Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Timeless Indulgence

Imagine the moment you pull a freshly baked Red Velvet Cake from the oven. The warm aroma wafts through your kitchen, enveloping you in a buttery, vanilla-scented embrace, while the deep crimson color captivates both the eyes and the heart. It’s a cake that offers not just a feast for the palate, but a vibrant tapestry of memories. Whether it’s a birthday party, holidays, or just a cozy gathering with loved ones, this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting has a way of making every occasion feel truly special.

Why This Recipe Works

This Red Velvet Cake is not just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create joyful moments. Here are a few reasons why you and anyone you share it with will fall in love:

• Simplicity: Made with common pantry staples, this easy recipe is approachable for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
• Flavor: The signature hint of cocoa paired with the tangy cream cheese frosting creates a taste that is rich yet balanced—an indulgent dessert that never feels overwhelming.
• Versatility: Perfect for various occasions—be it a festive celebration or an office potluck, this cake can adapt to any gathering.
• Tradition: Red Velvet Cake has a storied history, often associated with Southern charm, making it a comforting classic that brings people together.
• Visual Appeal: Its striking appearance ensures it will be the centerpiece of any dessert table, drawing eager eyes and hungry hearts alike.

Ingredient Breakdown

Gathering your ingredients for this homemade dish is part of the joy. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: For a soft, light cake.
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens to perfection.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Gives that lift.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder: Adds a subtle depth.
• 1 ½ cups vegetable oil: Ensures moisture and tenderness.
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature: Creates that iconic tang and tenderness.
• 2 large eggs: Binds everything together beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring: Achieves that signature red hue.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda for extra fluffiness.

Dietary Alternatives: You can swap the buttermilk with almond milk for a dairy-free option, and use vegan cream cheese for the frosting if desired.

Prep and Cooking Times

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

This recipe strikes the perfect balance, making it ideal for a quick dinner or a special occasion with your family and friends.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Stir gently.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar. Mix until smooth.
4. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should turn golden, and the center should spring back when touched.
7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
8. For the frosting, beat together 8 oz of softened cream cheese and ½ cup of unsalted butter until fluffy. Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and creamy.
9. Once the cakes are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting generously between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake.

Tips and Creative Variations

• Creative Twists: Add a layer of raspberry jam between the cake layers for a fruity surprise.
• Healthier Option: Substitute half of the flour with almond flour for a gluten-friendly version.
• Seasonal Adaptations: Add some pumpkin spice in the fall—just a teaspoon can transform it into a delightful harvest treat.

Serving Suggestions

This cake shines at family dinners, potluck parties, or festive celebrations. Picture this: a group of friends gathering around, sharing laughter and stories while delighting in slices of the rich, velvety cake. Serve it with a side of fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of elegance.

Storage and Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week to retain its moisture. If you’d like to freeze it, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight and enjoy a taste of celebration whenever you want.

Pro Kitchen Secrets

• Let It Rest: Allow the cake to rest after baking to make cutting easier and to let the flavors meld beautifully.
• Sift Your Dry Ingredients: This helps prevent clumps and results in a finer texture.
• Chill the Frosting: Refrigerate the cream cheese frosting for 15 minutes for easier spreading.
• Decorate with Style: Use a cake comb to create texture on the sides of your frosted cake.
• Flavors in Balance: A touch of lemon juice in the frosting can add a fresh burst, enhancing the tangy cream cheese flavor.

FAQs

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?
  Absolutely! The cake can be baked a day in advance and frosted just before serving.

• Can I use other types of frosting?
  While cream cheese frosting is classic, a chocolate ganache or buttercream can also work beautifully with this cake.

• What can I substitute for buttermilk?
  You can mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes to mimic buttermilk.

• How should I store leftover cake?
  Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for a week.

Conclusion

When you bake this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, you’re not just creating a dessert; you’re crafting memories, one slice at a time. As you share this indulgent dessert with family and friends, remember the joy each bite brings. It’s a comforting classic that deserves a place on your table. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the process, and let the sweet aroma of your kitchen create stories that will last a lifetime. Try it today!

Contents

• 1 Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 1.1 Ingredients  
    • 1.1.1 For the Cake
    • 1.1.2 For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 1.2 Instructions 
    • 1.2.1 Preparation
    • 1.2.2 Baking
    • 1.2.3 Frosting
  • 1.3 Notes

Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A classic Red Velvet Cake perfectly paired with a rich cream cheese frosting, ideal for any special occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Cake, Dessert

Cuisine American, Southern

Servings 12 slices

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Cake

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour For a soft, light cake.
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar Sweetens to perfection.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda Gives that lift.
• 1 teaspoon salt Balances the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder Adds a subtle depth.
• 1.5 cups vegetable oil Ensures moisture and tenderness.
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature Creates that iconic tang and tenderness.
• 2 large eggs Binds everything together beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring Achieves that signature red hue.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds a depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar Reacts with the baking soda for extra fluffiness.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz softened cream cheese For a rich and creamy frosting.
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter At room temperature for easier mixing.
• 4 cups powdered sugar Sweetens the frosting.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract For flavor enhancement.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
• In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Stir gently.
• In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar. Mix until smooth.
• Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.

Baking

• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should turn golden, and the center should spring back when touched.
• Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Frosting

• For the frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until fluffy.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and creamy.
• Once the cakes are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting generously between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake.

Notes

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week. To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Keyword Birthday Cake, Celebration Cake, Classic Dessert, Cream Cheese Frosting, Red Velvet Cake