Red Velvet Cake

Is it chocolate cake wearing a red dress? A vanilla cake with a secret identity? The red velvet cake has sparked debates, cravings, and maybe even a few foodie feuds. But one thing’s certain, this homemade red velvet cake is soft, slightly tangy, and always the star of the party. Whether you need birthday cake ideas or just a showstopping easy dessert, this red velvet cake recipe delivers.

What is Red Velvet Cake?

It’s a tender, mildly cocoa-flavored cake with a hint of tang from buttermilk, dyed vibrant red (or deep brown, if you’re old-school). And no, red velvet cake is not chocolate cake, it’s its own delicious thing.

What makes Red Velvet Cake red?

Originally, the reaction between cocoa and acidic ingredients gave it a reddish hue. Today, we use food coloring for that bold look.

What does Red Velvet Cake taste like?

Think: buttery, faintly chocolatey, with a subtle tang. Paired with cream cheese frosting (the classic icing for red velvet cake), it’s pure bliss.

Can dogs eat Red Velvet Cake?

No! Chocolate and sugar are unsafe for pups. Stick to dog treats.

Original Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Prep Time
1 hour 30 minutes

Servings
12

Nutrition (per slice)
Calories: 450 | Fat: 22g | Carbs: 60g | Sugar: 40g

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 ½ cups flour
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cocoa powder (key for flavor!)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp red food coloring (liquid works best)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp white vinegar

For the Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla

How to Make Red Velvet Cake

1. Make the Batter

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch pans.
2. Whisk dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa, salt.
3. In another bowl, mix oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Stir until smooth, no lumps!

2. Bake the Cake

• Divide batter between pans.
• Bake 25–30 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean.
• Cool completely (warm cake = frosting disaster).

3. Whip Up the Frosting

• Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
• Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until fluffy.

4. Assemble Your Masterpiece

• Frost one layer, stack the second, and cover fully.
• Optional: Add sprinkles or crumbs for a red velvet birthday cake vibe.

Baking Tips & Tricks

• Flavors in red velvet cake: Cocoa + buttermilk + a touch of vinegar.
• For a natural tint: Use beet juice (but expect a milder red).
• Storage: Keep refrigerated (if it lasts that long).

Now you’ve got the ultimate baking recipe for any occasion. Want more cake recipes or baking ideas? This dessert recipes superstar is just the beginning. Slice, serve, and watch it disappear! 🎂

Continue to Content

Red Velvet Cake

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Additional Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Velvety-soft layers of crimson cake, barely holding together under a cloud of luscious cream cheese frosting. Each forkful melts into a delicate crumb—slightly tangy, faintly chocolatey, and irresistibly rich. The frosting clings just long enough to make you lick the spoon clean.

Print

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 ½ cups flour
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cocoa powder (key for flavor!)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp red food coloring (liquid works best)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp white vinegar

For the Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions

1. Make Batter

• Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch pans.
• Whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa, and salt.
• In separate bowl, mix oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar.
• Combine wet & dry. Mix smooth—no lumps!

2. Bake

• Pour evenly into pans.
• Bake 25-30 mins (toothpick clean = done).
• Cool completely—hot cake ruins frosting!

3. Frosting

• Beat cream cheese + butter smooth.
• Mix in powdered sugar + vanilla until fluffy.

4. Assemble

• Frost bottom layer, add top layer, frost all over.
• Optional: Decorate with sprinkles or crumbs.

Pro tip: Refrigerate 30 mins before slicing for cleaner cuts! 🎂

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 450Total Fat: 22gCarbohydrates: 60gSugar: 40g