Red Velvet Cake

This recipe for classic red velvet cake is made completely from scratch and features a tangy cream cheese frosting. Make this cake for Valentine's Day, Christmas, and birthdays!

📝 Ingredients

• 2 2/3 cups cake flour ((spooned & leveled) (295 grams) )
• 1/4 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder ((22 grams) )
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened (115 grams))
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar ((350 grams) )
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil ((120 ml) )
• 1 (1-ounce) bottle liquid red food color
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
• 1 1/3 cups buttermilk (at room temperature (320 ml) )
• 12 ounces brick-style cream cheese (softened (340 grams))
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened (175 grams) )
• 3 cups powdered sugar ((360 grams) )
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1To make the red velvet cake layers: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray two 9-inch cake pans well with nonstick cooking spray, line the bottoms of the pans with parchment paper, and set aside.
2. 2In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Then, sift the dry ingredients to remove any lumps of cocoa powder. Set aside.
3. 3In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer, cream together the butter and sugar on medium speed for 4 to 5 minutes. Add the eggs and mix until fully combined, then mix in the oil, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. 4Mix in the dry ingredients in three additions alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Make sure to mix in each addition until just combined and be careful not to over mix the batter.
5. 5Evenly distribute the cake batter between the two prepared cake pans and spread the batter around into one even layer. Tap the pans on the counter 2 to 3 times to remove any air bubbles from the cakes.
6. 6Bake for 28 to 32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Carefully remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool in the pans for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, carefully remove the cakes from the cake pans and place on the wire rack to cool completely.
7. 7To make the cream cheese frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the butter and mix for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until well combined and smooth.
8. 8Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue mixing until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
9. 9To assemble the cake: Level the tops of each cake with a knife or cake leveler. Place one of the cake layers on a cake stand or plate, top with a layer of frosting, and smooth it out into one even layer. Place the second layer on top, then use the remaining frosting to frost the top and sides of the cake.