Red Velvet Cake with Extra Icing!

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Experience the ultimate dessert with this rich and vibrant Red Velvet Cake, generously layered with smooth cream cheese icing. Perfectly moist and beautifully colored, this cake is ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion where you want to impress. The velvety texture, combined with the sweet and tangy icing, creates a delightful treat that will have everyone asking for seconds. Elevate your dessert game with this show-stopping recipe!

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-11-17T04:05:05.291Z

This Red Velvet Cake recipe is not just a dessert; it's a celebration of flavors and colors that brings joy to any occasion. Traditional Southern recipes inspire it, and the end result is a cake that is both beautiful and delicious.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Vibrant color and rich flavor
  • Rich cream cheese icing
  • Perfect for celebrations
  • Moist and fluffy texture

Why Red Velvet Cake Stands Out

Red Velvet Cake is not just a dessert; it's a showstopper that brings color and flavor to any table. The distinctive red hue comes from a chemical reaction between cocoa powder and acidic ingredients, resulting in a visually striking cake that tastes as good as it looks. This delightful balance of sweet and tangy, combined with the smooth cream cheese icing, offers a unique experience that sets it apart from other cakes. Whether you’re serving it at a birthday party or a holiday gathering, this cake will undoubtedly steal the spotlight.

The moist and fluffy texture of Red Velvet Cake makes it a favorite among cake enthusiasts. Each slice is a slice of heaven, with a velvety crumb that melts in your mouth. The buttermilk and oil add richness, ensuring that the cake remains deliciously tender. This cake is versatile, as it pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings or can be enjoyed on its own. The balance of flavors makes it a delightful addition to any dessert table, pleasing both the sweet tooth and those who appreciate a more subtle confection.

Tips for Perfecting Your Cake

For the best results, use room temperature ingredients when making your Red Velvet Cake. This includes eggs and buttermilk, which help achieve a smooth batter and a uniform rise during baking. Additionally, be sure not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a denser cake. Mixing until just incorporated will ensure that your layers remain light and fluffy, making each bite enjoyable.

When it comes to baking times, every oven is different. To achieve perfection, always check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Allowing the cakes to cool in the pans for the specified time before transferring them to a cooling rack helps maintain their structure and prevents cracking, ensuring that your final product is beautiful and delicious.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Red Velvet Cake:

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon 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 apple cider vinegar

Icing Ingredients

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you are ready to start baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Red Velvet Cake:

Prepare the Cake Batter

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

In a separate bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar. Gradually combine the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until well blended.

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes and then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Icing

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese icing by beating together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of icing on top, then place the second layer on top and frost the sides and top of the cake with the remaining icing. Decorate as desired.

Now your stunning Red Velvet Cake is ready to be served!

Exploring Variations

While the classic version of Red Velvet Cake is undeniably delicious, you can also experiment with flavors and textures to make the recipe your own. Consider adding a hint of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate notes in the cake, or substitute almond extract for a unique twist. By varying the cake ingredients while keeping the essential components, you can create a delightful alternative that suits your taste preferences.

You might also try dressing it up for special occasions by adding flavor-infused icings. A chocolate cream cheese icing or a white chocolate ganache can offer a different flavor profile and visual contrast, making your Red Velvet Cake even more enticing. These variations allow you to personalize your cake while maintaining the elegant charm that Red Velvet is known for.

Perfect Pairings

Pairing beverages with Red Velvet Cake can elevate the dining experience. A cup of rich coffee, such as a latte or espresso, complements the cake’s sweetness beautifully. For those who prefer tea, a classic Earl Grey or a chai can offer contrasting flavors that enhance the cake’s richness. This thoughtful pairing can take a simple dessert to the next level, making it not just a treat but a delightful occasion.

For a celebratory meal, serve your Red Velvet Cake alongside a fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfait. The tartness of berries can cut through the richness of the cake, creating a balanced plate that feels indulgent yet refreshing. This also adds a burst of color, making your dessert presentation just as impressive as the cake itself.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic in the fridge.

→ What can I use instead of buttermilk?

You can make a substitute by mixing milk with vinegar or lemon juice, letting it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

Red Velvet Cake with Extra Icing!

Experience the ultimate dessert with this rich and vibrant Red Velvet Cake, generously layered with smooth cream cheese icing. Perfectly moist and beautifully colored, this cake is ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion where you want to impress. The velvety texture, combined with the sweet and tangy icing, creates a delightful treat that will have everyone asking for seconds. Elevate your dessert game with this show-stopping recipe!

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time1 hour

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 servings

What You'll Need

Cake Ingredients

  1. 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  3. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  4. 1 teaspoon salt
  5. 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
  6. 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
  7. 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  8. 2 large eggs, room temperature
  9. 2 tablespoons red food coloring
  10. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  11. 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Icing Ingredients

  1. 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  2. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  3. 4 cups powdered sugar
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In a separate bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar. Gradually combine the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until well blended.

Step 02

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes and then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 03

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese icing by beating together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.

Step 04

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of icing on top, then place the second layer on top and frost the sides and top of the cake with the remaining icing. Decorate as desired.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 49g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 35g
  • Protein: 3g