If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, you’ve found it! The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe is the perfect choice for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration. This vibrant cake is not only visually stunning with its rich red hue, but it also delivers a soft and moist texture, complemented by a creamy frosting that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Servings: 12
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 400
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fat: 16g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 40g
Sodium: 350mg
Why Make The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe
The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe is a blend of classic flavors that cater to both the eyes and the palate. It’s rich in flavor yet light and fluffy, making it enjoyable for everyone, even those who aren’t typically cake fans! Plus, with its ability to adapt to different occasions—from a simple family gathering to a lavish wedding—it’s a versatile dessert that never disappoints.
How to Make The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe Step by Step
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tbsp red food coloring (liquid or gel)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp white vinegar
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 tbsp heavy cream (to adjust frosting consistency)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until well combined. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream. If the frosting is too thick, add more cream, a teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of frosting on top of the first cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top, then frost the top and sides of the entire cake. Decorate with extra cake crumbs or red velvet shavings on top if desired. Slice and serve!
How to Serve The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe
Pair The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence! For a more balanced meal, serve it alongside a light salad or fruit platter. It also makes a great companion to a cup of coffee or tea during your afternoon break.
How to Store The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe
To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Expert Tips for Cooking The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure a light and fluffy cake.
- Ensure that the cakes are cooled completely before frosting to avoid melting your cream cheese frosting.
Delicious Variations of The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe
- Add a hint of spice by incorporating cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm flavor profile.
- Enhance the cake with zesty orange zest for a refreshing twist.
- Experiment with different frostings, such as a chocolate ganache or cream cheese with added lemon for a tangy flavor.
Conclusion
Don’t hesitate to try The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe! With its wonderfully rich flavor and beautiful presentation, this cake is perfect for any occasion. You’ll love the joy it brings to your gatherings, and so will your guests!
Ultimate Red Velvet Cake
Ingredients
For the cake
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tbsp red food coloring (liquid or gel)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
For the cream cheese frosting
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp heavy cream (to adjust frosting consistency)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Baking
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream, adjusting consistency with more cream if too thick.
Assembly
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of frosting on top of the first cake layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top, then frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
- Decorate with extra cake crumbs or red velvet shavings on top if desired.
- Slice and serve!
