As I wandered through the vibrant streets of New Orleans, the scent of vanilla and cocoa wafted through the air from a local bakery. It was here that I discovered the rich history of red velvet cake, a dessert that speaks to Southern charm and indulgence. The cake’s striking color and velvety texture captivated my senses, inspiring me to create my own version infused with a hint of exotic spices and a creamy frosting that would transport anyone to the heart of the Crescent City.
**Ingredients:**
For the Red Velvet Cake:
– 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 distilled white vinegar
– ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for a hint of warmth)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– A pinch of salt
**Instructions:**
To make the Red Velvet Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, and ground cinnamon. This blend of dry ingredients creates a perfect foundation for your cake.
In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until well combined. The vibrant red hue will begin to shine through!
Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain that light and airy texture that defines a velvet cake.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
To prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugary cloud. Once incorporated, add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then beat on high speed for an additional 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the cake:
Once the cake layers are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. 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 with the remaining cream cheese frosting. For an added touch, use a spatula to create swirls or peaks in the frosting.
To finish, consider garnishing the top with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a few crushed pecans for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Slice into this stunning cake, and let the rich, velvety goodness transport you to the enchanting streets of New Orleans. Each bite is a celebration of culture, history, and the joy of sharing delightful desserts with loved ones. Enjoy!