BEST EVER Red Velvet Cake with dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting

Name: BEST EVER Red Velvet Cake with dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12.0
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cocoa powder; 1 cup 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; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons milk (if needed for consistency)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Experience the perfect balance of moist, rich chocolate flavor and vibrant red color in this Best Ever Red Velvet Cake! Topped with a luscious, creamy cheese frosting that melts in your mouth, this dessert is ideal for special occasions or a delightful treat any day of the week. Elevate your baking game and impress your friends with this classic Southern favorite that will steal the show.

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2025-11-17T03:49:21.055Z

This Red Velvet Cake is not just a treat; it’s an experience. Its beautiful red color captures attention while the moist texture pleases the palate. With the addition of rich cream cheese frosting, this cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

A Classic Southern Delight

Red velvet cake is a beloved dessert with roots in the Southern United States. Its rich, vibrant red color, often associated with special occasions, makes it a perfect centerpiece for celebrations like birthdays, weddings, and holiday gatherings. The cake's mild cocoa flavor combined with buttery notes creates a delightful experience that tantalizes the taste buds.

The unique combination of ingredients in this recipe enhances the flavor profile and ensures a moist and tender crumb. The use of buttermilk adds just the right amount of tang, while the vegetable oil contributes to the cake's richness. These elements work together seamlessly to create a cake that is truly unforgettable.

Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting

No red velvet cake is complete without its signature cream cheese frosting. This frosting is not just a topping; it’s a luxurious complement that enhances the cake's flavor and texture. Cream cheese adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the sugar, making each bite more satisfying.

The key to achieving the perfect cream cheese frosting lies in the consistency. Be sure to allow the cream cheese and butter to soften to room temperature for easy blending. If you find your frosting too thick, a splash of milk will help achieve a smooth texture that's easy to spread and perfect for creating beautiful cake designs.

Tips for Success

To ensure that your red velvet cake turns out perfectly every time, measuring your ingredients accurately is crucial. Using a kitchen scale or precise measuring cups can make a significant difference in the baking process. Additionally, sifting the dry ingredients can help prevent any lumps and create a light, airy texture in your cake.

Cooling the cakes properly before frosting is another important step. Allowing them to cool completely prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful finish. Once frosted, refrigerating the cake for a short time can help the frosting set, leading to cleaner slices when serving.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make the cake:

For the Cake

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 cup 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

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk (if needed for consistency)

Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before starting the preparation.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a mouthwatering Red Velvet Cake:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round 9-inch cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on wire racks before frosting.

Prepare Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add milk to reach your desired consistency.

Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one cake layer, place the other layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.

After frosting your cake, you can decorate it with sprinkles or any toppings of your choice.

Storing Your Red Velvet Cake

To keep your red velvet cake fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you won’t be consuming it within that time, consider refrigerating the cake to extend its shelf life. Proper storage will also preserve the flavors and moistness of the cake, ensuring that it remains just as delightful as the day it was baked.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze your red velvet cake. Wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy the cake, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then frost as desired.

Serving Suggestions

This red velvet cake is perfect for a variety of occasions, whether it's a birthday party, anniversary, or holiday celebration. To enhance the presentation, consider garnishing the cake with fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts. These toppings add a delightful contrast in texture and complement the flavor of the cake beautifully.

Pairing your red velvet cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes the dessert experience to another level. The creaminess of the ice cream harmonizes with the rich flavors of the cake, creating a luxurious dessert that everyone will love.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?

Yes, gel food coloring will produce a more vibrant color without adding extra liquid.

→ How long can this cake be stored?

The cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.