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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Create a rich cocoa infusion by whisking hot coffee and unsweetened cocoa powder until smooth, allowing the mixture to develop depth and intensity.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients including flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt, ensuring thorough blending.
- In another bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, and white vinegar until the mixture achieves a vibrant crimson consistency.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender cake texture.
- Incorporate the prepared coffee-cocoa mixture into the batter, stirring until the color is uniformly distributed and no streaks remain.
- Carefully distribute the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans, using a spatula to smooth the surfaces and eliminate air pockets.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- 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