Red Velvet Cake Recipe
Red velvet cake is a classic dessert that is loved by people of all ages. It is a moist and flavorful cake with a velvety texture and a delicious cream cheese frosting. Red velvet cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays and holidays to special events.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 300 grams
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened (113 grams)
- 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar 300 grams
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 cup buttermilk room temperature (240 milliliters)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons liquid red food coloring
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 2 8-ounce blocks cream cheese, softened (454 grams)
- 1 and 1/2 cups unsalted butter softened (340 grams)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 1 and 1/2 pounds confectioners' sugar sifted (5 and 1/2 cups/675 grams)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter and flour three 6-inch cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, buttermilk, vinegar, and red food coloring.
- Add the flour mixture and buttermilk mixture to the butter mixture alternately, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans and 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 inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the cream cheese frosting:
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla and salt.
- Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, beating until smooth and combined.
To assemble the cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread with a layer of frosting.
- Repeat with the remaining cake layers and frosting.
- Decorate the cake as desired.
Notes
- If your cakes are domed, use a serrated knife to level them off before assembling the cake.
- Be gentle when handling the cake layers, as they are tender.
- To make sure the frosting is smooth, sift the confectioners' sugar before adding it to the butter and cream cheese.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder.
- To make a funfetti cake, add 1/2 cup of sprinkles to the batter.
- To make a marble cake, divide the batter in half and add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to one half. Swirl the two batters together in the cake pans before baking.