Red Velvet Cake ❤️
A true classic, this Red Velvet Cake combines a moist, tender crumb with the tangy richness of cream cheese frosting. The striking red color makes it a perfect centerpiece for any celebration, from birthdays to holidays.
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
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation
1. Bake the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- In another bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
2. Make the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low speed until incorporated.
- Add vanilla extract and beat on medium speed until fluffy.
3. Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a thick layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
- Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate with cake crumbs, sprinkles, or your preferred toppings for a finished look.
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk for a smoother batter and even baking.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix until ingredients are just combined.
- Prevent Sticking: Line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper for easy cake removal.
- Refrigerate Frosting: Chill the frosting for 15 minutes before spreading to make it easier to work with.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I substitute the red food coloring?
Yes! You can use beet juice or natural red food coloring for a healthier alternative.
2. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
3. How do I store the cake?
Cover the cake and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving.
4. Can I freeze the cake layers?
Absolutely! Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting.
Common Mistakes and Solutions
Mistake: Dense cake texture.
Solution: Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off to avoid overpacking.
Mistake: Frosting too soft.
Solution: Add more powdered sugar or chill the frosting to firm it up.
Mistake: Uneven cake layers.
Solution: Use a serrated knife to level the cakes before assembly for a professional look.
Don’t miss interesting posts on Famousbio