Description
Make this moist and fluffy Southern Red Velvet Cake from scratch. This classic recipe delivers a tender crumb and rich flavor, perfectly paired with luscious homemade cream cheese frosting. It is a showstopper dessert for any birthday or holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (liquid or gel)
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and granulated sugar until combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until the mixture is uniformly red.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- In a small bowl, mix the buttermilk and white vinegar together; let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk mixture to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix only until just combined; do not overmix to keep your cake fluffy.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the first layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
Notes
- For the most vibrant red color, use a high-quality gel food coloring.
- Using room temperature buttermilk helps create a more tender crumb structure.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour; this keeps the cake soft and velvety.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 55g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg