Best Red Velvet Cake

Name: Best Red Velvet Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12.0
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cocoa powder; 1 ½ cups 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; 1 cup cream cheese, softened; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight in the stunning layers of this Best Red Velvet Cake, perfectly moist and rich with a hint of cocoa. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this dessert is a showstopper for any occasion. Its vibrant color and decadent flavor profile make it a crowd-pleaser at celebrations or as a charming treat after dinner.

Created by

Emily Carter

Last updated on 2025-11-17T02:33:26.698Z

A Showstopper for Any Occasion

The Best Red Velvet Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece that draws the eye and tantalizes the taste buds. Whether it’s a birthday party, wedding, or holiday gathering, this cake brings an element of elegance and celebration to the table. Its rich crimson hue paired with velvety texture works beautifully to complement any festive atmosphere.

What makes this cake truly special is not just its striking appearance but also its taste. The subtle cocoa flavor combined with the creamy, tangy frosting creates a symphony of tastes that resonate with every bite. It’s a dessert that impresses even the most discerning palates, making it the ideal choice for any special event.

Perfectly Moist and Decadent

Achieving the perfect balance of moisture and flavor is crucial for creating a memorable cake. This recipe emphasizes using buttermilk, which not only enhances the cake’s tenderness but also adds a delightful tangy flavor. The use of vegetable oil replaces butter for the cake, ensuring each slice is incredibly moist and rich, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.

In addition, the hint of cocoa powder in the batter complements the vibrant color, adding depth without overpowering the signature red velvet taste. It’s this balance of ingredients that elevates the cake, creating a decadent dessert that feels luxurious yet comforting.

Tailoring to Your Preferences

One of the joys of baking is the ability to adapt recipes to suit your tastes and dietary needs. For those looking to make a gluten-free version of the Best Red Velvet Cake, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. This simple swap allows everyone to enjoy this delightful treat without compromising on flavor or texture.

Additionally, you can customize the cream cheese frosting by incorporating different flavorings or toppings. A dash of lemon or orange zest can brighten up the frosting, giving it a refreshing twist. Top it with grated chocolate or fresh berries for an added layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Ingredients

For the Cake

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

1 cup cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Directions

Prepare the Cake

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting.

Enjoy your delicious cake!

Additional Serving Suggestions

While the Best Red Velvet Cake is stunning on its own, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent experience. The contrast of warm cake against cold ice cream creates an irresistible combination that elevates the dessert to new heights. You can also serve it alongside a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine for a sophisticated pairing.

For a fun twist, turn leftover cake into delicious red velvet cake pops. Crumble the remaining cake and mix it with extra frosting, then shape it into balls and dip them into melted chocolate. Not only does this create a delightful treat, but it also helps reduce food waste while impressing your friends and family.

Storing and Freezing the Cake

Proper storage can extend the life of your Best Red Velvet Cake, keeping it fresh and delicious for days. Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy it at your leisure. If you live in a warm climate, refrigerating the cake may be preferable to maintain its moisture and flavor integrity.

For longer storage, you can freeze the red velvet cake. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. This method prevents freezer burn and helps preserve the cake’s taste. When ready to serve, simply thaw the layers in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and decorating.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use cake flour for a lighter texture.

→ How can I store leftover cake?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.