Description
This Southern Red Velvet Cake is a classic, moist, and tender cake with a striking red hue and a subtle cocoa flavor. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, it’s perfect for celebrations or any time you crave a slice of Southern charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups 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
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking and ensure easy cake removal after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the vegetable oil, room temperature buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Make the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while stirring gently. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can result in a dense texture.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Remove the pans from the oven and allow the cakes to cool for 10 minutes in the pans. Then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting evenly on top, then place the second layer over it. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake evenly with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
- Serve: Slice the cake into 12 servings and enjoy this rich and iconic Southern dessert.
Notes
- Ensure all wet ingredients are at room temperature to promote even mixing and better texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and light.
- Use a toothpick to check doneness to avoid overbaking.
- The cream cheese frosting should be smooth and fluffy; adjust powdered sugar quantity to achieve desired consistency.
- This cake is best served at room temperature.
