Red velvet cake is a classic dessert that combines a soft, moist texture with a rich, slightly tangy flavor. Known for its vibrant red color and smooth cream cheese frosting, this cake is a showstopper at any event. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, this guide will walk you through the steps to create the perfect red velvet cake.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 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
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In another large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until well combined.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake
- Once the cakes are completely cool, level the tops with a serrated knife if necessary.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and apply a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting) to seal in any loose crumbs.
- Chill the cake for 30 minutes to set the crumb coat.
- Apply the final layer of frosting, spreading it evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
Step 8: Decorate and Serve
- For a classic look, you can garnish the cake with cake crumbs or fresh berries.
- Slice and serve your beautiful red velvet cake to appreciative guests.
Tips for the Perfect Red Velvet Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, buttermilk, and other ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter and even baking.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring provides a more vibrant red color without affecting the consistency of the batter.
- Properly Measure Flour: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately, preventing a dry cake.
Enjoy baking and indulging in your homemade red velvet cake! With its striking appearance and delicious taste, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.
