Red Velvet Cake Recipe

This classic Red Velvet Cake is moist, soft, and perfectly balanced between subtle chocolate flavors and a slight tang from buttermilk. Paired with a luscious cream cheese frosting, it’s the perfect cake for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 30

Cooling Time: 30

Total Time: 1 20

Servings: servings

Calories: 480kcal

Cost: $15

Equipment

2 9-inch round cake pans Greased and lined with parchment
1 Stand mixer or hand mixer For mixing batter & frosting
1 Large mixing bowl For dry ingredients
1 Wire cooling rack To cool cakes before frosting
1 Offset spatula For smooth frosting application
1 Measuring cups/spoons For accurate ingredient amounts
1 Cake turner (optional) Helpful for even frosting

Ingredients

Cake

2½ cups all-purpose flour Sifted for a smooth batter
1½ cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda Helps cake rise
1 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor
2 tablespoon cocoa powder Natural, not Dutch-processed
1 cup buttermilk room temperature
2 large eggs room temperature
1½ cups vegetable oil Keeps cake moist
1 teaspoon white vinegar Reacts with baking soda
2 teaspoon vanilla extract For added depth of flavor
2 tablespoon red food coloring Or 1 tablespoon gel food coloring

Cream Cheese Frosting

16 oz cream cheese Softened
1 cup unsalted butter Softened
4 cups powdered sugar Sifted for smooth frosting
2 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances flavor
¼ teaspoon salt Balances sweetness

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Grease and flour cake pans
Bring cold ingredients to room temperature
Mix wet ingredients
Add food coloring
Combine wet & dry ingredients
Divide batter into pans
Bake for 25-30 min
Cool cakes on wire rack
Beat cream cheese & butter
Add sugar, vanilla, and salt
Level cakes (if needed)
Frost the cake

Notes

Prices may vary by location and season
Bulk buying ingredients can reduce costs
Premium ingredients (Nielsen-Massey vanilla, organic products) will increase costs
Store-brand ingredients can lower total cost to ~$17
Cost doesn't include basic kitchen equipment

Nutrition