scratch red velvet cake recipe

The Best scratch red velvet cake recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite scratch red velvet cake recipe. This classic dessert has been a staple in American bakeries for decades, and for good reason – it’s moist, flavorful, and stunningly beautiful. The key to this recipe is the use of buttermilk and food coloring to give it that signature red color. I’ve made this cake countless times for family gatherings, holidays, and even just because, and it never fails to impress.

My kids love helping me mix the batter and watching the cake transform from a simple dough into a majestic masterpiece. The best part? It’s actually relatively easy to make, even for beginners. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic mixing skills, you’ll be enjoying a slice (or two) of this delicious cake in no time.

Red velvet cake has a rich history that dates back to the 1920s, when it was first created by the famous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. The original recipe used beet juice to give it that distinctive color, but nowadays we use artificial coloring to achieve the same effect. Regardless of how you get that gorgeous red hue, one thing’s for sure – it’s here to stay. One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is.

Whether you’re serving it at a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a regular Tuesday dinner, this cake is sure to impress. And let’s not forget about the health benefits – with whole wheat flour and buttermilk on hand, you can feel good about what you’re putting in your body. Buttermilk is another key ingredient in this recipe, as it helps to react with the baking soda and create that tender crumb we all know and love. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand (and let’s face it – who does?)

, don’t worry! You can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. In terms of technique, making scratch red velvet cake requires some basic mixing skills – but trust me when I say it’s worth the effort. With an electric mixer on hand (and a little patience), you’ll be whipping up this cake like a pro in no time.

Scratch Red Velvet Cake Recipe

4.8 from 1731 votes

A moist and delicious Red Velvet Cake made from scratch. The perfect dessert for any occasion.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 10Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cake

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

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

For the Garnish

Red sprinkles
Fresh berries

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
4Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the vegetable oil, vinegar, eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract.
6Mix on medium speed until the batter is smooth and the color is evenly distributed.
7Gradually add the buttermilk to the batter, mixing on low speed until just combined.
8Be careful not to overmix.
9The batter should be thin and pour easily.
10Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
11Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
12While the cakes are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting.
13In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
14Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
15Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then increase the mixer speed to medium and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
16If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk to reach your desired consistency.
17Once the cakes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
18Then, transfer the cakes to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
19Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
20Spread a layer of frosting on top.
21Place the second layer on top of the frosting and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
22Garnish the cake with red sprinkles and fresh berries, if desired.
23Use a piping bag to create decorative borders or designs with the remaining frosting.
24Slice and serve the cake.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Two 9-inch round cake pans
Wire cooling rack
Piping bag

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 450mg🌾Total Carbs: 39g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 30g🥩Protein: 3g

📝Notes

Tips: For a more intense red color, you can add an additional teaspoon of red food coloring. Make sure to use distilled white vinegar for the best flavor and to avoid any off-tastes.

I’m so glad I can share this tried-and-true recipe with all of you – whether you’re looking for an impressive dessert for special occasions or just want something deliciously easy to whip up on weeknights. This scratch red velvet cake truly has something for everyone: its versatility makes it perfect for any occasion; its moist texture ensures every bite is pure bliss; plus its nostalgic roots will transport you straight back into grandma’s kitchen (minus all those pesky hours spent slaving away over hot stoves).

In short? Trust me when I say – once you’ve tasted this heavenly treat once…

you’ll never go back!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Scratch Red Velvet Cake

Q: What is the difference between scratch red velvet cake and store-bought mixes?

A: Scratch red velvet cake uses real ingredients like buttermilk and food coloring to achieve that signature look and taste – whereas store-bought mixes often rely on preservatives and artificial flavorings.

Q: Can I use almond milk or other non-dairy milks in place of regular milk?

A: Yes! While traditional recipes call for regular milk or buttermilk, non-dairy alternatives like almond milk work beautifully too – though keep in mind they may affect texture slightly.

Q: How do I ensure my cake doesn’t end up too dense?

A: To avoid overmixing (which leads to toughness), mix wet ingredients separately before adding dry ones; also don’t overbake!

Q: Can I make cupcakes instead of a full-sized cake?

A: Absolutely! Simply divide batter evenly among muffin tin cups (greased with cooking spray first).

Q: Do I need an electric mixer for this recipe?

A: Not necessarily! While electric mixers make quick work of creaming butter & sugar together & beating eggs vigorously; manual whisking works too.

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