Description
This Southern Red Velvet Cake is a classic, rich, and moist dessert featuring a vibrant red sponge with a subtle cocoa flavor, topped with a creamy and tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or any special occasion, this cake combines traditional Southern charm with a smooth, luscious texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 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
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Make the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then carefully turn them out onto wire racks and let cool completely to room temperature before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing continuously until the frosting is fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly for a smooth finish.
- Serve: Slice the cake and enjoy this classic Southern treat with family and friends.
Notes
- For best results, ensure all wet ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- The vinegar reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise and maintain its tender crumb.
- You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk plus 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice if needed.
- Chill the cake before slicing to achieve cleaner cuts.
