WLRECIP-58_1.jpg|1
WLRECIP-58_1.jpg|1

Perfect Red Velvet Cake

Perfect Red Velvet Cake
Red velvet cake is the showstopper of the cake world. With its rich red pigmentation and signature moist texture, this homemade red velvet cake recipe is an ultimate classic. When you bake this surprisingly easy red velvet cake for your guests, they'll be instantly impressed that it was made entirely from scratch. This festive eye-catching treat is perfect for any occasion, whether it's for a birthday or Christmas. Top off this homemade recipe with a tangy cream cheese frosting for an unforgettable creamy buttercream finish
  • Prep25 min
  • Total Time1 hr 30 min
  • Skill LevelBeginner
    Amount10 - 12 servings
Print Recipe

Ingredients

    • Red Velvet Cake Ingredients

    • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

    • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

      Clear Imitation Vanilla Baking and Flavoring, 8 oz. $6.59

    • 2 eggs

    • 1/2 tablespoon to 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel or liquid)

      No-Taste Red Gel Food Coloring, 1 oz. $2.52

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour

    • 1/4 cup cocoa powder

    • 1 teaspoon salt

    • 1 cup buttermilk or sour milk (to sour milk, combine 1 tablespoon white vinegar with milk to equal 1 cup)

    • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

    • 1 tablespoon white vinegar

    • Non-stick spray coating

    • Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

    • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

    • 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened

    • 8 cups powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar)

    • 1 tablespoon milk

    Instructions

    Click to mark complete

    1. Cake Instructions. Preheat oven to 350º. Prepare 2 8-in. round pans with vegetable pan spray.
    2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt.
    3. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs, icing color, vinegar, and vanilla extract; blend well. Add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk and beat just until blended. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.
    4. Bake 30-35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on cooling grid 10 minutes; remove from pans and cool completely before decorating.
    5. Frosting Instructions. While the cake is baking, beat butter and cream cheese in a large bowl with a mixer until light and fluffy.
    6. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and milk. Beat on high until smooth for about 30 seconds to a minute.
    7. If the frosting seems too thin, add 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar at a time until the desired thickness is reached. If the frosting seems too thick, add 1 additional teaspoon of milk at a time until frosting reaches the desired consistency.

    Notes

      • Use half shortening and half butter for frosting decorations:
        • Substitute out half of the butter in the frosting ingredients with solid vegetable shortening for pipable frosting. The shortening will help frosting decorations hold their shape for longer.
      • Buttermilk vs Sour milk:
        • Buttermilk and Sour milk are different, but both have some acidity to them. Some recipes will need this acidity to react with baking soda or baking powder. Buttermilk: is milk that has a bacteria culture added to it and allowed to ferment which gives it a tangy flavor. Sour milk: is a good substitute for Buttermilk and can be bought or made by adding vinegar and lemon juice to regular milk which makes it sour.
      • To store decorated cake:
        • Place the cake in the freezer, unwrapped, for 4 hours or more. Once frozen, wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Your cake should stay fresh for at least a couple weeks wrapped this way. A day before serving, place in the fridge and loosen the wrapping. Let the cake defrost overnight in the fridge.
      • To store undecorated cake:
        • Wrap the individual cake layers in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. When ready to serve, remove the wrapping and let the cake layers defrost completely in the fridge.

    How To

    • 7 Birthday Cake Flavors

      7 Birthday Cake Flavors

      Looking to try a homemade birthday cake this year? Think outside the box (mix) with these 7 birthday cake flavors. Whether you need something traditional like a classic yellow or chocolate cake, or you’re ready to try something a little more adventurous like a 4-layer red velvet masterpiece, these birthday cake flavors are great to have in your wheelhouse.

    • 42 Easy Christmas Cake Ideas

      42 Easy Christmas Cake Ideas

      While many believe that cookies are the king of Christmas desserts, Christmas cakes are giving cookies a run for their money. With the holiday season upon us, we’ve compiled our best easy Christmas cake ideas and recipes of the season, all sweet enough to warm even the Grinch’s heart. If your sweet tooth is hankering for more sweet Christmas goodness, check out our favorite easy Christmas cookies, cupcakes, gingerbread houses and other treats!

    • 67 Best Valentine’s Day Desserts for Sharing with Your Sweetheart

      67 Best Valentine’s Day Desserts for Sharing with Your Sweetheart

      Nothing says “I Love You!” quite like a freshly baked Valentine’s Day treat. So this year, skip the store bought bakes and try one of these quick and easy Valentine’s Day desserts instead!

    • 24 of the Best Indulgent Holiday Cheesecake Recipes

      24 of the Best Indulgent Holiday Cheesecake Recipes

      If you love rich, creamy cheesecake look no further. We’ve rounded up our best holiday cheesecake recipes! We’ve got classics, chocolate delights and seasonal flavors to dazzle your senses.

    Reviews

    Enjoyed this recipe?Why not try one of these!

    VIEW ALL RECIPES
    !