Red Velvet Cake

Classic Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Delight your senses with this irresistible Red Velvet Cake—a perfect balance of rich flavor and stunning presentation. With its luscious chocolate undertones and tangy cream cheese frosting, this cake is sure to shine at any gathering!

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 5 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• Red gel food coloring (enough for a deep red color)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 6 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1 ½ cups cream cheese (12 oz, chilled and cubed)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: cornstarch or meringue powder to thicken

For the Red Velvet Crumble (optional):

• 1 cup red velvet cake mix
• Enough melted butter to moisten mix
• Red gel food coloring (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans and line them with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes. Add the oil and beat for another 2 minutes until it’s pale and fluffy.
4. Reduce the mixer speed and add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
5. Mix in the vanilla, vinegar, cocoa powder, and enough red food coloring until you achieve your desired shade.
6. Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the batter, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Create the Red Velvet Crumble (Optional):

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine red velvet cake mix with melted butter and stir until it begins to clump. Add the red gel coloring to reach your desired color.
3. Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake for approximately 10 minutes. Allow it to cool and break apart into crumbs if necessary.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Beat the room temperature butter in a stand mixer until it’s pale and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar one cup at a time on low speed. Once combined, increase the speed to medium and mix for about 3 minutes.
3. Incorporate the vanilla, then slowly add the chilled cream cheese, one cube at a time, ensuring no lumps remain.
4. If needed, add cornstarch or meringue powder to thicken the frosting.
5. Run the mixer on low for a few minutes to eliminate air bubbles.

4. Assemble the Cake:

1. Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread approximately 1 cup of frosting evenly on top.
2. Repeat the process with the second layer and top with the final cake layer.
3. Apply a crumb coat around the outside of the cake. Add another cup of frosting on top, smoothing it out and letting it hang over the sides.
4. Use an offset spatula to create swirls on the top of the cake and smooth the sides with an icing smoother.
5. If desired, sprinkle some of the red velvet crumble around the top for an added touch of decoration.

Tips for Success

• Ensure butter is at room temperature to achieve the best creaming consistency.
• Avoid overmixing the batter once you add the flour.
• For a stunning color, add red gel food coloring after mixing in the eggs but before adding the flour and buttermilk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in advance?
Yes, you can freeze the cooled cake layers wrapped in plastic for up to 3 months. The frosting also freezes well.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make your own by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 10 minutes.

Now grab your apron and give this exquisite Red Velvet Cake a try; you won’t be disappointed!