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Classic Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A decadent slice of red velvet cake with creamy white frosting, showcasing its rich red layers.

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Bake a festive and flavorful red velvet cake with a signature tangy cream cheese frosting. This recipe delivers a delicate cocoa flavor and vibrant color, reminiscent of Southern baking traditions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 23 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, red food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract.
  4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  9. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  10. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
  11. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer, then place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake.

Notes

  • For an authentic Southern flavor, ensure your buttermilk is fresh.
  • For a deeper red color, you can use gel food coloring, but adjust the amount gradually.
  • Chill the cake layers slightly before frosting for easier handling and a cleaner crumb coat.

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