Introduction
There’s something truly special about a Southern-style red velvet cake that makes it a quintessential dessert for any occasion. With its vibrant red hue and rich, velvety texture, this classic cake boasts a flavor that is as delightful as its appearance. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, each forkful offers a burst of sweetness that dances on your palate, bringing smiles to friends and family alike. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple Sunday dinner, this red velvet cake is sure to steal the show!
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure easy release later.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. This helps to aerate the flour and create a light cake.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, room temperature buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until thoroughly mixed.
- Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix!
- Evenly divide the luscious red batter between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center of the cakes; it should come out clean.
- After baking, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, gracefully turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- While the cakes cool, whip up your cream cheese frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Once incorporated, crank the speed up to medium and add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, beating until fluffy and delicious.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand and spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top.
- Next, gently place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting, making it look radiant.
- Decorate as you desire, slice, and serve this eye-catching dessert to your eager guests!
Notes or Tips
- For a richer flavor, feel free to substitute some of the vanilla with almond extract in the frosting.
- Make sure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter.
- This cake can be made a day in advance; just keep it covered at room temperature to maintain its tenderness.
Cooking Techniques
When making this red velvet cake, it’s important to properly sift your dry ingredients to eliminate lumps and infuse air into the batter, which will yield a light and fluffy texture. Mixing your wet ingredients thoroughly ensures that the food coloring and flavors are evenly distributed, contributing to that signature red velvet richness. Lastly, allowing the layers to cool completely before frosting will prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting off the cake.
FAQ
- Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, using cake flour will yield a lighter, softer cake. Just remember to adjust the measurement as needed.
- How should I store leftover cake? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
This Southern-style red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting is not just a treat for the taste buds, but a feast for the eyes! With its beautiful color and decadent taste, it’s bound to become a beloved recipe in your collection. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and enjoy baking this delightful cake for your loved ones. Happy baking!