Delicious Red Velvet Cake (Printable version)

Moist red velvet layers with subtle cocoa and tangy cream cheese frosting

# What you'll need:

→ Cake Components

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (310 g)
02 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300 g)
03 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1 teaspoon fine salt
05 - 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
06 - 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil (360 ml)
07 - 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature (240 ml)
08 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
09 - 2 tablespoons red food coloring
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 - 1 teaspoon white vinegar

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

12 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened (225 g)
13 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (115 g)
14 - 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted (480 g)
15 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
16 - Pinch of salt

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F. Thoroughly grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
02 - Sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder in a medium bowl to ensure even distribution.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until fully incorporated.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until smooth. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
05 - Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
06 - Bake for 28 to 30 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
07 - Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
08 - Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, followed by vanilla and salt. Mix until light and fluffy.
09 - Position one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of frosting over the top. Place the second layer atop the first, then frost the top and sides completely.
10 - Refrigerate the assembled cake for 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set. This ensures cleaner slices when serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The crumb is impossibly tender, like sinking into a favorite armchair
  • Cream cheese frosting transforms it into something worth celebrating even on a Tuesday
  • Red velvet never fails to make people pause and smile before taking a bite
02 -
  • Room temperature ingredients blend together seamlessly and prevent curdled batter
  • The vinegar is not optional, it is the secret to that velvety tender crumb
  • Chilling the frosted cake makes slicing clean, even layers much easier
03 -
  • Weigh your flour instead of scooping it for consistent, perfect results every time
  • Brush the warm cake layers with simple syrup for extra moisture and longer freshness

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