Description
A show-stopping, ultra-moist red velvet cake with a light, airy whipped cream cheese frosting. This recipe uses oil for tenderness and gel food coloring for vibrant color, ensuring a perfect result every time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 16 oz full-fat cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and red gel food coloring.
- Turn mixer to low. Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with buttermilk in two parts. Start and end with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and salt.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low until incorporated. Beat on high for 2-3 minutes until fluffy. Add heavy cream if needed for consistency.
- Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread frosting on top. Add second layer. Frost top and sides.
- Chill in fridge for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Use gel food coloring instead of liquid to prevent watery batter. Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for best emulsion. Do not overmix the batter to avoid a tough cake. Chill the cake before slicing for clean cuts.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 40
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
Keywords: red velvet cake, moist red velvet, cream cheese frosting, homemade cake, baking recipe, party dessert