I’m excited to share the red velvet cake recipe with you. Whether you use a cake mix or make it from scratch. Both versions result in an incredibly delicious, soft cake topped with the best frosting easy cream cheese buttercream. This is the best red velvet cake recipe for beginners.
Red velvet cake is often thought to have a unique flavor due to its vibrant red color. However the truth is it is simply a chocolate cake. What makes red velvet cake special is the slight tanginess.
This red velvet cake is a loved dessert, known for its bright color and soft texture. Whether you prefer making it from scratch or using a cake mix,both easy methods will give you a delicious treat.I will share two easy ways to make this beautiful red velvet cake: one traditional and one quick and simple with cake mix.
If you’re looking for more delightful cake recipes, check out these:
Why This Red Velvet Cake is Perfect for Any Occasion
- The cream cheese buttercream is smooth and creamy making the red velvet flavor even better.
- From preheating your oven to assembling the cake and make the recipe are easy to follow instructions.
- The cream cheese rosettes add a beautiful finishing touch making this cake not just delicious but impressive
- This Red velvet cheesecake is perfect for any occasion and get-together.
- This easy red velvet cake recipe is beginner friendly and perfect for any occasion.
- If you prefer homemade,this red velvet cake from scratch is simple to make.
- If you are looking to skip the mix,this red velvet cake without cake mix is still easy and delicious.
Equipment You Will Need
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Cake pans
- Cooling rack
- Parchment paper
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
Instructions:
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 the dry ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- cornstarch
- cocoa powder
- baking soda
- baking powder
- salt, and mix them.
Cream the butter and Sugar:
- Room temperature unsalted butter
- Vegetable oil
- Granulated sugar
- Use an electric mixer to beat it at high speed for 3 minutes until light and creamy.
- Add eggs and wet ingredients: Add remaining wet ingredients to the mixture.
- Eggs, one by one, mixing well after each.
- White vinegar
- Red food coloring.
- Mix everything well.
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 few minutes with using 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,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 the Right sugar:
White sugar is best for a light soft texture.It also gives the cake a clean neutral flavor and lighter color. Brown sugar adds moisture and caramel flavor but can make the cake dense and dark.
Measure ingredients carefully:
Baking is all about balance.Too much or too little of any ingredient especially flour,sugar or liquid can affect the cake texture.
Mix properly:
Don’t overmix the batter. Mix just until everything is combined to keep the cake soft and fluffy.
Avoid Overbaking:
Overbaking can dry out the cake.Keep an eye on it in the last few minutes and check with a toothpick. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs it is done.
Let the cake cool before frosting:
Make sure the cake is completely cool before adding frosting.A warm cake can melt the frosting and ruin the look and texture.
Store it Right:
If you are not frosting the cake right away wrap it in plastic wrap and keep it in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh.
Red Velvet Cake Nutrition (Per Slice)
Calories 370 || Carbs 45g || Sugar 30g || fat 20g || Saturated fat 10g || Protein 4g || Fiber 1g || Sodium 300mg.
FAQs
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes,you can freeze the whole cake or individual slices.Just wrap them in a couple of layers of plastic wrap before freezing for up to 3 months.Let the cake come to 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
