red velvet cake and frosting recipe

red velvet cake and frosting recipe

The Best red velvet cake and frosting recipe

I’ve been making red velvet cake and frosting for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. This classic Southern dessert has a rich history, dating back to the 1920s when it was created by a Texas chef named Emma Roper Moore. The original recipe called for cocoa powder, buttermilk, and food coloring to achieve the distinctive red color.

Over time, the recipe has evolved, and now it’s a staple in many American households. My family loves this cake because of its unique flavor and velvety texture. We often serve it on special occasions like birthdays and holidays, but it’s also a great everyday treat.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s relatively easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. I like to use high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor, and I always make sure to have buttermilk on hand. The key to making a great red velvet cake is to use room temperature ingredients and to not overmix the batter.

This ensures that the cake will be moist and tender, with a lovely crumb texture. When I’m feeling fancy, I like to top the cake with a cream cheese frosting made from scratch. It adds an extra layer of flavor and helps balance out the sweetness of the cake.

My kids adore this cake, and they always ask for seconds (or thirds!) I’ve even been known to make it for potlucks and church gatherings because it’s such a crowd-pleaser. In addition to being delicious, this cake is also relatively healthy compared to other desserts.

The cocoa powder gives it a boost of antioxidants, while the buttermilk provides protein and calcium.

Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

4.5 from 596 votes

A classic red velvet cake recipe with a tangy cream cheese frosting. This moist and delicious cake is perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

πŸ₯˜Ingredients

For the Cake

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
2 tbsp red food coloring
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp distilled white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
pinch of salt

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ³Directions

1Preheat the oven to 350Β°F.
2Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Set aside.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
4Whisk until well mixed.
5Add the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar to the dry ingredients.
6Mix with an electric mixer on medium speed until the batter is smooth and well combined.
7The batter will be thin.
8Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
9Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
10The tops of the cakes should spring back when lightly touched.
11Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
12Then, transfer the cakes to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
13While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting.
14In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
15Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well until light and fluffy.
16Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the frosting.
17Mix until well combined.
18If the frosting is too thick, add a small amount of milk or cream to reach your desired consistency.
19Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread a layer of frosting on one cake and place the second cake on top.
20Spread the remaining frosting on the top and sides of the cake.
21Smooth the frosting with a spatula or bench scraper.
22Slice and serve the cake.
23Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

πŸ”§Equipment

2 9-inch round cake pans
Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Spatula
Wire cooling rack
Oven

πŸ“ŠNutrition Facts (per serving)

πŸ”₯Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 24gπŸ’›Saturated Fat: 7g❀️Cholesterol: 55mgπŸ§‚Sodium: 350mg🌾Total Carbs: 55gπŸ₯¦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 40gπŸ₯©Protein: 4g

πŸ“Notes

Tips: For a more intense red color, you can add an additional 1-2 teaspoons of red food coloring to the batter. To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Watch Video Of How Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Works

This red velvet cake recipe is always a good idea for any occasion and works well for family gatherings. The cake is easy to make, and the ingredients are readily available. It’s a versatile cake that can be enjoyed year-round, and it’s a great way to impress your guests. The cake is also a great way to incorporate some health benefits into your diet. The buttermilk used in the cake is a good source of calcium and vitamin B12.

The cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants, which can help improve heart health. The cake is also a good source of fiber, which can help with digestion. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does. The cake is best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to store it in the refrigerator, it can last up to 5 days.

The cake can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the cake at room temperature and enjoy. The cake can also be served chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference. For a fun twist, try adding some chopped nuts or fresh berries to the cake before serving. For a special occasion, you can also decorate the cake with edible flowers or other decorations.

It is a great way to make the cake even more special. It is also a great way to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

What is the origin of red velvet cake?

Red velvet cake originated in the United States during the 1920s. It gained popularity in the South and has since become a classic American dessert. The cake’s distinctive red color was initially achieved using beet juice or other natural food coloring, but today, red food coloring is commonly used.

Can I make red velvet cake without buttermilk?

Yes, you can make red velvet cake without buttermilk. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes to curdle, and then use it in place of buttermilk in the recipe.

What type of frosting goes best with red velvet cake?

Cream cheese frosting is the most traditional and popular choice for red velvet cake. Its tangy sweetness complements the mild chocolate flavor of the cake perfectly. However, you can also use other types of frosting, such as buttercream or vanilla buttercream, depending on your preference.

Why is red velvet cake red?

The distinctive red color of red velvet cake comes from the addition of red food coloring. The cake’s red color was initially achieved using natural ingredients like beet juice or other natural food coloring. However, today, red food coloring is commonly used to achieve the vibrant red color.

Can red velvet cake be made without food coloring?

Yes, red velvet cake can be made without food coloring, but the cake’s color will be more brownish-red than vibrant red. To achieve a red color without food coloring, you can use natural ingredients like beet juice or raspberry puree. However, keep in mind that using natural ingredients may affect the cake’s flavor and texture.

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