Dessert

Red Velvet Cake Recipe

BySarah Summers December 10, 2025December 10, 2025

Introduction

Red velvet cake is a classic dessert known for its vibrant red color, tender crumb, and rich cream cheese frosting. This beloved cake combines a hint of cocoa with a moist texture, making it perfect for celebrations or a special treat. Follow this simple recipe to bake a delicious homemade red velvet cake that everyone will enjoy.

A slice of red velvet cake with three layers of deep red, moist cake separated by two thick layers of creamy white frosting, all topped with a smooth layer of the same frosting and some red crumbs on top and sides. The slice is placed on a white plate with a rustic edge, and a silver fork is resting on the plate next to the cake. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2.5 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup buttermilk
0.5 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 ounce red food coloring
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well combined.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring.
Step 4: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
Step 5: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a wooden skewer into the center; it should come out clean.
Step 6: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
Step 8: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 9: Once the cakes are fully cooled, spread frosting over the top of one layer, then place the second layer on top. Frost the entire cake evenly.

Tips & Variations

For a more intense red color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid.
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best batter consistency.
Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients to enhance the cocoa flavor.
Substitute buttermilk with milk and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar if needed.

Storage

Store the frosted cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. Before serving, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften. You can also freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw completely before frosting.

How to Serve

A slice of red velvet cake with three thick, dark red layers separated by creamy white frosting, placed on a white plate with a few tiny sprinkles on the edge, beside a silver fork. The cake layers have a moist, slightly crumbly texture, and the frosting is smooth and thick, both between the layers and covering the top. The slice sits on a white marbled surface, showing an inviting contrast between the red cake and white cream. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake without buttermilk?

Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Is red food coloring necessary?

While red food coloring gives red velvet cake its signature color, some recipes omit it and rely on cocoa and buttermilk for flavor. For the traditional look, using red food coloring is recommended.