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The image shows a slice of red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting, showcasing layers of moist cake and frosting.

Red Velvet Cake

Red Velvet Cake, moist, and richly flavored red velvet cake topped with creamy, luscious frosting.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
chill_time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 330
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Red Velvet Cake:
  • 2 cups granulated sugar sweetens the cake base
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil adds moisture to the cake
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted adds richness to the batter
  • 3 large eggs provides structure to the cake
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla flavor enhancer
  • 1 ⅓ cups buttermilk 320g (makes the cake tender or use 1 ⅓ cups milk with 4 teaspoons vinegar/lemon juice as a substitute)
  • 2 teaspoon vinegar helps with leavening
  • 1 tablespoon gel red food color adjustable based on brand for desired intensity
  • ¼ cup boiling water 60g (helps dissolve cocoa powder)
  • 2 ½ tablespoon Dutch processed cocoa powder 15g (gives the cake its deep color and flavor)
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour 390g (forms the structure of the cake)
  • ¼ cup cornstarch 30g (adds tenderness)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda leavening agent
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder helps with rise
  • 1 teaspoon salt balances sweetness
Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 1 ¼ cups unsalted butter softened 283g (provides creamy texture and richness)
  • 20 oz cream cheese room temperature 570g (adds smoothness and tanginess)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla flavor enhancer
  • ½ teaspoon salt balances sweetness
  • 3-4 cups sifted powdered sugar 360-480g (adjustable for sweetness and consistency)

Method
 

Red Velvet Cake:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and melted butter for 1-2 minutes until the mixture lightens in color. The sugar may not fully dissolve.
  3. Add the eggs and vanilla, whisking for another minute until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  4. Add the buttermilk, vinegar, and red food coloring, whisking until the ingredients are well combined. The batter should have a bright red color.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and boiling water, then add this mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until fully incorporated.
  6. Sift the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into the wet ingredients. Gently whisk until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  8. Bake for 23-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out with light, moist crumbs. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 15 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
  1. In a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, cream cheese, vanilla, and salt. Use the paddle attachment to mix on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
  2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on medium speed until fully incorporated. Continue until the frosting reaches a fluffy consistency. If necessary, refrigerate for a few minutes to firm up.
Assembly:
  1. Once the cakes have cooled, trim the domed tops of each layer. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on the top of one cake layer, then stack the second layer and repeat.
  2. Cover the cake with a thin layer of frosting (crumb coat) and refrigerate for 15 minutes to set.
  3. Once set, cover the cake with the remaining frosting and decorate as desired. I recommend using the trimmed cake scraps to create decorative crumbs.
  4. Serve & enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 90gCalories: 330kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 8IUCalcium: 4mgIron: 6mg

Notes

This cake is a showstopper! With its rich flavor and vibrant color, it's perfect for celebrations or any time you need a sweet treat. The frosting is creamy and the cake layers are soft, making every bite indulgent.

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