Velvety Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: The Ultimate Classic Recipe!

Red velvet cake is a timeless classic that is loved by many for its rich, velvety texture and distinctive red hue. Paired with a luscious cream cheese frosting, it's a dessert that is sure to impress. Follow this step-by-step recipe to create your own ultimate red velvet cake masterpiece!

Red velvet cake Ingredients

For the Cake

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

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

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

How to make red velvet cake? 

Red velvet cake recipe Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the cake pans and the oven for baking

Two 9-inch round cake pans should be greased and floured as your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Mix in Wet Ingredients

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients while whisking continuously. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Divide and Pour Batter into Cake Pans

Equally distribute the batter among the prepared cake pans. To get rid of any air bubbles, tap the pans on the counter.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

A toothpick inserted into the center of each cake should come out clean after 25 to 30 minutes of baking in the preheated oven with the cake pans inside.

Step 7: Cool and Remove Cakes from Pans

Take the cakes out of the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes in the pans. After that, move the cakes to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Step 8:Combine the softened cream cheese and butter 

Combine this in a big mixing basin, and beat until the mixture is creamy and smooth.Gradually add in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and beat until well combined. Add in the vanilla extract and continue to beat until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.

Step 9: Assemble and Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and spread a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake to create a "crumb coat". This will help seal in any loose crumbs. Refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes to set the crumb coat.

Step 10: Apply the Final Frosting Layer

After the crumb coat has set, spread a thick and even layer of cream cheese frosting over the entire cake, covering the top and sides. Use a spatula or a cake scraper to smooth out the frosting and create a clean finish.

Step 11: Decorate (Optional)

If desired, you can decorate the cake with additional decorations such as red velvet cake crumbs, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries to add a finishing touch.

Step 12:Serve and Enjoy!

Slice and serve the velvety red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting and enjoy the ultimate classic dessert! The rich, moist cake with its vibrant red color and the tangy cream cheese frosting is sure to impress your taste buds and those of your guests.

Red velvet Storage 

If you have any leftovers, you can store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any odors from the refrigerator.

Tips :Best red velvet cake recipe 

Make sure to sift the dry ingredients to remove any lumps and ensure a smooth cake batter.
Use room temperature ingredients for the cake, as this will help with proper mixing and achieving a smooth texture.
Be careful not to overmix the cake batter, as this can result in a dense texture.
To achieve a vibrant red color, use a good quality red food coloring or gel food coloring. The amount of food coloring can be adjusted according to your preference for the intensity of the red color.
Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting, as this will prevent the frosting from melting or becoming too soft.
If the cream cheese frosting is too soft, you can refrigerate it for a short time to firm it up before frosting the cake.
To create a smooth and professional-looking finish on the cake, use a cake scraper or a spatula to smooth out the frosting. You can also dip the spatula or scraper in hot water and wipe it dry before smoothing the frosting for an even smoother finish.

Popular questions about red velvet cake with cream chesse frosting 

How to make red velvet cake redder? 

Some ways to accomplish this are substituting baking soda for the baking powder , using  natural non-alkaline cocoa powder, adding more white vinegar or buttermilk to the Red Velvet recipe for the bright red color.

What Makes Red Velvet Cake Velvety?

The ingredient Cacao is said to help break down  coarse flour. This made the flour  softer and the dough velvety. Some say the red color comes from a chemical reaction. The chemical reaction between the cocoa and the acid gives the cake its red colour. 

Why do you put cream cheese on red velvet? 

buttermilk and vinegar give the cake a tender, fluffy and fluffy texture. Red velvet cake is also usually paired with white cream cheese frosting. The contrast of the white accentuates the juicy red and the acidity of the cream cheese goes so well with the buttermilk.

Here is a YouTube video to know more about how to prepare this sweet and savory cake which is also called wedding cake recipe. 

With its velvety texture, rich flavor, and tangy cream cheese frosting, this red velvet cake is a classic dessert that is sure to impress. Follow this recipe and enjoy creating your own ultimate red velvet cake masterpiece that will be a hit at any celebration or gathering. Happy baking!