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Red Velvet Cake Recipe

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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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 480 kcal

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

Serving: 100gCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 5gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 320mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 42gVitamin A: 800IUCalcium: 90mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword Best red velvet cake recipe, Red velvet cake recipe Easy, Red velvet original recipe
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