Red Velvet Cake

Introduction

Every great dessert has a story, and the red velvet cake is no exception. In the 1920s, this luxurious treat became a symbol of elegance in American bakeries. The deep red hue, paired with a smooth cream cheese frosting, gave it a sense of romance and sophistication. Chef Ella, known for her flair in reinventing classics, recalls how her grandmother baked red velvet for special family occasions — the aroma of cocoa and vanilla filling the home. Inspired by that memory, Ella perfected her version, creating a cake that’s moist, velvety, and irresistibly rich, yet surprisingly simple to make at home.

Classic Red Velvet Cake

This moist, fluffy, and iconic red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting is a showstopper for any celebration.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Cake Batter

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

Frosting

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

Equipment

• Mixing Bowls
• Electric mixer
• Cake pans

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat sugar and oil until combined. Add eggs one at a time.
4. Stir in buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla, and red food coloring.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until smooth.
6. Divide batter between pans and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool completely before frosting.
8. For frosting: beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy, then add powdered sugar and vanilla. Spread evenly over cooled cake.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 5gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 320mgFiber: 1gSugar: 36g

Notes

Chill for 30 minutes before slicing for neater layers.

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How to Make Red Velvet Cake

To make the perfect red velvet cake, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing two 9-inch pans with grease and flour. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In another large bowl, beat together sugar and vegetable oil until light. Add the eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each. Blend in the buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla, and that signature red food coloring. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet until smooth and lump-free.

Divide the batter between the pans and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting. For the frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, followed by vanilla extract, until it reaches a smooth, spreadable texture.

Stack the layers, spreading frosting between them and over the top. For an elegant touch, garnish with red crumbs or white chocolate shavings. The result is a moist, tender, and decadent cake — the kind that makes any day feel like a celebration.

Conclusion

Red velvet cake is more than just a dessert — it’s a celebration of color, texture, and nostalgia. From its cocoa-kissed crumb to its luscious cream cheese frosting, every slice offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Chef Ella’s version brings the classic charm into the modern kitchen, reminding us that great baking is not about complexity but about passion, patience, and a touch of love. Whether for birthdays, holidays, or quiet weekends, this red velvet recipe is sure to leave a lasting impression on every guest’s taste buds.