Sink your fork into decadence with The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe, a true showstopper that’s as visually stunning as it is irresistibly moist and flavorful. This classic American dessert brings together velvety soft layers tinged with a rich red hue and the soft tang of buttermilk, all wrapped in a dreamy, creamy blanket of luscious cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a holiday, or simply to treat yourself, this recipe never fails to steal the spotlight and win hearts. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your most requested cake!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward cake magic, and each one plays its own starring role. From the deep red food coloring to the tangy buttermilk and signature hint of cocoa, every component promises layers of flavor, texture, and visual wow in The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cake, giving structure and a tender crumb.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds essential sweetness that brings the cake layers to life.
- Baking Soda: Your leavening agent, giving the cake its light and fluffy rise.
- Fine Salt: Just a touch heightens all the other flavors beautifully.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Just enough for a whisper of chocolate without overpowering the classic red velvet flavor.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake ultra-moist and supple, even after chilling.
- Buttermilk (at room temperature): Adds tang and helps activate the baking soda for a perfectly tender texture.
- Large Eggs (at room temperature): Bind the mixture and enrich the cake for a plush bite.
- Red Food Coloring: The signature hue that makes red velvet so iconic—don’t skimp here!
- White Vinegar: Enhances the cake’s delicate tang and aids in the leavening process.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out all the flavors, bringing warmth and depth.
- Cream Cheese (for frosting, softened): The secret to that beloved tangy-sweet frosting.
- Unsalted Butter (for frosting, softened): Gives the frosting its rich, creamy texture.
- Powdered Sugar (for frosting): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
- Pinch of Salt (for frosting): Cuts through the sweetness for a harmonious finish.
How to Make The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment for easy removal. Taking the time to prep your pans ensures your cakes lift out effortlessly, keeping those beautiful layers perfectly intact for frosting.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, fine salt, and cocoa powder. This dry base is your cake’s framework—the gentle touch of cocoa gives just a hint of chocolate, letting the vibrant color and tangy notes shine.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, thoroughly blend the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, white vinegar, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture is where the signature moist crumb and elegant flavor of The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe are born.
Step 4: Bring Everything Together
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring as you go. Mix until just combined and velvety smooth—be careful not to over-mix, as this can toughen your cake. You’ll notice that unmistakable red velvet color and aroma coming to life!
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Evenly divide your batter between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes rest in their pans for 10 minutes, then gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience pays off—the flavors deepen as the cake cools!
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cakes cool, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until creamy and united. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until the mixture becomes fluffy and light. Blend in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for the perfect finish. This frosting is positively dreamy with the tang that defines a true red velvet.
Step 7: Frost and Assemble
Once completely cooled, place one cake layer on your plate and generously frost the top. Stack the second layer, then spread the remaining frosting smoothly over the top and sides. For the most stunning slices, chill the frosted cake for 30 minutes before serving.
How to Serve The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A classic finishing touch for The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe is a generous swirl of extra frosting piped decoratively, perhaps with a few cake crumbs pressed along the sides or sprinkled on top. For a festive look, you might add white chocolate curls or even edible glitter—don’t be afraid to let your creativity shine!
Side Dishes
Pair this cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a fresh fruit salad, or even a cold glass of milk. If you’re serving on a special occasion, a flute of champagne or a creamy coffee makes every bite taste extra celebratory.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try making cupcakes or a single sheet cake for easy slicing and sharing. You can also layer thin slices in a trifle bowl with extra frosting and berries for a gorgeous dessert parfait. Stack tiny rounds for mini cakes or use cookie cutters to shape the cake into hearts for Valentine’s Day—there’s no wrong way to show off The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your cake fresh, store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cream cheese frosting actually helps keep the cake ultra-moist, so it tastes nearly as delightful on day four as it does fresh from the oven.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe. Wrap individual slices or the unfrosted layers tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost and serve as desired. It’s a lifesaver for last-minute celebrations!
Reheating
While red velvet cake is best enjoyed at room temperature, if you like yours a touch warm, microwave a slice for just 10–15 seconds. This revives that bakery-fresh softness and melts the frosting ever so slightly for a treat that feels brand new.
FAQs
Can I use natural food coloring instead of liquid red food coloring?
Absolutely! Beet juice or natural food coloring can work, but the color may be a bit more muted than the vibrant hue of traditional red velvet. Just be sure to keep the liquid ratios consistent for best results in The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe.
Can I bake this recipe as cupcakes or a sheet cake?
Yes! This batter is wonderfully versatile. For cupcakes, fill liners two-thirds full and bake for about 18–22 minutes. For a sheet cake, use a 9×13-inch pan and add a few extra minutes to the bake time. Adjust as needed, and always test with a toothpick.
What makes red velvet cake taste different from chocolate cake?
Red velvet cake contains far less cocoa than chocolate cake, resulting in a milder flavor. The tang from buttermilk and vinegar, plus the dreamy cream cheese frosting, make this cake uniquely delicious—definitely its own experience!
How do I prevent my cake from being dry?
Measure your flour accurately, avoid over-mixing, and be sure not to overbake. The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe uses oil and buttermilk, both of which guarantee an ultra-moist crumb if you follow the directions closely.
Is it necessary to chill the cake before slicing?
Chilling isn’t strictly required, but it gives the frosting time to set for neater slices and a firmer, bakery-style presentation. It’s especially helpful on warmer days or if you want those perfectly clean, Instagram-worthy cake layers!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a cake that feels as good to bake as it does to eat, The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe is the answer. Filled with nostalgic charm and sophisticated flavor, it’s a labor of love that pays off in every delicious slice. Trust me—once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Print
The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this decadent and moist red velvet cake with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat any time!
Ingredients
Main Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk at room temperature
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine Batter: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until smooth. Divide batter between pans.
- Bake: Bake for 30–32 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar until fluffy. Mix in vanilla and salt.
- Frost Cake: Once cakes are cooled, frost one layer, stack the second layer, and frost the top and sides. Smooth with a spatula.
Notes
- Chill the frosted cake for 30 minutes for best results.
- You can also make this as a sheet cake or cupcakes—adjust baking time accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
