Very Moist & Soft Red Velvet Cake

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Create a stunning centerpiece with this Very Moist & Soft Red Velvet Cake recipe. This classic dessert is velvety, rich, and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat anytime. Topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, it offers a delightful contrast of taste and texture that will leave everyone craving more. Bake this showstopper and impress your guests with a slice of pure indulgence.

Emma Johnson

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2025-11-17T03:49:27.092Z

This cake is a classic favorite, known for its vibrant color and rich flavor.

A Classic with a Twist

Red velvet cake has long been a beloved classic, but this recipe takes it to a new level with its moist, soft texture and rich flavor. The combination of cocoa powder and buttermilk creates a deliciously unique taste that sets it apart from other cakes. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or simply treating yourself, this red velvet cake is sure to impress with both its appearance and flavor.

One of the most appealing aspects of this cake is its vibrant red hue, which comes from the red food coloring. This striking color makes it a stunning centerpiece for any occasion. When served, it looks inviting and festive, making it a favorite at festivities and gatherings. Your guests won't be able to resist taking a slice!

Perfect for All Occasions

This Very Moist & Soft Red Velvet Cake is not just for special occasions; it's ideal for any time you crave a sweet treat. The cake's versatility means it can be dressed up for formal events or kept simple for casual get-togethers. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack, or serve it as dessert after a hearty meal. No matter when you choose to enjoy it, it's bound to bring joy to your taste buds.

What really makes this cake shine is the addition of cream cheese frosting. This luscious topping not only enhances the flavor but also complements the cake's moistness perfectly. The balance between the sweet frosting and the slight tanginess from the cream cheese elevates the dish, making every bite feel indulgent and satisfying.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the utmost moisture and softness in your red velvet cake, ensure that all your ingredients, especially eggs and buttermilk, are at room temperature. This helps create a uniform batter and a better rise during baking. Additionally, avoid overmixing the batter after adding the dry ingredients, as this can lead to a denser cake than desired.

Don't forget to store your cooled cake in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap to maintain its freshness. If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), it can be enjoyed for up to three days at room temperature or longer if refrigerated. This red velvet cake's flavors tend to deepen over time, making it a delightful treat even the following day.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, and red food coloring. Mix well.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

Add Vinegar

Add the vinegar and vanilla extract, and mix until you achieve a smooth batter.

Bake the Cakes

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

Cool the Cakes

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice, serve, and enjoy your Very Moist & Soft Red Velvet Cake!

For an added touch, decorate with chocolate shavings or fresh berries.

Understanding Red Velvet Cake

Red velvet cake has Southern roots, tracing back to the early 20th century. Its rich flavor and unique color have made it a fashionable dessert in recent years, often associated with celebrations and romantic occasions. The cake's distinct velvet texture is attributed to the combination of cocoa powder, buttermilk, and baking soda, which create a tender crumb that almost melts in your mouth.

The origins of the red color are debated, with variations of the cake appearing throughout history. Some bakers claim that the original recipe utilized raw cocoa powder, which reacted with acidic ingredients, producing a reddish tint. Today, however, food coloring is commonly added to enhance the cake's visual appeal, ensuring it stands out on any dessert table.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

For the best presentation, it's recommended to frost the cake shortly before serving. This helps maintain the frosting's texture and keeps the cake's softness intact. If you need to prepare the cake ahead of time, consider baking the layers and freezing them until you're ready to frost and serve. Just be sure to wrap them carefully to prevent freezer burn.

You can elevate the red velvet cake experience by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can complement the flavors beautifully, making your dessert even more enticing. Feel free to experiment with different toppings and serve styles to suit your occasion!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and frost them on the day you plan to serve.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

Very Moist & Soft Red Velvet Cake

Create a stunning centerpiece with this Very Moist & Soft Red Velvet Cake recipe. This classic dessert is velvety, rich, and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat anytime. Topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, it offers a delightful contrast of taste and texture that will leave everyone craving more. Bake this showstopper and impress your guests with a slice of pure indulgence.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Emma Johnson

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 1 cake

What You'll Need

For the Cake

  1. 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 1/2 cups sugar
  3. 1 cup vegetable oil
  4. 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  5. 2 large eggs, room temperature
  6. 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  7. 1 tablespoon red food coloring
  8. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  9. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  10. 1 teaspoon salt
  11. 1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Frosting

  1. 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  2. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  3. 4 cups powdered sugar
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, and red food coloring. Mix well.

Step 03

In another bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 04

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 05

Add the vinegar and vanilla extract, and mix until you achieve a smooth batter.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 08

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Step 09

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Step 10

Slice, serve, and enjoy your Very Moist & Soft Red Velvet Cake!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 56g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 30g