Description
You will bake the absolute best red velvet cake, perfectly moist and fluffy, with a tender crumb. This Southern classic uses buttermilk and vinegar for authentic flavor, topped with luscious homemade cream cheese frosting. It is a showstopper dessert perfect for birthdays or holidays.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (liquid or gel)
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and granulated sugar until combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the white vinegar into the buttermilk. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the cream cheese frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the layers and the outside of your cake with the homemade cream cheese frosting.
Notes
- For the most vibrant red color, use a high-quality gel food coloring.
- Buttermilk is key for the authentic tangy flavor and tender crumb; do not substitute if possible.
- To make a quick buttermilk substitute, add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- This recipe makes a perfect homemade birthday cake.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 55g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg