Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Red Velvet Cake Recipe

This red velvet cake recipe creates a soft, moist cake with a light cocoa taste and a smooth, rich cream cheese frosting. It is a timeless dessert that works beautifully for birthdays, holidays, or any special gathering. Made completely from scratch with everyday ingredients, this version is ideal if you are searching for a moist red velvet cake recipe, the best red velvet cake recipe, or a dependable homemade red velvet cake recipe that delivers bakery-style results every time.

Red Velvet Cake Recipe
Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Ingredients

For Red Velvet Cake

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1½ teaspoons baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1¼ teaspoons salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1½ cups vegetable oil
  • 1½ cups buttermilk
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1½ teaspoons white vinegar

For Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  • In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth, then add the oil, buttermilk, sour cream, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Mix until fully blended.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, gently mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.
  • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
  • Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting

  • Beat the cream cheese on high speed until light and creamy, then set aside.
  • In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt. Slowly add the milk and vanilla.
  • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a smooth, pudding-like consistency.
  • Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then beat until smooth and gradually blend in the whipped cream cheese.
  • Frost the cooled cake layers evenly, stack them, and spread frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
Red Velvet Cake Recipe
Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Preparation Details

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Additional Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Servings: 12