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The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe

The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe
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The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe is a luscious, moist, and visually stunning cake featuring vibrant crimson layers with a subtle cocoa flavor perfectly balanced by classic cream cheese frosting. Ideal for celebrations or any sweet craving, this recipe promises tender texture, rich taste, and an unforgettable dessert experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Pans and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure easy cake release after baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution and a smooth batter consistency.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, vegetable oil, and melted unsalted butter until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and red food coloring for that vibrant red color.
  4. Alternate Adding Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in batches, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with dry ingredients. Mix gently to maintain a tender crumb without overmixing.
  5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
  6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fluffy for that iconic frosting texture.
  7. Assemble and Frost: Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Then place the second layer over it. Cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing or piping as desired.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs, butter, and buttermilk for better mixing and texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake.
  • Use high-quality cocoa powder for enhanced flavor.
  • Apply a crumb coat and chill the cake before the final frosting for a smooth finish.
  • Verify your oven temperature with a thermometer to prevent under- or over-baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet cake, cream cheese frosting, moist cake, birthday cake, celebration dessert, cocoa cake, classic cake

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/the-ultimate-red-velvet-cake-recipe/