Red Velvet Birthday Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Name: Red Velvet Birthday Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon cocoa powder; 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil; 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 tablespoons red food coloring; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Celebrate in style with this delightful Red Velvet Birthday Cake, featuring luscious layers of rich red velvet sponge and a velvety cream cheese frosting. Perfect for birthdays and special occasions, this show-stopping dessert is both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious, making every celebration unforgettable. Treat your guests to a slice of this classic treat and enjoy the compliments that follow!

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-11-17T04:05:08.132Z

This Red Velvet Birthday Cake is perfect for making unforgettable memories. Its vibrant color and velvety texture make it a favorite at any celebration.

The Charm of Red Velvet

Red velvet cake is much more than just a dessert; it's a vibrant centerpiece that brings joy to any celebration. With its striking color and buttery texture, it's a feast for both the eyes and the palate. The subtle hint of cocoa adds depth to the flavor, setting it apart from other cakes. Plus, the cream cheese frosting provides a creamy contrast that rounds out the sweetness perfectly.

This cake has a rich history, with its origins believed to date back to the early 20th century. Initially known as 'velvet cake,' the addition of red food coloring created the beloved red velvet version we know today. It’s often associated with celebrations and has become a popular choice for birthdays and special occasions, making it a fitting choice for creating lasting memories.

Perfect for Every Celebration

Whether you're hosting a birthday party, anniversary, or a casual gathering, this red velvet cake is sure to impress. Its rich flavor and elegant appearance make it suitable for any event, from casual get-togethers to formal parties. Moreover, the cake is easily adaptable; you can customize it with different toppings, making it a canvas for your creativity.

What sets this cake apart is not only its stunning visual appeal but also its versatility. It pairs wonderfully with coffee, milk, or even a glass of champagne, making it the perfect concluding touch for your event. Guests will find themselves coming back for seconds and thirds, enchanted by the rich taste and delightful texture.

Tips for Baking Success

To achieve that perfect rise and fluffy texture, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before you start. Ingredients like eggs and buttermilk blend more easily when they're not cold, leading to a smoother batter and an even bake. Additionally, be mindful of your mixing; over-mixing can lead to a dense cake, so stir just until combined!

Once the cakes are baked, allowing them to cool completely before frosting is essential. This ensures that your frosting doesn’t melt and that you have a clean, beautiful finish. If you're short on time, consider placing the cakes in the refrigerator for a while to speed up the cooling process. With a little prep and patience, your cake will turn out perfectly every time.

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

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

Frosting Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, and mix well.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until well combined.

Mix Together

Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined, being careful not to over-mix.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pans, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, and mix until smooth.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a layer of frosting on top, and then add the second layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake as desired.

Decorate

Decorate the cake with additional frosting, sprinkles, or your choice of toppings. Serve and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

This red velvet birthday cake isn't just a treat; it's an experience. For an extra special touch, serve slices topped with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of temperatures and flavors enhances the experience and elevates the cake to a new level. Additionally, you can pair it with a sweet red wine or a rich coffee to complement the cake's flavors.

Don’t hesitate to dress it up with decorations that align with the theme of your celebration. Edible glitter, colored sprinkles, or even themed cake toppers turn a simple cake into a stunning focal point that guests will marvel at.

Storing Your Cake

If there is any leftover cake, storing it properly ensures that it remains fresh and delicious. Keep your cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store it longer, placing it in the refrigerator is best, where it will stay good for about a week. Just make sure it's well-sealed to prevent it from drying out.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap individual layers tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, simply let the layers thaw at room temperature before frosting or enjoying. This method preserves the cake's flavor and texture, allowing you to savor this delightful dessert even after the celebration has ended.

FAQs About Red Velvet Cake

One common question about red velvet cake is whether the food coloring is necessary. While it’s a signature characteristic of the cake, you can actually omit or reduce it if you're looking for a subtler hue. However, keep in mind that reducing the color might also affect the overall visual impact that makes this cake so appealing.

Another frequently asked question is how to fix a dry cake. If your cake turns out dry, consider using a simple syrup to moisten the layers. A mixture of equal parts sugar and water heated until dissolved can be brushed onto the cooled layers before frosting. It’s an excellent trick to ensure every bite of your red velvet cake remains moist and delicious.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the buttermilk?

Yes, you can use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute for buttermilk.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.