this the only recipe you’ll ever need. Bake a cake that’s buttery, bright red, and soft in every bite. Get started today and impress your friends and family!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 8 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
First things first, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating your oven ensures that your cake starts baking at the right temperature, creating that perfectly soft crumb. It’s akin to warming up before a race; your cake wants to have a solid start!
Grab your two 9-inch round cake pans and grease them generously with butter or non-stick spray. After greasing, dust them with a little flour to prevent any sticky situations later. This way, your cakes will slide right out, waiting for their lovely layer of frosting.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This blend is essential for achieving that classic red velvet flavor with the perfect slight richness. Allow the aromas to stimulate your senses—cocoa always brings a delightful warmth!
In another bowl, beat together sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs. Add in buttermilk, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. This vibrant mixture is what gives red velvet its signature hue and moisture. Enjoy the transformation as the bright red color melds with the other ingredients.
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir slowly, ensuring everything is combined without over-mixing; this helps maintain that tender crumb you crave. Splashing batter around can make a mess, so keep it steady and focus on the happy task at hand.
Divide the luscious batter evenly between your prepared cake pans. No need for complicated tricks here; just scoop and spread it evenly. Each pan should have about the same amount to ensure uniform layers—let visual balance guide your hand!
Pop those pans into the preheated oven and let them bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Use this time to enjoy the comforting aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Once baked, take the cakes out and set them aside to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. After that, gently turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely. Cooking time is about control, so let the cakes relax; the cooling process helps finalize their structure.
Whip up a rich cream cheese frosting by beating softened cream cheese and butter, then mix in powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla. Spread this delightful frosting generously between your cooled cake layers and on top. The thick frosting adds a creamy contrast to your velvety layers.
For a show-stopping finish, add decorative elements like sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries on top. These touches elevate your red velvet cake from simple to stunning, adding a personal flair. Your cake is now ready to impress with its festive appearance!
Notes
Note 1: Using Room Temperature Ingredients
Ensure your eggs, buttermilk, and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This step creates a smoother batter, which results in a more delightful texture. It’s time to say goodbye to cold!
Note 2: Choosing the Right Cocoa Powder
For authentic flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder. The robustness of flavor significantly impacts the end result of your cake, making it richer and more decadent.
Note 3: Spicing it Up
You can add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm spice sensation. This twist gives your red velvet cake a unique personality that tantalizes taste buds!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Keywords: Red Velvet Cake