Red Velvet Cake: A Classic Beauty

Introduction

Red velvet cake is one of those desserts that catches your eye the moment it’s placed on the table. Its vibrant red color and luxurious cream cheese frosting make it a showstopper for any occasion. I remember the first time I tried red velvet cake—it was at a wedding, and I was mesmerized by the smooth, soft crumb and the slight cocoa flavor that paired so perfectly with the tangy frosting. It was love at first bite. Since then, red velvet has been my go-to cake for birthdays, holidays, and celebrations. I’m Ella chef, and I’m excited to share this timeless recipe with you.

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Red Velvet Cake

A rich, moist red velvet cake layered with cream cheese frosting—a classic dessert for any special occasion.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Cooling Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 500

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Cake

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 cup buttermilk room temperature
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs room temperature
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 tbsp vinegar

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

• Mixing Bowls
• Electric mixer
• 9-inch round cake pans
• Cooling rack

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, food coloring, and vinegar.
4. Combine both mixtures and beat until smooth. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
5. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. For frosting: Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whip until light and fluffy.
7. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost each layer with the cream cheese frosting. Stack the layers and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Nutrition

Calories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 72gProtein: 5gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 55gVitamin A: 250IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For extra flavor, add a bit of orange zest to the frosting. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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How to Make the Recipe

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 9-inch round cake pans, lining them with parchment paper to ensure the cakes come out smoothly.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients will create the base of your rich and moist cake.

In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients: buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar. The vinegar reacts with the baking soda to create a light, fluffy texture, while the red food coloring gives the cake its signature vibrant hue.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and beat until smooth and fully combined. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Bake the cakes for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

While the cakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to whip until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Once the cakes have cooled completely, frost each layer with the cream cheese frosting. Stack the layers and finish frosting the top and sides of the cake.

Conclusion

Red velvet cake is a dessert that never goes out of style. With its striking red layers and luscious cream cheese frosting, it’s perfect for any celebration. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply craving a slice of something sweet, this cake never disappoints. The combination of rich chocolate flavor and the tangy frosting makes every bite memorable. Easy to prepare and fun to decorate, red velvet cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, every single time. Enjoy this classic treat and create your own tradition of baking it for those you love.