The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake

Recipe Introduction: The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake
Fancy a slice of heaven? Let's talk about red velvet cake mixture ! It's a classic for a reason. This cake is smooth, moist, and totally decadent. Honestly, who can resist?
Why Red Velvet?
This beauty comes from the American South. It's a showstopper cake with a subtle cocoa flavor. The tangy cream cheese frosting? Chefs kiss.
It’s a medium difficulty bake. Prep takes about 30 minutes, baking another 30-35. You'll end up with 12-16 slices. Perfect for sharing, or not! It can be made into gluten-free Red Velvet Bundt Cake .
A Slice of Happiness
Red velvet cake is a mood booster! The cream cheese frosting is just the best and can be made gluten-free Icing For Cake .
This cake is perfect for birthdays or any celebration. What makes it special? The moist texture and vibrant red colour.
It's not just a cake, it's an experience. Imagine, Moist gluten-free Cake on your table. The classic red velvet cake is sure to wow your family.
Get Your Ingredients Ready!
Before we dive in, let's talk ingredients. You'll need flour, baking soda, and cocoa powder. Don't forget sugar, oil, and buttermilk.
Oh, and that all-important red food coloring! Room temperature ingredients are key. It helps everything mix together perfectly.
Get Ready to Bake! Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Red Velvet Cake
So, you wanna bake a classic red velvet cake ? Fab! Let’s get cracking! Before we dive in, let's gather everything we need.
This recipe is all about that smooth, moist texture, so quality ingredients are key. Honestly, there's nothing worse than a dry cake.
This ensures a moist gluten-free cake.
Main Ingredients Sorted
Here’s what you’ll need for the cake. Remember, precise measurements are your friend!
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 ½ cups ( 315g ). Spooned and leveled, mind you!
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 2 tablespoons ( 15g ). Good quality stuff makes a difference.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 ½ cups ( 300g )
- Vegetable Oil: 1 cup ( 240ml )
- Buttermilk: 1 cup ( 240ml ), at room temperature. Seriously, room temperature matters.
- Large Eggs: 2 , at room temperature.
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons
- Red Food Coloring: 1 tablespoon (gel preferred!). This makes the red velvet cake mixture properly red.
- Distilled White Vinegar: 1 teaspoon
For that dreamy cream cheese frosting, grab these:
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces ( 225g ), softened. Don't skip on the softening!
- Unsalted Butter: ½ cup ( 115g ; 1 stick), softened.
- Powdered Sugar: 4 cups ( 480g ), sifted. No lumps, please!
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons
- Salt: A pinch.
Seasoning Secrets
Right, let’s talk flavor! The essential spice combo in a red velvet cake recipe easy and yummy comes from the cocoa.
The vanilla extract and pinch of salt enhance all the flavors. No buttermilk? Use 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in milk.
Let it sit for 5 mins. You can consider these gluten-free cake recipes from scratch !
Essential Equipment
Okay, tools of the trade! You'll need the following essentials.
- Two 9 inch round cake pans.
- Parchment paper rounds. Trust me, these save lives!
- An electric mixer (stand or hand held).
- Mixing bowls.
- Rubber spatula.
- Offset spatula (for frosting). Makes it look professional!
- Measuring cups and spoons.
Don’t have all the fancy stuff? Use what you have! A sturdy whisk works instead of a mixer. Don't stress if you need to adapt this to gluten-free recipes cake , its still worth it! Let's get baking and enjoy the best red velvet cake recipe .
You'll get to savor a homemade red velvet cake at home soon.
The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake: Smooth, Moist, and Irresistibly Decadent
Honestly, who can resist a slice of classic red velvet cake ? It's like a hug in cake form! This recipe guarantees a supremely moist and tender cake.
The subtle cocoa flavor, with that tangy cream cheese frosting? Oh my gosh! This is going to be a showstopper.
Let's dive into making the best red velvet cake recipe you've ever tasted. You can even trying a gluten-free Red Velvet Bundt Cake version, if you fancy!
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first, get organised! This is your essential mise en place. Measure out all your ingredients. Soften your butter and cream cheese.
It makes a world of difference! Remember this is your secret to the perfect homemade red velvet cake ! Always preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .
Prep two 9 inch round cake pans with grease, flour, and parchment. Parchment paper is key for easy release.
step-by-step: Baking Bliss
Here is an easy red velvet cake recipe :
- Dry stuff first. Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa in a big bowl.
- In another bowl, beat sugar and oil till combined. Then mix in buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, red food coloring, and vinegar.
- Now, slowly add the dry to the wet. Mix on low. Do not overmix!
- Pour batter into pans. Bake for 30- 35 minutes . A toothpick should come out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10. Then cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar slowly. Then mix in vanilla and a pinch of salt.
- Frost the cake! Put one layer on a plate. Then add frosting. Top with the other layer and more frosting.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Bake
Room temperature ingredients are crucial . It helps the batter emulsify correctly. Result? A smoother, more tender cake. Don't overmix your batter.
Overmixing = tough cake. Nobody wants that. If you want to change this recipe, you can start from gluten-free Cake Recipes From Scratch !.
You can always prep your red velvet cake mixture in advance. Prepare to be amazed, and have some gluten-free Icing For Cake when you are done.
You know, it keeps in the fridge for up to two days. Then frost it just before serving. This recipe make for a Moist gluten-free Cake and will be the highlight of every event.
Recipe Notes for Your Amazing Red Velvet Cake
Alright, so you're ready to tackle this classic red velvet cake recipe? Awesome! Before you jump in, let's chat about a few things that'll make your baking journey smooth as silk.
I've baked my fair share of cakes, and honestly, every little tweak makes a difference.
Serving Ideas: Plating and More!
Let's get fancy for a sec. Presentation does matter. For a truly elegant vibe, dust the cake with a bit of cocoa powder or powdered sugar.
Fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, are gorgeous, too. A scoop of vanilla ice cream? Absolutely! And don't forget the perfect drink.
Coffee or tea both pair wonderfully.
How to Keep That Cake Fresh
Leftovers? If you have them, store that moist gluten-free cake well. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or pop it into an airtight container.
It'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days. Want to freeze it? You can! Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Just let it thaw completely before digging in. Reheating is easy. If it's frozen, thaw it at room temperature. A quick zap in the microwave (like 10-15 seconds ) can bring it back to life.
Swaps and Tweaks Just For You
Want to shake things up? I get it. For a gluten-free Red Velvet Bundt Cake , swap out regular flour for a gluten-free cake recipes from scratch .
Be sure to use a gluten-free icing for cake , too. Also, you can try making red velvet cake recipe easy
Seasonal tip: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg during autumn. Ooh, and if you're feeling extra adventurous, try adding some chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter. Boom!
Quick Nutrition Facts
I'm no nutritionist, but here's the lowdown. A slice of this homemade red velvet cake is roughly 450-550 calories. It has about 4-5g of protein and 25-30g of fat.
Carbs? Around 50-60g. Now, the "bad" news, there's about 30-40g of sugar. Enjoy in moderation, yeah?
So, there you have it! All the extra bits to help you make the best red velvet cake recipe ever.
Honestly, baking should be fun, so don't sweat the small stuff. Just go for it and enjoy every step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my red velvet cake mixture turn out dry?
A dry red velvet cake can be a real bummer! It often happens due to overbaking, using too much flour, or not enough liquid. Make sure you measure your flour correctly (spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off) and don't overmix the batter.
Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate, as a too-hot oven can dry out the cake quickly. Nobody wants a dry cake, it's the pits!
Can I make this red velvet cake mixture ahead of time?
You can definitely get a head start! You can prepare the cake layers a day or two in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store them at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Frost the cake right before serving for the best texture and presentation.
Just like getting your ducks in a row before the Great British Bake Off tent!
What if I don't have buttermilk for the red velvet cake mixture?
No buttermilk, no worries! You can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it curdles slightly that's your homemade buttermilk! This trick will keep your red velvet cake nice and moist.
How do I store leftover red velvet cake?
To keep your red velvet cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 3-4 days. If you want to freeze the cake, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
This helps ensure the cake is perfect for your afternoon tea.
Can I reduce the amount of red food coloring in the red velvet cake mixture?
Absolutely! While the vibrant red hue is iconic, you can definitely reduce the amount of red food coloring if you're concerned about it. Just be aware that the cake will have a lighter, less intense red color.
You could also explore natural alternatives like beet juice, though the color won't be as striking, and you might need to adjust the liquid content slightly. Just think of it as your own red velvet cake signature!
My cream cheese frosting is too runny! What can I do?
Runny cream cheese frosting is a common problem. Make sure your cream cheese and butter aren't too soft they should be softened but still cool. Try chilling the frosting for 30 minutes to an hour to firm it up.
If it's still too thin, gradually add more sifted powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. A bit of patience will get you frosting fit for a queen!
The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-30g |
| Fiber | Not specified |