Valentine's Day Red Velvet Cake

Name: Valentine's Day Red Velvet Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon cocoa powder; 1 ½ 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; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Recipes

I absolutely love making this Valentine's Day Red Velvet Cake for my loved ones. Its vibrant color and rich flavor never fail to impress, and it’s an ideal treat to celebrate love. Each layer is imbued with a perfect balance of cocoa and vanilla, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that makes every bite irresistible. Whether it's for a romantic dinner or a gathering of friends, this cake adds a touch of sweetness to any occasion. Trust me, it’s more than just a dessert; it’s a heartfelt creation that brings smiles all around!

Created by

Emily Carter

Last updated on 2026-01-18T13:18:27.694Z

When I first tried making a red velvet cake, I was unsure about using buttermilk and vinegar together, but it worked wonders! The reaction creates a subtle tang that perfectly balances the sweetness. Each layer comes out moist and fluffy, while the vibrant red color is just breathtaking. I learned that by sifting the dry ingredients, I achieve an even lighter texture, which really elevates the cake.

For frosting, I experimented with adding a bit of lemon zest to the cream cheese. This little twist not only brightens the flavor; it also complements the cocoa beautifully. After countless test runs, I proudly present you with this luscious cake recipe that celebrates love.

        Reasons to Love This Cake
        Beautiful red color that captures the spirit of Valentine's Day
Moist and fluffy layers complemented by velvety cream cheese frosting
Perfect for gatherings, making it a centerpiece dessert

      

Ingredients and Their Roles

Each ingredient in this Red Velvet Cake plays a crucial role in creating its signature flavor and texture. The all-purpose flour provides the structure, while granulated sugar not only sweetens the cake but also contributes to its moistness. The cocoa powder gives a subtle chocolate flavor, balancing perfectly with the sweetness. Don't skip the buttermilk; its acidity helps create a tender crumb, ensuring the cake is delightfully fluffy.

Vegetable oil is my go-to fat here because it yields a moist cake unlike butter, which can cause dryness if overmixed. The eggs not only bind the ingredients but also add richness. Red food coloring is essential for that classic appearance; you can use natural red beet juice as a substitute, although it might alter the flavor slightly. If you're avoiding food coloring altogether, a chocolate cake can also be a great alternative, giving you the rich flavor without the vibrant hue.

Frosting Finesse

The cream cheese frosting is the star of the show. It’s essential to ensure that both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature to achieve a silky-smooth consistency. Start by beating them together, and ensure they’re well incorporated before gradually adding the powdered sugar. If the frosting seems too thick, adding a splash of milk can help you achieve a more spreadable consistency, while too much liquid can lead to a runny mess. Always adjust gradually for the best results.

Another tip for the frosting is to watch for the glossy finish during mixing; this indicates that air has been incorporated, leading to a light, fluffy frosting. You can make this frosting ahead of time; just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Before using it, give it a gentle stir to restore its texture, which will streamline the assembly process on the day of your celebration.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Red Velvet Cake

For the Cake

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 ½ 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
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Prepare the Ingredients

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

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Blend Wet Ingredients

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

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

Bake the Cakes

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

Cool the Cakes

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

Make the Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar until creamy and fluffy, then mix in the vanilla and lemon zest if using.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread frosting between the layers and on top and sides of the cake.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake, serve, and enjoy the love-filled delight!

Final Touches

Feel free to decorate with sprinkles or chocolate shavings for an extra special touch!

Pro Tips

For an even richer flavor, let the cake sit overnight before serving. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully!

Make-Ahead Tips

Planning for an event? You can certainly make the cake layers ahead of time. Once they have completely cooled, wrap each layer in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for longer storage, up to three months. If freezing, allow them to thaw overnight in the fridge before assembling, ensuring they’re at an ideal temperature for smoother frosting.

The cream cheese frosting can also be prepared in advance. Not only does this cut down on your workload the day of serving, but it also allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before using.

Serving Suggestions

For a romantic touch, consider garnishing your Red Velvet Cake with fresh berries or edible flowers. A simple dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar can elevate its visual appeal, making it even more tempting. Serving alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can add an extra layer of indulgence, which complements the flavor perfectly.

You might also explore different presentation styles. Instead of a classic layer cake, you could bake the batter in heart-shaped pans for a charming twist, ideal for Valentine’s Day celebrations. Regardless of how you choose to serve it, this cake is sure to impress with its striking appearance and delicious flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different color instead of red?

Yes, you can experiment with different food coloring to match your occasion!

→ How do I store leftover cake?

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

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely! Wrap the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What's the best way to achieve a smooth frosting finish?

Using a warm spatula can help achieve a smooth finish. Dip it in hot water, wipe it dry, and then smooth out the frosting.