The Perfect Red Velvet Cake Recipe: Sweet, Fluffy & Unforgettable

Red velvet cake whispers elegance through its deep crimson hue and silky-smooth personality.

Sophisticated bakers have long celebrated this dessert as a pinnacle of culinary craftsmanship.

Beneath its vibrant exterior lies a delicate balance of rich cocoa and subtle tang that dances across taste buds.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this cake reimagines ordinary moments into memorable celebrations.

Soft crumb and luxurious cream cheese frosting create a sensory experience that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Texture plays a crucial role in making this dessert truly extraordinary.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Red Velvet Cake: The Classic Dessert You’ll Crave

• Indulge in Luxurious Layers: This red velvet cake offers a stunning visual and taste experience with three rich, moist layers that create a dramatic and elegant dessert perfect for special celebrations.
• Effortless Baking Magic: The simple mixing method makes this cake surprisingly easy to prepare, with straightforward steps that even novice bakers can master, transforming basic ingredients into a showstopping treat.
• Creamy Cheese Dream Frosting: The classic cream cheese frosting brings a tangy, smooth complement to the cake's subtle cocoa flavor, creating a balanced and irresistible combination that melts in your mouth with each delightful bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Sensation: Packed with 550 calories and a decadent profile, this cake serves 12 people and works wonderfully for birthdays, holidays, or any moment that calls for a spectacular sweet indulgence.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Red Velvet Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Fine, soft flour providing structure and tender crumb for the cake.
• Cocoa Powder: Deep chocolate flavor with subtle bitterness for red velvet character.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweet base that helps create soft, moist texture.
• Baking Soda: Essential leavening agent for cakes light and fluffy rise.

• Buttermilk, Vinegar: Tangy ingredients creating moisture and helping activate baking soda.
• Coffee: Enhances chocolate depth and adds rich undertone to cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures cake remains moist and tender.

• Red Food Coloring: Provides signature vibrant red color to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Classic flavoring adding warmth and depth.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Rich, creamy base for smooth frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes cream cheese frosting.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide structure to cake.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

Step-by-Step to a Decadent Red Velvet Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Workspace

Set oven to 325°F. Grease 3 round 8-inch cake pans with butter or cooking spray. Line bottom of pans with parchment paper.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Coffee Base

Combine hot coffee and cocoa powder in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and let mixture cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking soda
• Salt

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Vegetable oil
• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Red food coloring
• White vinegar

Step 5: Blend Cake Batter

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Pour in coffee-cocoa mixture and stir gently.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Divide batter evenly among prepared cake pans. Tap pans on counter to release air bubbles.

Step 7: Bake Cake Layers

Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Test with toothpick – it should come out clean when inserted in center.

Step 8: Cool Cake Layers

Remove from oven and let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes. Transfer to wire rack and cool completely.

Step 9: Create Cream Cheese Frosting

• Softened cream cheese
• Unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 10: Assemble and Decorate Cake

Place first cake layer on serving plate. Spread frosting between layers. Cover entire cake with remaining frosting. Slice and serve.

Tips to Ensure a Flawless Red Velvet Cake Every Time

• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for ingredients to ensure the perfect red velvet texture and flavor balance.
• Sift Smartly: Sift flour and cocoa powder to prevent lumps and create a smoother, more uniform cake batter.
• Temperature Matters: Allow ingredients like eggs and butter to reach room temperature for better mixing and a more consistent cake.
• Mix Gently: Fold ingredients carefully to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense and tough.
• Cooling Technique: Let cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting and ensure clean, crisp layers.

Keeping Red Velvet Cake Fresh: Tips for Storing Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store leftover red velvet cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Protect the cake's moisture by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap before sealing the container.
• Freezing: Slice the cake before freezing to make thawing easier. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake can last up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Reheating: Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. For a warm slice, microwave individual pieces for 10-15 seconds, being careful not to overheat and dry out the delicate texture. Gently reheat frozen cake slices in the microwave or let them thaw naturally in the refrigerator overnight for the best taste and moistness.

Enjoy Red Velvet Cake with These Flavorful Complements

• Pair With Creamy Beverages: Complement the rich red velvet cake with a velvety latte or smooth cappuccino. The coffee's warmth and subtle bitterness balance the cake's sweet cream cheese frosting perfectly.
• Match With Fruity Wines: Select a chilled rosé or a light moscato to enhance the cake's delicate cocoa notes. These wines provide a refreshing contrast to the dense, moist texture of the dessert.
• Serve Alongside Classic Drinks: Enjoy the cake with cold milk or a creamy hot chocolate. These classic pairings bring out the cake's chocolatey undertones and create a comforting dessert experience.
• Explore Unexpected Companions: Try a spiced chai tea or an espresso martini for an adventurous twist. These bold drinks add an exciting layer of complexity to the traditional red velvet cake flavor profile.

Elevate Your Red Velvet Cake with These Simple Ideas

• Chocolate Crunch Edition: Replace coffee with strong espresso and fold in crushed chocolate-covered espresso beans for added texture and intense coffee flavor.
• Nutty Red Velvet Remix: Incorporate finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the batter and sprinkle crushed nuts between cake layers for a rich, crunchy element.
• Berry Burst Transformation: Swirl raspberry or strawberry compote into the batter before baking and top with fresh berries between layers for a fruity, tangy complement to the classic red velvet taste.
• Salted Caramel Upgrade: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce between cake layers and incorporate caramel bits into the cream cheese frosting for a decadent, sweet-and-salty experience.

Red Velvet Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Red Velvet Cake brings Southern charm to dessert tables with its luxurious crimson layers and silky cream cheese frosting. Chocolate undertones and buttermilk create a delicate crumb that melts on your palate, making this classic treat irresistible for celebrations.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups (279 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup (109 grams) vegetable oil
• 1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup plain hot coffee or boiling water
• 3 teaspoons red gel food coloring, plus more if needed
• Vanilla extract to taste

Frosting Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 227 grams unsalted butter
• 4 cups (500 grams) powdered sugar, sifted

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to precisely 325°F (163°C) and meticulously grease three 8-inch round cake pans with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
2. Create a rich cocoa infusion by whisking hot coffee and unsweetened cocoa powder until smooth, allowing the mixture to develop depth and intensity.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients including flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt, ensuring thorough blending.
4. In another bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, and white vinegar until the mixture achieves a vibrant crimson consistency.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender cake texture.
6. Incorporate the prepared coffee-cocoa mixture into the batter, stirring until the color is uniformly distributed and no streaks remain.
7. Carefully distribute the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans, using a spatula to smooth the surfaces and eliminate air pockets.
8. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating halfway through to ensure even browning and checking with a toothpick for doneness.
9. Remove cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
11. Once cakes are fully cooled, carefully layer and frost the cake, creating an even and elegant exterior.

Notes

• Capture every detail before starting to ensure smooth baking preparation.
• Organize ingredients and tools within arm’s reach to streamline the cake-making process.
• Double-check oven temperature and pan preparation for consistent, perfect results.
• Measure ingredients precisely using standard measuring cups and spoons.
• Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and create better cake texture.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 70g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 75g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 120mg