Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re craving a show-stopping dessert that’s both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious, this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need. Its vibrant red crumb contrasts beautifully with the smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Whether it’s a special celebration or just a cozy treat, this cake’s moist crumb and luscious frosting will win over anyone who takes a bite. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience that delights the senses and warms the heart.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the buttermilk’s tangy richness to the cocoa powder’s subtle chocolate hint that intensifies the iconic red velvet taste.

• All-purpose flour: The base that provides structure to the cake’s tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps keep the cake moist.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents ensure the cake rises perfectly light and fluffy.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives a mild chocolate undertone, essential for classic red velvet flavor.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the cake.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake decadently moist without heaviness.
• Buttermilk: Adds acidity which tenderizes the crumb and reacts with leaveners for lift.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and enrich the batter’s texture.
• Red food coloring: The signature bold hue that makes red velvet so eye-catching.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
• White vinegar: Balances the sweetness and heightens the cake’s tangy notes.
• Cream cheese: The star of the frosting, offering creamy tanginess that pairs perfectly with the cake.
• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and smoothness to the frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it a luscious, spreadable consistency.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the frosting for a rounded flavor.

How to Make Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). To ensure your cakes release easily and bake evenly, grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, then set them aside. This simple prep step will save you from any baking headaches later and help your cakes turn out beautifully shaped.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. Combining all of these dry ingredients thoroughly before adding wet ingredients helps distribute the leaveners and cocoa evenly, ensuring every bite is balanced and flavorful.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until everything is well combined and smooth. These ingredients create the moist, tender foundation of your cake, while the vinegar plays a subtle role in activating the cake’s leavening.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until smooth and well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough. At this stage, you’ll notice the batter’s beautiful red hue come to life, promising a stunning cake soon.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know the cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cakes will rise perfectly, developing a soft crumb and vibrant color.

Step 6: Cool the Cake

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, giving them time to set so they don’t break when you remove them. Then transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. Patience here truly pays off because frosting a warm cake can lead to a messy meltdown.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy and velvety. This luscious frosting brings the perfect balance of tangy and sweet to the cake.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting over the top. Carefully place the second layer on top, and coat the entire cake with the remaining frosting. This step is where your cake truly transforms into a spectacular showpiece.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Slice into your gorgeous red velvet cake and savor the delightful contrast of tender, moist cake and smooth cream cheese frosting. Sharing this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a wonderful way to spread joy and celebrate sweet moments.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe even further, consider garnishing with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries, which add a natural sweetness and a pop of color. Toasted pecans or white chocolate shavings also work beautifully, offering textural contrast and a hint of elegance.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs splendidly with light accompaniments to balance its richness. Freshly brewed coffee or a cup of chamomile tea complements the flavors perfectly without overpowering the palate. For an extra indulgence, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side makes every bite even more decadent.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can turn a delicious cake into a stunning centerpiece. Try layering the cake inside a glass trifle dish for a show-stopping red velvet parfait, or carefully slice the cake into small squares and serve as bite-sized treats at your next party. Decorating with edible flowers or piping delicate frosting rosettes takes your Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe to a professional level of charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Red velvet cake stays moist and delicious when stored properly. Keep leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigeration is best to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh, but remember to allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy its full flavor.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe later, it freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing them in the freezer. The frosting can be frozen separately in an airtight container. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reassemble for a fresh-tasting cake any time you desire.

Reheating

Since this is a frosted cake, reheating is usually unnecessary and not recommended, as cream cheese frosting can lose its texture. Instead, serve the cake at room temperature for the best taste and experience. If frozen, simply allow the cake to thaw fully to bring back its moist crumb and creamy frosting perfection.

FAQs

Can I substitute buttermilk in this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?

Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until it curdles slightly, and then use it in place of buttermilk. This maintains the cake’s tenderness and flavor.

How important is the red food coloring?

The red food coloring is iconic in this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe because it gives the cake its striking appearance. If you prefer, you can use natural coloring options like beet juice, but the vivid red you expect comes from the food coloring combined with the cocoa powder’s reaction to the acidity.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, you can adapt this recipe. Be mindful that texture might vary slightly, so adding a binding agent like xanthan gum or following the gluten-free flour blend’s instructions is helpful to achieve the best results.

What’s the best way to get smooth cream cheese frosting?

Start with room temperature cream cheese and butter, which will mix more evenly and prevent lumps. Beat them together thoroughly before gradually adding powdered sugar and other ingredients. A hand mixer or stand mixer works best, ensuring your frosting becomes perfectly smooth and fluffy.

How long will this cake last once frosted?

Once frosted, this cake should be stored in the fridge due to the cream cheese frosting. It will stay fresh and delicious for about 3 to 4 days. Always cover it well to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe enough if you want to impress friends or simply treat yourself to something truly special. It’s a beautifully balanced dessert with that signature red velvet charm, wrapped in creamy frosting you’ll crave long after the last bite. So go ahead, bake a batch, and enjoy the smiles that follow!

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