Very Moist & Soft Red Velvet Cake
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Experience the perfect blend of rich cocoa and vibrant red color in this Very Moist & Soft Red Velvet Cake recipe. This delightful dessert is topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. With its tender crumb and stunning appearance, this cake will become a favorite centerpiece for celebrations and gatherings.
Red velvet cake is a classic dessert that combines flavors of cocoa with a vibrant reddish hue. It's often associated with special occasions and is sure to impress your guests.
The Magic of Red Velvet
Red velvet cake has a unique place in the world of desserts, combining the rich flavors of cocoa with an eye-catching red hue. This delightful dessert not only stands out visually but also offers a taste experience that is hard to resist. The subtle cocoa flavor paired with the tanginess of buttermilk creates a memorable flavor profile that keeps people coming back for more.
One of the secrets to the moistness of this cake lies in the oil used instead of butter. The vegetable oil ensures that the cake remains tender and fluffy, giving it that melt-in-your-mouth quality that everyone loves. When baked to perfection, red velvet cake becomes an exquisite treat that suits any festive occasion, making it a top choice for birthdays, anniversaries, and holiday celebrations.
Frosting: The Perfect Finishing Touch
No red velvet cake is complete without its iconic cream cheese frosting. The rich, creamy texture of the frosting beautifully complements the cake's flavor while providing a sweet contrast. This frosting is easy to make with just a few simple ingredients, and it elevates the cake to a whole new level of deliciousness. It's the kind of frosting that tastes great on any dessert, making leftovers an irresistible treat.
For those looking to customize their frosting, consider adding a touch of lemon juice or zest for a citrusy zing. Alternatively, incorporating a dash of almond extract can add a unique flavor twist, while still keeping it classic. This versatility allows you to tailor the frosting to suit your taste preferences, ensuring that each slice of cake is as unique as the occasions it celebrates.
Baking Tips for Success
Baking the perfect red velvet cake involves more than just following a recipe; it requires attention to detail and a few helpful techniques. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results. Using a kitchen scale can help, especially for the flour, as inaccuracies can lead to a dense or dry cake.
It's also important to have your ingredients at room temperature before starting. Eggs and buttermilk mix more easily with other ingredients when warmed up, leading to a smoother batter and a fluffier cake. Additionally, never rush the cooling process; allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans before attempting to frost. This will prevent the frosting from melting and helps maintain beautiful layers.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, and vanilla extract.
Mix Baking Soda and Vinegar
In a small bowl, combine the baking soda and vinegar. Add this to the cake batter and mix well until fully combined.
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and fluffy.
Frost the Cake
Once the cakes are cooled, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting between the layers and on the top and sides of the cake. Decorate as desired.
Serve and enjoy your delicious cake!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your red velvet cake, presentation is key. To make your dessert even more enticing, consider adding fresh berries or edible flowers as a garnish. These simple additions not only enhance the cake's visual appeal but also provide a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the cake and frosting.
Pairing your red velvet cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can create an extraordinary dessert experience. The creaminess of the ice cream complements the moist cake perfectly, making every bite a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Storage and Shelf Life
To keep your red velvet cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have a half-eaten cake, it can also be stored in the refrigerator, where it can last for about a week. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out.
If you want to prepare ahead for a special occasion, consider baking the cake layers in advance. You can freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to two months. Allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting for a hassle-free baking experience that saves you time on the day of your event.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of frosting?
Absolutely! While cream cheese frosting complements red velvet well, you can use buttercream or ganache if you prefer.
→ How can I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
Very Moist & Soft Red Velvet Cake
Experience the perfect blend of rich cocoa and vibrant red color in this Very Moist & Soft Red Velvet Cake recipe. This delightful dessert is topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. With its tender crumb and stunning appearance, this cake will become a favorite centerpiece for celebrations and gatherings.
Created by: Emma Johnson
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 1 cake
What You'll Need
For the Cake
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture.
In a small bowl, combine the baking soda and vinegar. Add this to the cake batter and mix well until fully combined.
Pour the batter into prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and fluffy.
Once the cakes are cooled, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting between the layers and on the top and sides of the cake. Decorate as desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Sugar: 40g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 3g