Red Velvet Layer Cake (Printable Version)
Classic moist red velvet cake topped with smooth cream cheese frosting, ideal for festive gatherings.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Red Velvet Cake
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 cups granulated sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1 teaspoon fine salt
05 - 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
06 - 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
07 - 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
08 - 2 large eggs, at room temperature
09 - 2 tablespoons red food coloring
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 - 1 teaspoon white vinegar
→ For the Cream Cheese Frosting
12 - 16 oz cream cheese, softened
13 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
14 - 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
15 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
16 - Pinch of salt
# Step-by-Step:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well blended.
03 - In a separate bowl, combine oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar. Mix until fully incorporated.
04 - Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix to maintain cake texture.
05 - Divide batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing tops with a spatula.
06 - Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
07 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer.
09 - Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until fluffy and well combined.
10 - Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with frosting. Top with second layer and frost the top and sides evenly.
11 - Decorate as desired and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing for clean cuts and best flavor.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The buttermilk and vinegar create an incredibly tender crumb that practically melts on your tongue
- This frosting-to-cake ratio has been tested across dozens of birthday celebrations and never disappoints
02 -
- Room temperature ingredients are non-negotiable for proper mixing and texture
- Completely cool cakes prevent the frosting from sliding off and creating a mess
03 -
- Weight your ingredients if possible for the most consistent results every time
- Boiling water added to the cocoa powder before mixing deepens the chocolate flavor