Looking for a red velvet cake that’s soft, moist, and absolutely irresistible? I’m so excited to share this recipe with you! Whether you make it from scratch or use a cake mix, both ways give you a beautiful, tender cake topped with the creamiest cream cheese frosting. Red velvet is more than just its bright red color—it has a subtle chocolate flavor with a gentle tang that keeps everyone coming back for more. I’ll guide you through two simple methods: one traditional and one quick, so you can enjoy this classic dessert anytime.
Why This Red Velvet Cake Is Perfect
- The cream cheese buttercream is smooth, creamy, and enhances the red velvet flavor beautifully.
- The step-by-step instructions are simple and easy to follow, even for beginners.
- The cream cheese rosettes add a stunning finishing touch.
- This red velvet cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, parties, or any special occasion.
- Whether homemade or made without cake mix, both versions taste amazing.
Equipment You Will Need
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- hand mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula or knife
- Parchment paper
- Cake stand
Ingredients You Will Need For Red Velvet Cake
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (or cake flour with cornstarch)
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ¾ cup vegetable oil (unflavored)
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tsp white vinegar
- 3 to 3 ½ tbsp red liquid food coloring
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
For the Cream Cheese Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 4 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups cold cream cheese
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tbsp fresh lemon juice
How to Make Red Velvet Cake (Step-by-Step)
Prepare the cake pans
Grease or line two round cake molds. In this recipe, I used two separate baking pans to bake the cake layers evenly. Pour the batter equally between both pans and bake them. This way will make the cake layers even.
Add Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, add all the dry ingredients, including all-purpose flour, cornstarch, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk everything together until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
Cream the butter and Sugar
In another bowl, add the room-temperature unsalted butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture on high speed for about 3 minutes until it becomes light and creamy. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the white vinegar and red food coloring, and continue mixing until everything is fully combined and smooth.
Combine All Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Add half of the sifted dry ingredients and gently mix them into the batter. Then add a cup of buttermilk and mix it, then add the rest of the dry ingredients. Mix gently so you don’t need to overwork the batter.
Bake the cake
Pour the batter into the pans and smooth the tops. Tap the pans to remove air bubbles. Careful not to overbake the cake overbaking makes the cake dense. After baking, remove the cake from the oven and cool completely in the pan, then demold the cake from the pan and set it on a cool rack for 30 minutes(Important step before assembling and frosting)
Red Velvet Cake Cream Cheese Frosting
This cream cheese frosting recipe is perfect for any cake. You can customize it with different flavorings to suit your preference. The smooth cream cheese frosting adds a rich touch to this cake.
Whip the butter: Whip a cup of unsalted butter until light and creamy for a few minutes with an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer.
Add powdered sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar in three batches, mixing on low speed after each addition until combined. Scrape the bowl as needed.
Add cream cheese and flavorings: Add cold cream cheese, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Whip all ingredients on high speed until the frosting is smooth and creamy. This creamy frosting is ideal for red velvet cake.
Red Velvet Cake Decorating & Assembly
Assemble the cake
Place the first layer on a cake stand. Spread a thick layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
How to Decorate a Red Velvet Cake
Decorate your red velvet cake by piping pretty cream cheese rosettes on top and around the edges using a 1M star tip nozzle. If you’re adding lots of rosettes, make sure to prepare some extra frosting.
Finish
Smooth the sides using a cake scraper for a clean finish. Your Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is ready to serve.
Pro Tips to Bake a Perfect Cake
- Use white sugar for a soft, light cake and a clean flavor. Brown sugar makes it moist but darker and heavier.
- Measure ingredients carefully. Too much or too little flour, sugar, or liquid can change the cake’s texture.
- Mix the batter gently. Only mix until combined to keep the cake soft and fluffy.
- Avoid overbaking. Check with a toothpick if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs; the cake is done.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting. A warm cake can melt the frosting and ruin the look.
- If not frosting immediately, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
More Variations You’ll Love
FAQs
1. Can I make red velvet cake without a cake mix?
Yes! You can make this red velvet cake completely from scratch using basic ingredients like flour, cocoa, butter, and buttermilk. The homemade version is soft, moist, and delicious.
2. How do I make the cake layers even?
Use two cake pans and divide the batter equally. Tap the pans gently to remove air bubbles and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. This ensures flat, even layers.
3. Can I use a different frosting instead of cream cheese?
Yes, you can use buttercream or whipped frosting, but cream cheese frosting pairs best with red velvet and enhances its classic flavor.
4. How should I store leftover red velvet cake?
Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh at room temperature for 2–3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
5. Can I freeze red velvet cake?
Yes, you can freeze the whole cake or individual slices. Wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
I hope you love this recipe! Making a red velvet cake becomes easy when you know a few simple tips.The right oven setting, proper storage, and the perfect frosting can make all the difference. I have made many baking mistakes in the past,but now you can get it right the first time and enjoy every bite.If you try this cake don’t forget to share your feedback with me.
Delicious Red Velvet Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
For Cake
- 2¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 1¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 Large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1½ tsp white vinegar
- 3½ tsp red food coloring
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 4½ cup powdered sugar
- 1½ cup cold cream cheese
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Pans: Grease two round cake pans and line with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: Beat butter, oil, and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs & Wet Ingredients: Add eggs one at a time, then add vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring. Mix well.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Add half of dry ingredients, mix gently, add buttermilk, then fold in remaining dry ingredients. Do not overmix.
- Bake: Divide batter into pans. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
- Make Frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar. Add cream cheese, vanilla, and lemon juice. Beat until smooth.
- Assemble Cake: Frost between layers and all around the cake. Decorate with rosettes if desired.
- Serve & Enjoy: Slice and enjoy your soft, moist red velvet cake!
Tips
- Use white sugar for soft, light cake.
- Don’t overmix batter.
- Let cake cool completely before frosting.
- Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
