- Preheat & Prep Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add Eggs, Oil, and Color
Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vegetable oil, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Mix until smooth and evenly colored.
- Alternate Mixing Flour & Buttermilk
Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk in two additions. Start and end with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.
- Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract, if using.
- Frost & Assemble
Once cake layers are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a thick layer of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly. Use a spatula to smooth the finish or make rustic swirls for texture.
- Chill & Serve
Chill the frosted cake for 30 minutes before slicing to allow the frosting to set. Serve at room temperature.
- Calories:420–480 kcal
- Total Fat:24 g
- Saturated Fat:12 g
- Carbohydrates:48 g
- Sugar:35 g
- Protein:5 g
- Fiber:1 g
- Sodium:220 mg
There’s something undeniably special about a Red Velvet Cake. Its deep red color, velvety texture, and gentle cocoa flavor make it both elegant and comforting. This cake isn’t just visually stunning. It offers a soft, moist crumb and a sweet tang from cream cheese frosting that makes every bite irresistible.
Unlike a standard chocolate cake, red velvet has subtle complexity. Ingredients like buttermilk, vinegar, and cocoa powder react to create its unique flavor and texture. This version uses natural ingredients to balance richness with lightness. It’s perfect for birthdays, weddings, holidays, or even a simple treat-yourself moment.
Few desserts hold the same timeless charm and celebration-worthy appeal as red velvet. Recognized by its vibrant red hue and topped with silky cream cheese frosting, this cake is more than just beautiful. It’s a beloved classic that shines during birthdays, holidays, weddings, Valentine’s Day, and other special occasions.
What Makes Red Velvet Cake Special?
Red velvet cake isn’t just a red-colored chocolate cake. The flavor is refined and subtle. It features mild cocoa notes, a slight tang from buttermilk and vinegar, and a smooth, velvety crumb.
This combination strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, rich and light. The red color—traditionally formed by cocoa reacting with acidic ingredients—is often enhanced today with red food coloring for a bold look.
Cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with the light sponge. It brings a creamy contrast that makes every bite satisfying. The soft cake, deep flavor, and smooth frosting create a dessert that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Red Velvet Cake Is Made For:
- Celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings
- Romantic holidays such as Valentine’s Day or Christmas
- Special occasions where presentation and flavor both matter
- Classic dessert tables that need something traditional but elevated
The Color, Taste & Texture
- Color: Deep red with a luxurious and festive tone
- Taste: Mild cocoa flavor with vanilla hints and a tangy finish
- Texture: Moist, smooth, and light with a crumb that melts in your mouth
Baking Tips for Red Velvet Cake Success
- Use cake flour for a softer crumb. If unavailable, sift all-purpose flour well.
- Don’t overmix after adding flour—this helps keep the cake light.
- Use room-temperature ingredients like eggs, butter, and buttermilk for even mixing.
- For coloring, use liquid food coloring for brightness or try natural options like beet powder.
- Check doneness with a toothpick after 30 minutes—it should come out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool fully before frosting. Cream cheese frosting melts easily if applied to a warm cake.
Health Facts: The Good and the Not-So-Good
Red velvet cake is a treat meant to be savored. While it’s not low in calories, it does offer a few nutrients. Ingredients like buttermilk and eggs provide some protein, calcium, and vitamins like B12 and D. The cream cheese frosting adds a creamy tang and small amounts of calcium.
However, the cake contains high levels of added sugar, saturated fat, and refined flour. These can lead to blood sugar spikes if consumed frequently. The bright red color typically comes from food coloring. If you’re sensitive to artificial dyes, you can substitute natural options like beet juice or natural red powders.
To lighten the recipe, reduce the sugar in the frosting. You can also swap part of the butter for Greek yogurt to cut fat while keeping moisture.
