Dreamy Homemade Red Velvet Cake Recipe: Sweet & Unforgettable

Baking a decadent red velvet cake can transport you to a world of rich, velvety indulgence that melts in your mouth.

This classic Southern red velvet cake recipe brings together the perfect balance of cocoa, buttermilk, and vibrant crimson color.

Smooth cream cheese frosting complements the subtle chocolate undertones, creating a dessert that’s both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious.

Each slice promises a luxurious experience that feels like a celebration on its own.

The deep red hue hints at the luscious layers waiting to be savored, making this cake a showstopper at any gathering.

Gather your ingredients and get ready to create a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to fall in love with this ultimate red velvet cake that turns an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

Red Velvet Cake Made Simple in the Kitchen

• Oven Preparation Kitchen Setup

Warm your oven to a cozy 325°F and lovingly butter three cake pans, creating the perfect stage for a delectable dessert adventure.

• Flavor Foundation

Combine rich coffee with deep cocoa powder, letting the mixture mingle and develop an intense, sophisticated taste profile.

• Ingredient Harmony

In separate bowls, gently blend dry and liquid components, creating a smooth canvas for your cake’s incredible texture.

• Batter Magic

Fold ingredients together with gentle strokes, introducing the coffee and tangy vinegar that will give your cake its signature vibrant character.

• Baking Transformation

Pour the velvety batter into prepared pans, spreading evenly and sliding into the waiting oven for 25-30 minutes until perfectly risen and tender.

• Frosting Finish

Whip cream cheese, butter, and sweet powdered sugar into a cloud-like frosting that will crown your magnificent cake creation.

• Cake Assembly

Carefully layer and lavish your cake with the dreamy frosting, creating a stunning dessert that promises to delight every single guest.

Tricks for Getting Red Velvet Cake Just Right

• Replace coffee with hot water for a milder flavor profile that keeps the cake's rich texture intact.
• Wrap unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to two weeks, perfect for stress-free entertaining or last-minute desserts.
• For a silky-smooth cream cheese frosting, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature and beat until just combined to prevent over-mixing.
• Sprinkle crushed red velvet cookies or chocolate shavings around the cake's exterior for a stunning professional bakery-style presentation that adds extra crunch and visual appeal.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, adding 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum to help maintain the cake's classic soft and tender crumb.

Red Velvet Cake – Ways to Serve That Work

• Elegant Party Centerpiece: Arrange the red velvet cake on a stunning cake stand, surrounded by fresh red roses or scattered rose petals for a dramatic, romantic presentation that'll steal the spotlight at any celebration.
• Sweet Pairing Paradise: Serve slices alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, creating a delightful contrast that enhances the cake's rich, velvety texture and deep red color.
• Coffee Companion Treat: Complement each slice with a hot espresso or cappuccino, letting the subtle cocoa notes in the cake harmonize perfectly with the warm, robust coffee flavors for an indulgent dessert experience.
• Festive Garnish Delight: Sprinkle some extra cream cheese frosting crumbs or add a light dusting of cocoa powder on top, giving the cake an elegant finish that looks professionally crafted and tempts every guest.

Red Velvet Cake Storage Tips That Work

• Cake Slice Strategy: Cut and wrap individual slices in plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go dessert portions throughout the week.
• Fridge Fresh Tactics: Store frosted red velvet cake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping moisture and flavor intact.
• Freezing Finesse: Wrap unfrosted cake layers completely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil to freeze for 1-2 months, allowing make-ahead convenience for special occasions.
• Counter Cool-Down: Allow cake to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to enhance texture and bring out rich cream cheese frosting flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 13

Everything You Need for Red Velvet Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and body to the cake, ensuring a tender crumb and soft texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden-brown color during baking.

• Hot Coffee or Boiling Water: Enhances chocolate flavor and creates a moist, rich cake texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness, flavor, and helps create a smooth, tender cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake incredibly moist and soft, preventing dryness.
• Eggs and Egg Yolk: Bind ingredients, add structure, and contribute to the cake's rich flavor.
• Buttermilk: Provides tanginess, tenderness, and helps activate the baking soda for better rise.

• Red Gel Food Coloring: Creates the signature vibrant red color of the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.

• Cream Cheese, Unsalted Butter, Powdered Sugar: Combine to create a creamy, smooth, and perfectly sweet frosting that complements the cake's rich flavor.

Must-Have Equipment for Red Velvet Cake

• Mixing Bowls: 2-3 medium-sized bowls for separating dry and wet ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: Essential for beating cream cheese frosting to smooth perfection.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients and creating a uniform batter.
• 8-inch Cake Pans (3): Needed for baking layers of red velvet cake.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements ensure cake success.
• Sifter: Helps create smooth, lump-free flour for tender cake texture.
• Cooling Rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Spatula: Great for folding ingredients and frosting the cake layers.

Heavenly Red Velvet Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulgent red velvet cake combines rich cocoa and buttermilk for a luxurious dessert with deep crimson color. Cream cheese frosting complements the cake’s velvety texture, promising a delightful experience you won’t soon forget.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
• 2 ¼ cups (279 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• ½ cup (109 grams) vegetable oil
• 1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup plain hot coffee or boiling water
• 3 tsps red gel food coloring, plus more if needed
• Vanilla extract to taste
• 16 oz (454 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 227 grams unsalted butter
• 4 cups (500 grams) powdered sugar, sifted

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Set oven to 325°F (163°C) and thoroughly coat three 8-inch round cake pans with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Cocoa Infusion: Whisk hot coffee and unsweetened cocoa powder into a smooth, intense liquid base that will enhance the cake’s rich flavor profile.
3. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Combine flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl, ensuring complete and uniform integration.
4. Liquid Mixture Creation: Blend vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, and white vinegar until achieving a vibrant crimson consistency that defines red velvet’s signature appearance.
5. Batter Integration: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, incorporating the coffee-cocoa infusion and stirring until color is perfectly uniform and no streaks remain.
6. Pan Preparation: Evenly distribute batter across prepared pans, smoothing surfaces to eliminate potential air pockets and ensure consistent baking.
7. Baking Process: Slide pans into preheated oven, rotating midway through 25-30 minute cooking time to guarantee even browning and checking with a toothpick for perfect doneness.
8. Cooling Stage: Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling, preparing for the frosting application.
9. Frosting Finalization: Whip cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract into a smooth, creamy mixture that will elegantly coat the cooled cake layers.
10. Presentation: Carefully layer and frost the cake, creating a polished and professional dessert that showcases the rich red velvet tradition.

Notes

• Precise Temperature Matters: Maintaining exact 325°F ensures perfect cake texture and prevents drying or underbaking.
• Coffee Cocoa Magic: Hot coffee intensifies chocolate flavor and creates deeper, richer cake complexity.
• Color Control: Use gel food coloring for vibrant red hue without altering batter consistency.
• Gentle Mixing Strategy: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough cake texture; fold ingredients delicately to preserve tenderness.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 50 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg