Description
A classic red velvet layer cake with a soft, velvety crumb and a hint of cocoa, finished with rich cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 and 1/2 cups (313g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons (10g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 and 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons red food coloring
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 4 cups (480g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Pinch of salt (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add oil and mix until combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and vinegar.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Stir in red food coloring until evenly incorporated.
- Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool cakes completely in pans, then remove and level if needed.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and salt, and beat until creamy.
- Frost the cooled cake layers, stacking them evenly, and cover the top and sides with frosting.
- Chill slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Gel food coloring provides a more vibrant red color.
- Store cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
- You can bake as cupcakes by reducing baking time to about 18–22 minutes.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 42 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
