Name: Red Velvet Cake Recipe: Vibrant and Indulgent
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: Red Velvet Cake:; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 2 tbsp red food coloring; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp white vinegar; Cream Cheese Frosting:; 16 oz cream cheese (softened); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Optional: Powdered sugar (cake crumbs); Suggested Pairings: Berries (coffee)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Red Velvet Cake is a classic, vibrant dessert, perfect for celebrations, holidays, or dessert gatherings. This tender, cocoa-infused cake with its iconic red hue, paired with a tangy, creamy cream cheese frosting, delivers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Presented on a white ceramic cake stand, adorned with a dusting of powdered sugar or elegant frosting swirls, this Red Velvet Cake offers a striking, inviting aesthetic that elevates any occasion. This recipe provides a traditional version, adaptable for dietary preferences, and ideal for home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing dessert that brings bold color and rich taste to any table.

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Cake:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tbsp red food coloring (liquid or gel)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Serving (optional):

Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting, cake crumbs for decoration
Suggested Accompaniments: Fresh berries, mint leaves
Suggested Pairings: Coffee, sparkling wine
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve on a white ceramic cake stand
Suggested Equipment: Two 9-inch round cake pans, parchment paper, mixing bowls, electric mixer, offset spatula, sifter

Step-by-Step Process

Prepare Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. In a bowl, sift flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. In another bowl, whisk oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar until smooth. Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry until just combined.
Bake Cake: Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until creamy. Taste and adjust the sweetness with an additional 1/4 cup powdered sugar for a balanced flavor.
Assemble: Level cakes if needed. Place one cake on a white ceramic cake stand; spread 1 cup frosting over the top. Add the second cake; frost top and sides evenly with an offset spatula. Decorate with cake crumbs or powdered sugar, if desired.
Serve: Slice into 12 pieces, serve on a white ceramic cake stand with berries, mint, coffee, or sparkling wine.

Tips for Better Red Velvet Cake

Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and even baking.
Taste the frosting before spreading to balance sweetness and tanginess, as cream cheese brands vary.
Sift dry ingredients to avoid lumps and ensure a tender crumb.
Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red with less liquid impact.
Use a white ceramic cake stand for a striking presentation, highlighting the red cake and white frosting.
Make ahead: Bake cakes up to 1 day in advance; wrap tightly and store at room temperature. Frost before serving.
Chill the frosted cake for 30 minutes for easier slicing.
Enhance aesthetic: Present on a white ceramic cake stand with powdered sugar or frosting swirls for a festive, inviting look.

Variations and Customization

Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend; ensure baking powder is gluten-free.
Vegan Red Velvet Cake: Use plant-based buttermilk (1 cup plant milk + 1 tsp vinegar), replace eggs with 1/2 cup applesauce, and use vegan cream cheese and butter.
Low-Sugar Red Velvet Cake: Reduce sugar in cake to 1 cup and use a sugar substitute in frosting (adjust to taste).
Chocolate Red Velvet Cake: Increase cocoa powder to 1/4 cup for a richer chocolate flavor.
Red Velvet Cupcakes: Divide batter into 24 cupcake liners; bake 18–20 minutes.
Berry Red Velvet Cake: Add 1/2 cup mashed raspberries to the batter for a fruity twist.
Spiced Red Velvet Cake: Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp nutmeg to the batter.
Red Velvet Layer Cake with Nuts: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans to the frosting for crunch.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days; bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freeze unfrosted cakes for up to 2 months; wrap tightly in plastic and foil, thaw in fridge overnight, then frost.
Serve at room temperature; avoid keeping at room temperature for over 2 hours due to the cream cheese.
Use leftovers in trifles with whipped cream and berries.
Pair with coffee or sparkling wine to complement the rich, tangy flavor.
Presented on a white ceramic cake stand with vibrant garnishes for a striking, inviting charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 12 servings (1 slice each):

Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 300mg
Total Carbohydrates: 48g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 36g
Protein: 5g
Vitamin A: 15% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 0% Daily Value
Calcium: 8% Daily Value
Iron: 6% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by brand. High in sugar and fat; try the low-sugar version. Pair with fruit for balance.

Conclusion

This Red Velvet Cake recipe offers a vibrant, indulgent dessert, perfect for any occasion, transforming simple ingredients into a classic showstopper. Its straightforward preparation and stunning presentation make it a favorite. The tender cake and creamy frosting delight with every bite. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its bold, versatile appeal.