Red Velvet Cake

Prep Time

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Bake Time: 30 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Servings: 12

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Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Two 9-inch cake pans
• Cooling rack
• Offset spatula or butter knife

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Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Ingredient Notes

• Buttermilk: Gives the cake its soft, tender texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds a mild chocolate flavor without overpowering the cake.
• Red Food Coloring: Gel food coloring creates a deeper red color with less liquid.
• Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest frosting.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. In another bowl, whisk together oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until smooth.

Step 4: Combine the Batter

1. Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
2. Mix until fully combined and smooth.

Step 5: Bake

1. Divide batter evenly between prepared cake pans.
2. Bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

1. Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
3. Beat until creamy and spreadable.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
2. Spread frosting evenly on top.
3. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.

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Nutrition Facts (Per Serving Approx.)

• Calories: 640
• Carbohydrates: 72g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 37g
• Sugar: 55g
• Sodium: 420mg

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Tips

• Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Chill the cake for 20 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
• Save cake crumbs for decorating the top of the cake.

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Variations

• Cupcakes: Turn the batter into red velvet cupcakes by baking for 18–20 minutes.
• Chocolate Red Velvet: Add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
• Layered Trifle: Layer cake cubes with frosting and berries in dessert glasses.
• Heart-Shaped Cake: Perfect for Valentine’s Day celebrations.