As I stood in my kitchen, the scent of vanilla and cocoa wafted through the air, instantly transforming the space into a homey haven. Today, I’m excited to share my Ultimate Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, a recipe that combines the rich, velvety softness of classic Southern baking with a tangy, creamy topping. What makes this cake truly special is not just its stunning appearance, but also its incredible moistness—perfect for celebrations or simply indulging on a lazy afternoon. With quick prep steps and simple ingredients, this delightful dessert becomes your new go-to for impressing friends and family. Curious about how a bit of red food coloring can create such an enchanting treat? Let’s dive into the details together!
Why Is This Red Velvet Cake Special?
Irresistible flavor: This cake offers a delightful balance of cocoa and vanilla, creating a satisfying taste that captivates everyone's palate.
Vibrant Color: Its striking red hue will impress your guests, making it a centerpiece at any gathering.
Simple Steps: With easy instructions and common ingredients, you’ll be enjoying a slice in no time!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it's a birthday or a cozy tea party, this cake fits right in!
Moist and Rich: Each bite melts in your mouth, thanks to the exceptional texture and creamy cream cheese frosting. If you adore layered delights, you'll want to check out these Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting for another scrumptious option!
Red Velvet Cake Ingredients
• To create your magical Red Velvet Cake, gather these key ingredients!
For the Cake
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure for the cake; substitute with cake flour for an even lighter texture.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – Adds a subtle chocolate flavor; be sure to sift it into your dry ingredients.
- Baking soda – Acts as a leavening agent, helping your cake rise beautifully.
- Salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the cake, making each bite more delicious.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake and balances out the cocoa's bitterness.
- Unsalted butter – Adds richness and moisture; make sure it's softened for easy mixing.
- Vegetable or canola oil – Increases moistness; feel free to substitute it with melted coconut oil.
- Large eggs (3) and large egg yolks (2) – Provide moisture and stability, keeping the cake wonderfully tender.
- Liquid red food coloring – Gives the cake its iconic color; gel food coloring is a great alternative for a more vivid hue.
- Buttermilk – Contributes moisture and a delightful tang; substitute with milk + vinegar or yogurt if needed.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor; opt for pure vanilla for the best result.
- Vinegar (1 ½ tsp) – Works with baking soda to create lift and adds a touch of tanginess.
For the Frosting
- Cream cheese (16 oz) – Key ingredient for creamy frosting; ensure it’s at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Unsalted butter for frosting (1 cup) – Forms a creamy base for the frosting, also best at room temperature.
- Powdered sugar (6 cups) – Sweetens and thickens the frosting, giving it the perfect texture.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Ultimate Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prepare Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 9-inch round cake pans with butter, ensuring you cover the sides well. Cut circles of parchment paper to fit the bottom of each pan, place them inside, and butter the parchment as well. This ensures your Red Velvet Cake releases smoothly after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, and sift in ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. Whisk these dry ingredients together for about 20 seconds until thoroughly combined and set aside. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and cocoa in your batter.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar and 1 cup of softened unsalted butter on medium speed until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes. This aeration process is key to achieving a light and airy Red Velvet Cake.
Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
With the mixer running, gradually add ½ cup of vegetable oil, followed by 3 large eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to fully incorporate before adding the next. Then, mix in 2 large egg yolks and 1 tablespoon of liquid red food coloring. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Step 5: Combine Milk Mixture
In a separate measuring cup, whisk together 1 cup of buttermilk, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1 ½ teaspoons of vinegar. This mixture adds moisture and a delicious tang to your cake. Set it aside for the next step as you prepare to blend your batters.
Step 6: Alternate Mixing
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk mixture in two parts, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined and there are no visible flour pockets. Make sure not to overmix, as this could affect the cake's tenderness.
Step 7: Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 26-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 8: Make Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat 16 oz of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of softened unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add in 6 cups of powdered sugar and continue mixing until fluffy, ensuring there are no lumps. This luscious cream cheese frosting will complement your Red Velvet Cake perfectly.
Step 9: Frost Cake
Once the cake layers are completely cool, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top and gently stack the second layer. Repeat this process for the third layer and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Enjoy the vibrant beauty of your Ultimate Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting!
How to Store and Freeze Red Velvet Cake
Fridge: Store sliced or whole Red Velvet Cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This helps maintain its moisture and flavor while keeping the frosting fresh.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze uncut Red Velvet Cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting or serving.
Reheating: If you prefer warm cake, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy the delightful flavors without compromising texture.
Covering: To avoid freezer burn, ensure each layer is well wrapped, and use a double layer of plastic wrap for optimal protection during freezing.
Expert Tips for Red Velvet Cake
- Softened Butter: Ensure your unsalted butter is truly softened; if it's too cold, it won't cream properly, affecting the cake's texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense Red Velvet Cake.
- Proper Cooling: Cool the cake layers completely before frosting. If you frost while they’re still warm, the cream cheese frosting may melt and slide off.
- Gel Coloring Tip: Consider using gel food coloring instead of liquid; it provides a more intense red hue without altering the cake’s structure.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, ensure cream cheese and butter for the frosting are at room temperature. This makes for a smoother, creamier frosting.
What to Serve with Ultimate Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulging in a slice of this red velvet masterpiece is just the beginning! Elevate your dessert experience with these delightful pairings.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These buttery potatoes add a comforting touch that balances the sweetness of the cake for an enjoyable contrast.
- Fresh Berries: Juicy raspberries or strawberries add a burst of freshness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the frosting perfectly.
- Chilled Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop adds irresistible creaminess, enhancing the flavors of the cake while providing a refreshing, cool element.
- Espresso or Strong Coffee: The robust flavors pair beautifully, a wonderful match to the cake’s sweetness, elevating the entire dessert experience.
- Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: Drizzling a warm, rich chocolate ganache over your cake brings indulgence to a new level, creating a beautiful presentation.
- Sparkling Wine: A glass of crisp sparkling wine can add a festive flair to your dessert table, balancing the rich flavors with effervescence.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream serves as a subtle contrast and enhances the overall indulgence of this decadent cake.
- Lemon Sorbet: The bright, tart taste of lemon sorbet refreshes the palate between bites of cake, making for a palate-pleasing experience.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These sweet treats perfect the theme, marrying the essence of red velvet with a romantic flair to impress your guests.
Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Variations
Feel free to adapt this classic dessert to match your taste preferences or dietary needs!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute buttermilk with almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting.
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend to enjoy this delicious cake without gluten.
- Chocolate Layer Cake: Add a layer of rich chocolate ganache between the cake layers for an indulgent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Nutty Texture: Fold in 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for delightful crunch and added flavor.
- Vanilla Infusion: Elevate the taste by incorporating 1 teaspoon of almond extract in addition to the vanilla for a nutty aromatic experience.
- Zesty Lemon Frosting: Whip up a zesty lemon frosting by adding lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice to your cream cheese frosting for a refreshing contrast.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm, spicy flavor that perfectly balances the cake's sweetness.
- Fruit-Filled Delight: Layer the cake with fresh raspberries or strawberries between the layers for a fruity explosion that complements the rich frosting.
Make Ahead Options
These Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cake layers up to 3 days in advance. Simply bake and cool the layers completely, then wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain moisture. For the cream cheese frosting, you can make it up to 2 days ahead, storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a quick mix before frosting your cake to bring back its creamy texture. When you're ready to serve, layer, frost, and enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade dessert with minimal effort!
Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe FAQs
Is cream cheese frosting good on red velvet cake?
Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with Red Velvet Cake, complementing its rich, velvety texture with a creamy, tangy sweetness. This combination is beloved by many and elevates the overall dessert experience. The frosting not only adds flavor but also a nice balance to the sweetness of the cake, making every bite irresistible.
What flavor frosting goes best with red velvet cake?
While cream cheese frosting is the classic choice, a velvety buttercream can also enhance the flavors of a Red Velvet Cake beautifully. If you're looking for something different, try a chocolate ganache for a rich contrast or a vanilla buttercream for a lighter touch. Each frosting brings out the unique flavors of the cake, so you can pick according to your preference!
Do you need to refrigerate red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting?
Yes, it’s best to refrigerate Red Velvet Cake with cream cheese frosting if you have leftovers. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The cool temperature helps maintain the integrity of the frosting and keeps the cake moist and fresh. Just remember to allow it to come to room temperature for the best texture and flavor before serving.
How to enhance a red velvet cake mix?
To enhance a Red Velvet Cake mix, consider adding a few simple ingredients. Substitute water with buttermilk for extra moisture and richness. You can also mix in a tablespoon of vanilla extract, an extra egg for added richness, and a bit of vinegar to activate the leavening agents. Additionally, a dash of instant espresso powder can intensify the chocolate flavor without being noticeable, making your cake taste far more gourmet!
How to prevent my red velvet cake from turning dry?
To prevent your Red Velvet Cake from becoming dry, be sure not to overbake it—check for doneness at the lower end of the time range suggested in the recipe. Also, using room temperature ingredients, especially eggs and butter, creates a smoother batter that retains moisture. Finally, allowing the cake to cool completely before frosting helps seal in moisture, sealing your cake's deliciousness inside!
Irresistible Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the cake pans.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, and sifted cocoa powder.
- Beat together sugar and butter until fluffy, then incorporate wet ingredients.
- Combine buttermilk mixture into the batter gradually, alternating with dry ingredients.
- Divide batter into pans, bake for 26-30 minutes, and cool.
- Beat cream cheese and butter together, then add powdered sugar to make frosting.
- Layer and frost the cooled cake with cream cheese frosting.
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