Name: Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more to dust the pans); 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature, plus more to grease pans); 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 3/4 cup light olive oil or vegetable oil; 1 cup low-fat buttermilk (room temperature); 1 tsp white distilled vinegar; 1/2 tsp red gel food coloring (add more for desired color); 1 Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe (not detailed in this recipe)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 45 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that looks as stunning as it tastes, then this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a velvety, lush cake with that classic deep red color, perfectly tender crumb, and a tangy cream cheese frosting that steals the show. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a delightful treat that brings together the right balance of sweetness, moisture, and just a hint of cocoa for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or craving a slice of homemade comfort, this recipe will soon become one of your all-time favorites.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows ingredients for baking arranged neatly on a wooden surface. There are two large clear glass bowls filled with white flour and granulated sugar, placed near the center. Below them, there are small bowls holding brown spice, salt, and baking soda. Two brown eggs sit beside the bowls, along with a clear glass measuring cup filled with light yellow oil. To the right, a glass of milk, a small empty glass bowl, a dark bottle of vanilla extract, and a tiny bottle of blue food coloring are placed. A package of yeast is also visible near the top. All items are placed on a white marbled texture instead of wood. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in its simple, yet impactful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—giving you that perfect texture, vibrant color, and unmistakable flavor. From the smooth creaminess of butter and oil to the tang of buttermilk and vinegar, every item in this list is essential to achieving that classic red velvet magic.

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender crumb, plus a little extra for dusting your pans to prevent sticking.
2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a subtle chocolate flavor that is key to red velvet’s signature taste.
1 teaspoon baking soda: A leavening agent that helps make your cake light and fluffy.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in your cake.
½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Provides richness and moisture while helping the cake rise beautifully.
1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly without overwhelming the other flavors.
2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Offers a warm, inviting aroma and enhances the overall flavor profile.
2 large eggs (room temperature): Bind ingredients and add structure to the batter.
¾ cup light olive oil or vegetable oil: Keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender.
1 cup low-fat buttermilk (room temperature): Brings acidity and moisture that react wonderfully with the baking soda to create a light texture.
1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar: Boosts the tanginess and activates the leavening.
½ teaspoon red gel food coloring: Gives that iconic red hue without altering the cake’s consistency.
Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe: The perfect finish—smooth, creamy, and just the right amount of tang to complement the cake.

How to Make Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) with racks positioned in the center. Grease two 9-inch cake pans generously with butter and dust them with flour, tapping out any excess. This step might seem small, but it’s crucial to ensure your cakes release easily after baking, preserving their beautiful shape.

Step 2: Combine Your Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt, then sift them. Sifting helps to blend these dry ingredients thoroughly, breaking up any lumps and aerating the mixture to ensure your cake is light and even in texture.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together for a few minutes until the mixture looks powdery and snow-like. This helps incorporate air, giving your cake a wonderful lift. Then, add your eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to keep the batter smooth and emulsified. Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely aromatic touch.

Step 4: Add the Oil and Buttermilk Mixture

With the mixer running on medium speed, gradually pour in the oil and blend until it's fully incorporated. In a separate small bowl, stir the vinegar into the buttermilk and then add this acidic mixture into the batter. This acidic reaction is what helps your cake rise nicely and stay tender.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture all at once. Mix on medium speed just until the batter is smooth and free of flour streaks. Be careful not to overmix, or the cake might turn dense—a few gentle folds and scrapes of the bowl will do the trick.

Step 6: Add the Red Food Coloring

Fold in the gel food coloring gently but thoroughly. If you want a more intense red, you can add a bit more—just keep mixing until the color is uniform. This step gives your cake its signature gorgeous appearance that’s as impressive as its taste.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. When done, let the cakes rest in the pans for 20 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time allows the cake to finish setting and makes it easier to frost later.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A small red velvet cake with two thick, deep red layers separated by a layer of white creamy frosting sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The top layer is covered with more white frosting and decorated with a swirl of smooth, creamy white frosting on top, sprinkled with small red crumbs. A piece of cake with some frosting on it is placed in front, showing the moist texture. A metal fork rests on the plate near the cake. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Once frosted, a simple garnish can elevate your cake’s presentation and flavor. Consider a sprinkle of chopped pecans or toasted coconut flakes for texture. A few fresh raspberries or edible rose petals add a romantic flair, making each slice feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments that don’t overpower its flavor. Try serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. Fresh berries or a refreshing citrus salad also offer a burst of brightness to balance the cake’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, try layering the cake in a trifle dish with additional cream cheese frosting and fresh strawberries for a stunning effect. Or cut the cake into mini squares and serve on decorative toothpicks for a fun party treat. Even stacking the cake with a drizzle of chocolate ganache adds a decadent twist that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your cake, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh and prevent the cake from drying out. It will stay delicious for up to 3-4 days, allowing you to savor every last bite.

Freezing

If you want to pause your indulgence, this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. You can freeze the frosting separately in an airtight container. Thaw both in the refrigerator overnight before assembling or serving.

Reheating

While it’s best enjoyed chilled with the cream cheese frosting, if you’d like a warm slice, microwave a piece for about 10-15 seconds. This will soften the cake just enough without melting the frosting too much, giving you a heavenly bite every time.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of food coloring in this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?

Absolutely! Gel food coloring is preferred because it doesn’t affect the batter’s consistency, but you can use liquid food coloring if that’s what you have. Just keep in mind you might need a little more to achieve the vivid red color.

What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?

No worries! You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. This replicates the acidity needed for the cake’s texture.

How important is the vinegar in this recipe?

The vinegar reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise and adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness. Leaving it out might affect the cake’s texture and flavor, so try to include it if possible.

Can I make this cake without eggs?

While eggs help give structure and moisture, you can replace each egg with a flax egg or applesauce if you need an egg-free option. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

Is this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe suitable for beginners?

Definitely! The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are easy to find. Plus, the detailed instructions make it a fantastic recipe for anyone looking to try their hand at a classic homemade cake.

Final Thoughts

You can hardly go wrong with this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that delivers on flavor, texture, and visual appeal every single time. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a day that could use a little sweetness, this cake will bring plenty of smiles and happy bites. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake a slice of pure joy.

Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need