What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade red velvet cake is a delightful treat that’s as fun to bake as it is to eat. Its rich, velvety texture and stunning red color make it a showstopper for any occasion. The moist, tender crumb melts in your mouth, thanks to the perfect balance of cocoa and buttermilk. The cream cheese frosting is creamy and tangy, adding the perfect finishing touch. Plus, it’s simple to make, even if you’re new to baking!
Recipe
Indulge in the rich flavors and vibrant color of a classic red velvet cake with this homemade recipe. Perfect for special occasions or a delightful treat, this cake combines moist layers with a creamy frosting for an irresistible dessert.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tbsp (30ml) red food coloring
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- In another bowl, combine the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
- Frost the cooled cake layers and assemble.
Notes:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- For a deeper red color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid.
Equipment:
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American
Serving: 12 slices
Nutrition
This red velvet cake recipe offers a delightful treat with a balance of flavors and nutrients. Below is the nutritional information per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 50 mg |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 30 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting, as it adds a tangy sweetness that complements the cake perfectly. If I’m feeling extra indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes it even more irresistible. Both options bring out the cake’s rich flavor and make it a treat worth sharing.
Cream Cheese Frosting
While red velvet cake is delicious on its own, it’s the creamy, tangy frosting that really takes it to the next level—and lucky for you, cream cheese frosting pairs well with more than just cake. I love spreading it on cinnamon rolls, muffins, or even graham crackers for a quick treat. It’s also fantastic as a dip for fresh fruit like strawberries or apple slices. One of my favorite tricks is dolloping it onto pancakes or waffles for a breakfast twist. Trust me, once you start experimenting with cream cheese frosting, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy its rich flavor.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Moving from creamy frostings to cool treats, vanilla ice cream is a classic dessert that’s as versatile as it is delicious. I love pairing it with red velvet cake because the rich cocoa flavor and tangy cream cheese frosting balance the ice cream’s sweetness perfectly. The contrast between warm cake and cold ice cream is heavenly, and it’s a combo that never disappoints. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle caramel or sprinkle crushed nuts on top for extra crunch. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser—simple, yet unforgettable. Whether for birthdays or weeknight cravings, this duo always hits the spot.
