Oh, my dear friends, get ready to indulge in one of my absolute favorite recipes—Red Velvet Cake! This scrumptious delight has a special place in my heart, not just because it’s delicious, but because of the sweet memories it brings back. I remember the first time I made it for a friend’s birthday party; the look of pure joy on their face when they took the first bite was priceless! Plus, that beautiful red hue just makes it the star of the show on any dessert table, don’t you think?
So, whether you’re looking to impress at a family gathering or simply want to treat yourself (which, let’s be honest, is always a valid reason), this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting will not disappoint. It’s moist, fluffy, and has that lovely hint of chocolate. Let’s dive into the details and get baking!
What’s in Favorite Red Velvet Cake?
All-Purpose Flour: The base of our cake, giving it that perfect structure. Just standard flour works great; no need for anything fancier.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is everything in baking! This adds the necessary sweetness and helps the cake rise.
Baking Soda: This little leavening agent helps the cake rise, giving it that light and fluffy texture we all crave.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients!
Cocoa Powder: Just a bit of cocoa adds depth and that classic chocolate hint without overpowering the red velvet flavor.
Vegetable Oil: For moisture! Oil keeps this cake deliciously moist.
Buttermilk: This gives the cake a tender crumb and a slight tang, which pairs perfectly with the sweetness.
Eggs: They help bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s structure.
Red Food Coloring: The star ingredient that makes our cake fabulously red! I usually opt for a quality brand since it can affect the final color.
Vanilla Extract: A must-have for flavor! It adds a lovely aromatic touch.
White Vinegar: This helps to activate the baking soda and also adds a slight tang, balancing out the sweetness.
Is Favorite Red Velvet Cake Good for You?
Okay, let’s be real: it’s cake! And it’s definitely a treat. While it might not fall under the “health food” category, it does have some redeemable qualities, like using buttermilk which is lower in fat than whole milk. Also, the cocoa powder provides some antioxidants. However, the sugar content is certainly high, so perhaps save this luscious dessert for special occasions. Moderation is key when indulging in sweet treats!
Ingredients List
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp cocoa powder
– 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
– 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 tbsp red food coloring
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tsp white vinegar
– Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Chopped pecans for garnish (optional)
*This recipe serves about 12 lucky folks—or a very happy you all week long!*
How to Make Favorite Red Velvet Cake?
1. First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) —let’s get that heat going! Then, grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This will help our cakes pop out easily once they’re baked.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. It’s an extra step, but it really makes a difference in the texture!
3. In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until everything is well mixed.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; we want a tender cake, not rubbery!
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. I usually just eyeball it—if you have a kitchen scale, feel free to make them perfectly equal!
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye out: you’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. While the cakes are cooling, let’s whip up the frosting! In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until it’s light and fluffy. You can’t ever have too much frosting, right?
8. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread some of that delicious cream cheese frosting on top. Don’t be shy!
9. Carefully place the second layer on top, and then frost the top and sides of the entire cake. The more frosting, the better!
10. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some chopped pecans on the top and sides for a beautiful presentation (and a little crunch!).
11. Slice it up and serve. Enjoy the delighted faces around you!
A Slice of Cake and Then Some!
Feel free to customize this cake to your heart’s content! Maybe try adding different nuts or even holiday-themed decorations. Have some fun with it! And if you don’t have buttermilk, no worries—just mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes. Voila! Instant buttermilk substitute!
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and give this delightful Red Velvet Cake a try. I promise it will bring you—and everyone you share it with—lots of joy. Don’t forget to share your experience with me! Happy baking!
