The Most Irresistible Red Velvet Cake You Need to Try!
Ever walked into a bakery and been instantly drawn to a luscious red velvet cake? The vibrant color, paired with that dreamy frosting, makes it impossible to resist! Well, guess what? You can recreate that magic in your own kitchen with this Best Red Velvet Cake Recipe (Soft, Moist, and Easy)! It’s a total game changer—quick to prepare, soft as a cloud, and absolutely delicious. You’ll have your friends and family begging for seconds!
Why Make This Recipe?
Why should you spend time making this cake? Let me dish it out for you!
- Easy Cleanup: No one wants a mountain of dirty dishes waiting after baking. This recipe keeps it simple.
- Family-Friendly: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or casual afternoon tea, everyone loves red velvet. Just be ready to share!
- Affordable Ingredients: No fancy stuff required. If you can bake, you can definitely make this without breaking the bank.
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 2 cups granulated sugar (400g)
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil (170g)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (113g)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla
- 1 1/3 cup buttermilk (320g) – mix 1 1/3 cup whole milk with 4 tsp vinegar or lemon juice to make your own
- 2 tsp vinegar
- 1 tbsp gel red food color – may need up to 1.5 tbsp depending on the brand
- 1/4 cup boiling water (60g)
- 2 1/2 tbsp Dutch processed cocoa powder (15g)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (390g)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (30g)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (2.5 sticks or 283g)
- 20 oz cream cheese, room temperature (2.5 8 oz blocks or 570g)
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3-4 cups icing sugar, sifted (360 to 480g)
Directions
Red Velvet Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour your cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, vegetable oil, melted butter, and eggs until creamy.
- Stir in vanilla, buttermilk, vinegar, and red food color.
- Sift together cocoa powder, flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the liquid mixture, alternating with boiling water.
- Pour the batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla and salt.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until you achieve the desired thickness.
Assembly:
- Once the cakes cool completely, spread frosting between the layers and on top.
- Decorate as desired! 🎉
How to Make the Best Red Velvet Cake (Overview)
Ready to impress your taste buds? The process is as fun as it is simple!
- Mix it up: You’ll start with a beautiful blend of sugars and oils, introducing eggs and flavors.
- Sift and fold: Combine dry ingredients and carefully fold them into the wet mix for a yummy texture—don’t over-mix!
- Bake: Pour your masterpiece into pans and await the magic.
- Frost: Slather on that creamy frosting—don’t be shy!
Pro Tip: Letting your cake cool completely makes frosting a breeze—don’t cringe at melting cream cheese everywhere!
How to Serve the Best Red Velvet Cake
Imagine a slice of vibrant red cake, adorned with a lavish layer of cream cheese frosting—just gorgeous! Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk, and you’re set for an indulgent treat. Add some fresh berries on the side for a pop of color and flavor. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a visual feast that smells heavenly!
How to Store the Best Red Velvet Cake
Leftover red velvet cake? Save those precious slices! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to enjoy it later, freeze it with frosting removed for up to three months. Just defrost in the fridge overnight and it’s good as new!
Tips to Make the Best Red Velvet Cake
Here are a few tricks to elevate your cake game:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for that smooth texture.
- Gel vs. Liquid Food Coloring: Gel coloring gives a richer hue without watering down your batter.
- Sift the Flour: This adds air and leads to a light and fluffy cake—who doesn’t want that?
Variations
Want to jazz it up? Try these variations:
- Chocolate Chip Twist: Fold in some mini chocolate chips for a delightful surprise in each bite!
- Vegan Version: Substitute with plant-based butter and a flax egg for a vegan-friendly delight.
- Citrus Zing: Adding a bit of lemon zest can brighten the flavors and add an exciting twist! 🍋
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance, cool them completely, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to frost and serve.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
You can use regular milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice as mentioned above, or try plain yogurt thinned with a bit of water.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and check that your other ingredients are gluten-free.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Best Red Velvet Cake
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar 400g
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil 170g
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 113g
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla
- 1 1/3 cup buttermilk 320g - mix 1 1/3 cup whole milk with 4 tsp vinegar or lemon juice to make your own
- 2 tsp vinegar
- 1 tbsp gel red food color may need up to 1.5 tbsp depending on the brand
- 1/4 cup boiling water 60g
- 2 1/2 tbsp Dutch processed cocoa powder 15g
- 3 cups all-purpose flour 390g
- 1/4 cup cornstarch 30g
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter, softened 2.5 sticks or 283g
- 20 oz cream cheese, room temperature 2.5 8 oz blocks or 570g
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3-4 cups icing sugar, sifted 360 to 480g
Instructions
Red Velvet Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour your cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, vegetable oil, melted butter, and eggs until creamy.
- Stir in vanilla, buttermilk, vinegar, and red food color.
- Sift together cocoa powder, flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the liquid mixture, alternating with boiling water.
- Pour the batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla and salt.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until you achieve the desired thickness.
Assembly
- Once the cakes cool completely, spread frosting between the layers and on top.
- Decorate as desired!
Notes
Printable Recipe Card
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