- Ultimate Classic Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Moist, soft, and irresistibly rich, this Classic Red Velvet Cake is a timeless favorite. With its tender crumb, hint of cocoa, vibrant red color, and luscious cream cheese frosting, it’s the perfect dessert for birthdays, holidays, Valentine’s Day, or any celebration.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Cake:
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1½ cups buttermilk (or 1½ cups milk mixed with 1 tablespoon white vinegar)
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring
1 teaspoon white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar until smooth.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until light and creamy. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, then add the vanilla extract and beat until smooth.
Spread frosting between the cake layers, then frost the top and sides evenly.
Chill for 20–30 minutes before slicing for clean, beautiful pieces.
Tips
Use room-temperature ingredients for the best texture.
For a deeper red color, use gel food coloring.
Garnish with red velvet cake crumbs or white chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.
Rich, velvety, and topped with silky cream cheese frosting, this homemade Red Velvet Cake is guaranteed to impress with every bite
