A Classic, Moist & Velvety Dessert

Few cakes are as iconic, indulgent, and visually stunning as Red Velvet Cake. With its vibrant red color, subtle cocoa flavor, and ultra-moist crumb, this cake is a showstopper for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. And let’s not forget the rich, tangy cream cheese frosting that takes it to the next level!

I love this recipe because it’s perfectly balanced—not too sweet, with a slight hint of chocolate and a velvety texture. If you’ve ever wanted to bake a bakery-quality red velvet cake at home, this is the one to try!

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Q: What makes Red Velvet Cake different from chocolate cake?

Red Velvet Cake has a lighter cocoa flavor than traditional chocolate cake. It also contains buttermilk and vinegar, which react with the cocoa to create a soft, tender crumb and a subtle tang.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Frost the cake the next day for the best results.

Q: Can I use natural food coloring instead of red food dye?

Yes! Beetroot powder or pureed beets can give the cake a natural red hue, but the color will be more muted than using food coloring.

Q: Why does Red Velvet Cake need vinegar?

Vinegar helps activate the baking soda and enhances the red color of the cocoa. It also contributes to the cake’s light, fluffy texture.

Q: How should I store Red Velvet Cake?

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

What You Need to Make Red Velvet Cake

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (if needed for consistency)

How to Make Red Velvet Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. In another bowl, mix oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring until smooth.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

8. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
9. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until light and fluffy.
10. Stir in vanilla extract and add milk if needed for consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

11. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top.
12. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly.
13. Decorate with cake crumbs, sprinkles, or fresh berries if desired.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

14. Slice and serve! This cake pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.

Tips for the Best Red Velvet Cake

✔ Use room temperature ingredients – This ensures a smoother batter and even baking.
✔ Don’t overmix the batter – Mix until just combined to keep the cake tender.
✔ Chill the cake before frosting – A slightly chilled cake is easier to frost and prevents crumbs from mixing into the frosting.
✔ Use gel food coloring – It provides a more vibrant red without affecting the batter’s consistency.
✔ Want extra tang? – Add a little extra vinegar for a stronger red velvet flavor.

Reader Reviews

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma L. – “The best Red Velvet Cake I’ve ever made! It was so soft, moist, and the frosting was perfect.”

🌟🌟🌟🌟 James K. – “Absolutely delicious! I used natural beet powder instead of food coloring, and it turned out great.”

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Samantha W. – “I made this for my mom’s birthday, and she LOVED it. The texture was incredible!”

🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lucas R. – “A perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Definitely making this again!”

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica T. – “My first time making a Red Velvet Cake, and this recipe made it so easy. The cream cheese frosting was the best part!”

Printable Recipe

Red Velvet Cake

Yield: 12

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Additional Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Looking for the best Red Velvet Cake recipe? This moist, rich, and velvety cake is topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting—perfect for any occasion!

Print

Ingredients

• For the Cake:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (if needed for consistency)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. In another bowl, mix oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring until smooth.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
2. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until light and fluffy.
3. Stir in vanilla extract and add milk if needed for consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top.
2. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly.
3. Decorate with cake crumbs, sprinkles, or fresh berries if desired.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

1. Slice and serve! This cake pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.

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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!

If you loved this Red Velvet Cake, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it on social media, pin it on Pinterest, or send it to a fellow baking enthusiast. There’s nothing better than spreading the love of homemade desserts! Tag me if you try it—I’d love to see your beautiful cakes!