simple red velvet cake recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
simple red velvet cake recipe
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best simple red velvet cake recipe

I’ve been making this simple red velvet cake recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. The recipe comes from my grandmother, who got it from her sister.

It’s a classic Southern dessert that’s easy to make and always looks impressive. The key to this recipe is the buttermilk, which gives the cake a tangy flavor and a moist texture.

I love that this cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party or just a Tuesday night dinner. My kids love helping me make it, and they’re always excited to taste the finished product.

The best part is that it’s actually pretty good for you, too – the buttermilk and oil make it healthier than most cakes. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good excuse to eat cake?

Simple Red Velvet Cake

Simple Red Velvet Cake

4.7 from 1695 votes

A classic red velvet cake recipe that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. This moist and delicious cake is topped with a creamy vanilla buttercream frosting.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cake

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

For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3-4 tbsp milk

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F or 175°C.
2Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
Set aside.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder.
4Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5Add the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring to the dry ingredients.
6Mix on medium speed until the batter is smooth and well combined.
7The batter will be thick and have a reddish hue due to the food coloring.
8Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
9Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
10The cake should be slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan and the top should be springy to the touch.
11Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
12After 10 minutes, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
13While the cake is cooling, prepare the vanilla buttercream frosting.
14In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
15Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
16Add the vanilla extract and milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
17Beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
18Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the vanilla buttercream frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
19Slice and serve.
20Enjoy your homemade red velvet cake.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
8-inch round cake pan
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 500mg🌾Total Carbs: 58g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 40g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute buttermilk with 1/2 cup milk mixed with 1/2 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. For a healthier option, you can substitute half of the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce.

Watch Video Of How Simple Red Velvet Cake Works

This simple red velvet cake recipe is a perfect choice for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday celebrations. It is a beloved classic that never fails to impress. The cake is easy to make and requires minimal effort, making it a great option for both novice and experienced bakers.

The cake is a great way to spend quality time with family and friends. It is a great way to make any occasion special and memorable. It is a great way to add some color to your dessert table.

And it is a great way to introduce kids to baking and cooking. And remember, the key to a perfect red velvet cake is to ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature and to follow the recipe closely. Enjoy baking and sharing this delicious cake with your loved ones.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Red Velvet Cake

Q: What’s the secret ingredient in red velvet cake?

The secret ingredient in red velvet cake is actually cocoa powder – it gives the cake its distinctive color and flavor. While some recipes may use food coloring to achieve the same effect, this one uses cocoa powder for a more natural flavor.

Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

While you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute in a pinch, I highly recommend using cake flour for the best results. Cake flour has a lower protein content than all-purpose flour, which makes it ideal for tender cakes like this one.

Q: Do I really need to use buttermilk?

Yes, buttermilk is an essential ingredient in this recipe – it adds a tangy flavor and helps to keep the cake moist. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using it in place of regular milk.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

This recipe can be made ahead of time, but I recommend baking the cakes and freezing them separately before assembling the final cake. This will help prevent the cakes from becoming soggy or developing condensation during storage.

Q: How do I store leftover cake?

You can store leftover cake at room temperature for up to 2 days or wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 2 months. When storing leftover cake at room temperature, I recommend keeping it away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent spoilage.

Similar Posts