BEST EVER Red Velvet Cake with Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Experience the ultimate in dessert decadence with this luscious Red Velvet Cake, perfectly layered and topped with rich, creamy frosting. The vibrant color and velvety texture make it a show-stopping centerpiece for any celebration, while the delightful balance of cocoa and vanilla flavors keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether it’s for a birthday, wedding, or just because, this cake is guaranteed to impress and satisfy sweet cravings!

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-11-17T05:09:07.431Z

This Red Velvet Cake has a rich history and is often associated with celebrations...

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Lusciously creamy frosting
  • Perfectly balanced flavors
  • Stunning color presentation
  • Ideal for any celebration

The Magic of Red Velvet Cake

Red Velvet Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience that combines visual appeal with an unforgettable taste. The cake's rich, red hue isn't merely for decoration; it symbolizes love and passion, making it an ideal choice for celebrations like Valentine's Day, anniversaries, and birthday parties. As you slice into the cake, the deep crimson color invites sheer delight, captivating both the eyes and the palate.

This cake features a unique blend of flavors, combining the earthy richness of cocoa powder with the smoothness of vanilla. Each bite reveals a moist and tender crumb, providing the perfect crumbly yet velvety texture. The classic pairing of cream cheese frosting with the cake not only adds a layer of indulgence but also balances the sweetness, creating a harmonious flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it's a festive gathering, an intimate dinner, or a grand wedding, this Red Velvet Cake is a versatile choice that impresses on all occasions. Its striking color and elegant profile make it a standout centerpiece on any dessert table. Customize the cake with decorative touches like fresh berries, edible flowers, or themed decorations to match your event's style.

Beyond aesthetics, the taste of this cake also leaves a lasting impression. The rich cream cheese frosting offers a creamy contrast to the cake’s moistness. When served, the cake brings smiles and satisfaction to your guests, making it much more than a dessert—it's a memorable part of your celebration.

Tips for the Perfect Red Velvet Cake

To achieve the perfect texture and flavor, make sure to precisely measure your ingredients. Using room temperature eggs and butter promotes better incorporation and leads to a fluffier cake. Additionally, be cautious not to overmix the batter; combine until just incorporated to ensure your cake remains tender.

When baking, always keep an eye on the oven's temperature. An oven thermometer can help maintain accuracy, as even a slight variation can affect the baking process. If you're unsure, use the toothpick test: insert it into the center of the cake, and it should come out clean when perfectly baked. These simple tips will help you create a stunning Red Velvet Cake that is sure to delight.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together the sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until light and fluffy. Stir in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, red food coloring, baking soda, and vinegar.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Prepare Frosting

While the cakes cool, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until combined.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Serve

Slice and enjoy your delicious Red Velvet Cake!

Storage Tips

To keep your Red Velvet Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its shelf life, refrigerate it, which can keep it tasting delightful for up to a week. Note that refrigeration may slightly alter the frosting's texture, so allow it to sit at room temperature for a bit before serving.

If you plan to make the cake in advance, consider freezing the layers before frosting. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing them in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to serve, simply thaw the layers and frost as desired.

Variations to Try

Get creative with your Red Velvet Cake by incorporating fillings or alternates to the traditional cream cheese frosting. For a twist, try adding a raspberry or chocolate ganache filling between the layers. This additional flavor dimension can elevate your cake experience and surprise your guests with every slice.

For those who prefer a lighter option, consider pairing your Red Velvet Cake with whipped cream or a mascarpone frosting. The subtle flavors will nicely complement the richness of the cake while adding a refreshing touch that balances the sweetness. Experimenting with these variations allows you to personalize your cake and make it uniquely yours.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute with regular milk, but the cake may be less moist.

→ How do I store the cake?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

BEST EVER Red Velvet Cake with Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting

Experience the ultimate in dessert decadence with this luscious Red Velvet Cake, perfectly layered and topped with rich, creamy frosting. The vibrant color and velvety texture make it a show-stopping centerpiece for any celebration, while the delightful balance of cocoa and vanilla flavors keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether it’s for a birthday, wedding, or just because, this cake is guaranteed to impress and satisfy sweet cravings!

Prep Time30.0
Cooking Duration25.0
Overall Time55.0

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12.0

What You'll Need

For the Cake

  1. 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  3. 1 cup vegetable oil
  4. 1 cup buttermilk
  5. 2 large eggs
  6. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  7. 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
  8. 1 tablespoon red food coloring
  9. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  10. 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  11. 1 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  2. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  3. 4 cups powdered sugar
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them.

Step 02

In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.

Step 03

In another bowl, beat together the sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until light and fluffy. Stir in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, red food coloring, baking soda, and vinegar.

Step 04

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 05

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 06

While the cakes cool, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until combined.

Step 07

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Step 08

Slice and enjoy your delicious Red Velvet Cake!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Total Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 86mg
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 61g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 48g
  • Protein: 5g