Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the most decadent, show-stopping Red Velvet Cake that will make your guests swoon! This isn't just any cake - it's a rich, velvety masterpiece that combines the perfect balance of deep cocoa flavor and vibrant red color, creating a dessert that's as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this classic American recipe will transform your kitchen into a gourmet bakery and have everyone begging for seconds!
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 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, combine sugar and vegetable oil. Whisk thoroughly until well blended and slightly lighter in color.
- Add eggs one at a time to the oil-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to create a smooth, homogeneous batter.
- Gradually add buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar to the wet ingredients. Mix until the color is uniform and vibrant red.
- Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can result in a tough cake.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Once cooled, frost with cream cheese frosting and decorate as desired. Slice and serve at room temperature.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest, most consistent batter.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and light.
- Food Coloring Tip: Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red color without thinning the batter.
- Pan Preparation: Grease and flour your pans thoroughly or use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Toothpick Test: Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
- Cream Cheese Frosting Recommendation: Chill the frosting for 15-20 minutes before decorating for the best consistency.Pro Baking Secret: Let the cake rest overnight for even more developed flavors and a moister texture!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 35mg
