There’s something undeniably enchanting about a red velvet cake. The vivid crimson hue, the luscious cream cheese frosting, and the soft, moist texture all come together to create a dessert that is as stunning as it is delicious. I remember the first time I baked this cake during a family gathering. My grandmother had just passed down her secret recipe, and I was eager to impress everyone at the table. As the cake baked, the aroma wafted through the kitchen like a sweet promise. When I finally pulled it out of the oven, it looked like a masterpiece. The anticipation was palpable as I sliced into the cake, revealing its vibrant red layers. The first bite was a revelation—a perfect balance of subtle chocolate flavor and tanginess from the buttermilk. It quickly became a family favorite, and now, it’s time to share this delightful recipe with you!
Ingredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 ½ cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
1 cup cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring an easy release once baked. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. This will not only blend the dry ingredients but also aerate them for a lighter cake.
In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar. The vivid red hue will begin to emerge, making you even more excited to bake. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as we want our cake to be tender and soft.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 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 carefully transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined, then increase to medium speed until fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract for a hint of warmth.
Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate and generously spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Carefully place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake, creating a smooth, beautiful finish.
For an extra touch, decorate the cake with fresh berries or a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Slice into this stunning red velvet cake, serve it to your loved ones, and watch their faces light up with joy. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of love and warmth.
Enjoy your Velvet Dreams Red Velvet Cake!