This Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting has been a staple in my family kitchen for generations, marking every birthday, holiday, and special celebration with its signature crimson hue and tangy sweetness. I remember the first time I tried to bake it myself; the kitchen was a mess of flour and red food coloring, but the result was a revelation of flavor that changed my perspective on baking forever. There is something truly magical about the way the subtle cocoa flavor pairs with the velvety crumb, especially when it is draped in a thick, luscious layer of frosting. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is designed to be approachable, reliable, and absolutely delicious every single time you bake it.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
- Ultimate Texture: The combination of buttermilk and vinegar creates a chemical reaction that ensures a moist, tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth.
- Perfect Balance: This Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting strikes the ideal balance between the light chocolate notes of the cake and the tangy richness of the cream cheese.
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant red color contrasted against the snow-white frosting makes it a showstopper for any dessert table or party.
- Foolproof Method: We have refined the steps to ensure that even beginners can achieve professional-level results with this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Key Ingredient Notes
To make the best Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, you need to pay close attention to a few specific ingredients. First, the buttermilk is non-negotiable. It provides the necessary acidity to react with the baking soda, giving the cake its lift and soft texture. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute, but the real deal is always better for that authentic flavor. Second, the cocoa powder should be unsweetened and high-quality. While Red Velvet isn't a full-on chocolate cake, the hint of cocoa is what gives it that complex, earthy depth. Finally, the cream cheese for the frosting must be full-fat and at room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump-free consistency that makes this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting truly stand out. If you enjoy experimenting with different desserts, you might also want to check out our Chocolate Oreo Tiramisu: Indulge in a Creamy Delight! for another decadent treat.
Step-by-Step Guide with Pro Tips
Baking a Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting requires a bit of patience, but the process is straightforward when broken down. Start by sifting your dry ingredients together. This ensures there are no lumps of cocoa or baking soda in your batter. When mixing your wet ingredients, ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature; this helps the emulsion process and leads to a more uniform cake structure. Once the batter for your Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is ready, divide it evenly between your pans. A pro tip is to tap the pans on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles before sliding them into the oven. After baking, let the cakes cool completely before frosting. If the layers are even slightly warm, the frosting will slide right off, and we want our Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting to look as good as it tastes. For storing leftovers, I highly recommend using Basics Glass Food Storage to keep the cake moist and fresh for days.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
While the classic Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is hard to beat, there are several ways to put your own spin on it. You can turn this recipe into cupcakes for easier serving at parties, or even a sheet cake for a more casual gathering. For a fruitier twist, consider serving a slice with a drizzle of The Ultimate Homemade Strawberry Sauce Recipe for Every Occasion, which complements the tangy frosting beautifully. If you want to add a bit of crunch, toasted pecans or walnuts pressed into the sides of the cake provide a wonderful textural contrast. Serving this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting at room temperature is best for flavor, but some people prefer the refreshing chill of a cold slice straight from the fridge.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 485 kcal |
| Carbohydrate Content | 62g |
| Cholesterol Content | 85mg |
| Fat Content | 24g |
| Fiber Content | 1g |
| Protein Content | 5g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 12g |
| Serving Size | 1 slice |
| Sodium Content | 320mg |
| Sugar Content | 45g |
| Trans Fat Content | 0g |
| Unsaturated Fat Content | 10g |
The nutritional profile of this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting reflects its indulgent nature, making it the perfect treat for special occasions where you want to celebrate in style.
Conclusion
Mastering the Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a rewarding experience that brings joy to everyone who gets a slice. From its velvety texture to its iconic flavor profile, it remains one of the most beloved cakes in the world. We hope this guide helps you create a masterpiece in your own kitchen. Happy baking!
FAQs
Why is my Red Velvet Cake not red enough?
The vibrancy of the Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting depends on the type and amount of food coloring used. Gel colors often provide a more intense hue than liquid ones.
Can I make this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic. The assembled cake should be kept in the refrigerator.
What makes Red Velvet Cake different from chocolate cake?
Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting uses significantly less cocoa powder and includes vinegar and buttermilk, which create a unique tangy flavor and velvety texture not found in traditional chocolate cake.
Classic Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
A moist and velvety Southern classic cake with a hint of cocoa, topped with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting.
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
2.5 cups all-purpose flour
1.5 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon fine salt
1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1.5 cups vegetable oil
1 cup room temperature buttermilk
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
16 oz cream cheese, softened
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans for your Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Step 2: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla until well combined.
Step 4: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until the batter for the Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is smooth.
Step 5: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 6: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Step 7: To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth, then gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla.
Step 8: Once the cake layers are completely cold, frost the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the entire Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Notes
Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest batter and frosting.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts & Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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