Red Velvet with Cream Cheese (Print version)
Moist red velvet layers with subtle cocoa, topped with tangy cream cheese frosting for an indulgent dessert.
# Ingredient List:
→ For the Red Velvet Cake
01 - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
03 - 1 tsp baking soda
04 - 1 tsp fine salt
05 - 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
06 - 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
07 - 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
08 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
09 - 2 tbsp red food coloring
10 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
11 - 1 tsp white vinegar
→ For the Cream Cheese Frosting
12 - 16 oz cream cheese, softened
13 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
14 - 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
15 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
16 - Pinch of salt
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well blended.
03 - In another bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar until smooth and combined.
04 - Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined; do not overmix to maintain tender texture.
05 - Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
06 - Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
07 - Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
08 - Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Mix in vanilla and a pinch of salt.
09 - Once cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate, spread with frosting, top with the second layer, and frost the top and sides evenly.
10 - Chill the frosted cake for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts and best results.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The tangy cream cheese frosting balances the subtle cocoa sweetness in a way that makes people close their eyes after every bite
- Unlike heavy chocolate cakes, this one stays incredibly moist for days, making it perfect for make-ahead celebrations
02 -
- Room temperature ingredients are non-negotiable here. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to separate or curdle, affecting the final texture.
- Do not open the oven door during the first 25 minutes of baking. The sudden temperature change can cause the layers to collapse in the center.
03 -
- Bring all ingredients to room temperature before starting. This single step prevents most common problems like curdled frosting or uneven baking.
- Measure flour by spooning into measuring cups and leveling off, rather than scooping directly, which can pack down too much flour.