Red Velvet Birthday Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Name: Red Velvet Birthday Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 12.0
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon cocoa powder; 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons red food coloring; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2-3 tablespoons milk

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Celebrate special moments with this delightful Red Velvet Birthday Cake, layered with luscious cream cheese frosting. This beautifully vibrant cake is perfect for any occasion, featuring a moist and tender crumb that’s elevated by its signature rich flavor. Topped with a creamy, dreamy frosting, each slice is a treat that will impress your guests and make every birthday memorable.

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2025-11-17T01:42:22.773Z

This beautiful cake is a favorite for any birthday celebration!

The Joy of Baking a Red Velvet Cake

Baking a Red Velvet Cake is more than just preparing a dessert; it’s an experience filled with joy and excitement. The vivid red color combined with the soft, velvety texture makes this cake not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, or simply a weekend treat, this cake has a special charm that brings smiles to faces and warmth to hearts.

As you sift the flour and mix the ingredients, the anticipation builds. The aroma of cocoa and vanilla fills your kitchen as the cake rises in the oven, promising a delicious outcome. It's perfect for anyone wishing to create lasting memories while enjoying the art of baking. Each slice cuts effortlessly, revealing layers of rich flavor that never fail to impress.

Tips for Perfecting Your Cake

To ensure your Red Velvet Cake turns out perfect every time, it's important to adhere closely to the recipe measurements and step-by-step instructions. Using room temperature ingredients, such as eggs and buttermilk, can drastically improve the mixing process and lead to a more uniform batter. Additionally, don’t over-mix the batter; mix until just combined for a tender crumb.

When baking, always keep an eye on the cakes as they approach the end of baking time; ovens can vary in temperature. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean to indicate they're done. Also, cooling the cakes completely before frosting is crucial to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.

Customizations and Additions

While the classic Red Velvet Cake is delightful on its own, there are countless ways to customize it to match your taste. Incorporating finely chopped nuts or chocolate chips can add an exciting texture to the cake layers, while adding a splash of orange or lemon zest to the frosting can give it a refreshing twist.

For those who enjoy a little sparkle, consider decorating your cake with edible glitter or fresh berries for a touch of elegance. Additionally, you can also layer it with different flavors, like a buttery vanilla or rich chocolate, between the red velvet layers, elevating the cake to new flavor heights that will leave your guests astounded.

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
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 butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3 tablespoons milk

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.

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, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.

In another bowl, mix the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar until combined. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. 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 before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until smooth. Add milk as needed to reach your desired frosting consistency.

Assemble the Cake

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

For best results, refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes before serving.

Celebrating with Red Velvet

A Red Velvet Cake is synonymous with celebration. Its striking appearance and rich flavor often take center stage at gatherings, making it the perfect centerpiece for your special occasions. Whether it’s a birthday party, wedding, or holiday gathering, this cake captivates guests and sets the tone for a festive celebration.

When serving, pair your cake with a cup of coffee or tea to complement its flavors. Guests will appreciate the delightful contrast of creamy frosting against the rich cake, and the pairing can create a memorable experience. Sharing this cake with loved ones turns any event into a meaningful celebration filled with laughter and joy.

Storing and Serving Tips

To keep your Red Velvet Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will remain delicious for up to five days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and relish the wonderful textures and flavors as if it just came out of the oven.

When serving, consider warming individual slices slightly in the microwave for a few seconds. This gentle heat enhances the cake's velvety nature and makes the cream cheese frosting even more dreamy. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra indulgent treat!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use less food coloring?

Yes, but the cake may not have the traditional red velvet appearance.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.