Red Velvet Cake

- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 ½ cups granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon cocoa powder - 1 ½ cups vegetable oil - 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 2 tablespoons red food coloring - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon white vinegar

Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this simple and delicious Red Velvet Cake recipe! Perfect for any celebration, this cake combines rich flavors and stunning colors that will amaze your friends and family. From ingredient selection to frosting techniques, you’ll find all the steps you need for a perfect bake. Click through for the full recipe and bring this delightful treat to your table today!

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Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon cocoa powder

1 ½ cups vegetable oil

1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature

2 large eggs, at room temperature

2 tablespoons red food coloring

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon white vinegar

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them with butter and dusting them with flour to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.

In a sizable mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. Whisk the dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of all components.

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar. Whisk these wet ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.

Gradually add the wet mixture to the bowl containing the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing; a few small lumps are perfectly fine, as they contribute to a light and fluffy texture.

Carefully divide the batter equally between the two prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula for an even bake.

Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cakes are fully baked.

Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and let them cool for approximately 10 minutes. Afterward, carefully invert the cakes onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

While the cakes are cooling, prepare your favorite cream cheese frosting. (See the note below for an easy recipe.)

Once the cakes are completely cool, take one layer and spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second layer over it and frost the top and sides of the entire cake, ensuring even coverage.

For a decorative finish, sprinkle chocolate shavings or crushed red velvet cake crumbs on the top of the frosted cake for a delightful contrast.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12

Simple Cream Cheese Frosting:

- 1 cup cream cheese, softened

- ½ cup butter, softened

- 4 cups powdered sugar

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and softened butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually blend in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Presentation Tips: Slice the cake into vibrant red pieces and serve on a decorative cake stand. For an extra pop of color, garnish with fresh berries or edible flowers, creating a stunning visual appeal that complements the rich flavors of the cake!