Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a classic and beloved dessert known for its vibrant red color and rich flavor. The cake is typically moist and tender, complemented by a tangy and creamy cream cheese frosting. Here’s a recipe to make this stunning cake from scratch:
Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Red Velvet Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp red food coloring (gel or liquid)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Red Velvet Cake
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
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Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
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Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until well combined.
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Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
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Beat cream cheese and butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth.
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Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until fully combined. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until light and fluffy.
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Add vanilla and salt: Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
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Layer the cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.
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Add the second layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting.
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Frost the cake: Spread the remaining cream cheese frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Smooth the frosting or create decorative swirls with a spatula.
Step 4: Garnish (Optional)
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Decorate: Garnish the cake with red velvet cake crumbs, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder if desired.
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Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set.
This Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a show-stopping dessert that combines the rich flavors of the cake with the tangy sweetness of the cream cheese frosting. Perfect for special occasions or as a delightful treat, it’s sure to impress! Enjoy!