Classic Red Velvet Cake

A beautifully moist, soft, and velvety red cake with a hint of cocoa, topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. This classic dessert is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.

🧾 Ingredients

For the Cake

2½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1½ cups (360 ml) buttermilk (or 1½ cups milk mixed with 1 tablespoon white vinegar, let stand for 5 minutes)
½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring
1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

Flour
Sugar
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Cocoa powder

Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:

Buttermilk
Vegetable oil
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Red food coloring
White vinegar

Whisk until completely smooth.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Mix gently with a whisk or electric mixer on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake soft and fluffy.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan(s).

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

🍦 Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy (about 2–3 minutes).
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Beat for another 2 minutes until light, fluffy, and spreadable.

🎂 Assemble the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula.
For an elegant finish, garnish with red velvet cake crumbs, white chocolate curls, or festive sprinkles if desired.

💡 Tips for the Best Red Velvet Cake

Use room-temperature eggs, butter, and cream cheese for a smoother batter and frosting.
Do not overmix the batter to ensure a tender crumb.
Chill the frosted cake for 20–30 minutes before slicing for neat, clean pieces.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let slices sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.