Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your kitchen into a gourmet bakery! This classic Red Velvet Cake isn't just a dessert—it's an experience that combines rich, velvety texture with a stunning crimson color that's guaranteed to impress. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pastry chef, this from-scratch recipe will elevate your dessert game and have everyone begging for your secret recipe.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps remove any lumps and ensures even distribution of dry ingredients.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until completely smooth and well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring carefully with a whisk or electric mixer on low speed. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can result in a tough cake.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, using a spatula to spread the batter smoothly and tap the pans gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove cakes from the oven and let cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
- Once completely cooled, frost with cream cheese frosting and decorate as desired. For best results, refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes before serving to allow frosting to set.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients like eggs, buttermilk, and butter are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Don't Overmix: Mix your batter just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake.
- Use Fresh Food Coloring: For that vibrant red color, use fresh, high-quality red food coloring.
- Check Oven Accuracy: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is precisely at 350°F for even baking.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool entirely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes after frosting to help the cream cheese frosting set perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 35mg
