Treat your loved ones to a delectable Red Velvet Cake with our easy-to-follow recipe, complete with tips, FAQs, serving suggestions, and more. And if you’re in the mood for something a bit different, why not give our Vanilla Oreo Cake Recipe a try? It’s just as easy and delicious!
Who can refuse a moist, chocolatey (I know it isn’t a word but you know what I mean) slice of cake, smothered in a cream cheese frosting? I know I can”t. But for the life of me I don’t know why I always passed up red velvet cake at dinner parties. I really just didn’t know that it was chocolate cake colored red. Why color it red? Who knows, but once I was finally coaxed into eating it, I loved it.
So for cake’s sake and mine, I had to make a red velvet cake at home and make sure the recipe was easy enough to want to make it again and again. The secret to this perfectly moist cake is the white vinegar and buttermilk. The crumb is perfect, soft, melt in your mouth yummy…you won’t want another recipe for red velvet cake ever again. Don’t want a red cake? Leave out the food coloring for a just as delicious chocolate cake.
Cook Eat Delicious Rating: I have made this recipe a few times now and love it more and more each time. It is the perfect layer cake and works wonderfully as cupcakes as well. Each time this is served it is gone, none left over what so ever. I used just a basic cream cheese frosting, you can use your favorite recipe or if you prefer the cake alone, it would be perfect with ice cream too. There is 1/2 cup of hot coffee in the recipe that really enhances the chocolate and you mustn’t leave it out! If you give this a bake let me know how you enjoyed it.
Red Velvet Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2.5 ounces red food coloring
- 1 tsp vinegar teaspoon of white distilled vinegar
- ½ cup hot coffee
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
- Line two round nine-inch cake pans with parchment paper and lightly grease sides.
- Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder together in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl whip sugar and vegetable oil.
- Mix in eggs to sugar mixture one at a time.
- Mix in buttermilk, vanilla, and food coloring until well combined.
- Add in coffee and vinegar.
- Slowly mix in flour mixture to wet ingredients until just combined.
- Pour batter evenly into both cake pans.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes then invert them onto rack.
- Frost with your favorite cream cheese frosting once cool.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Baking Like a Pro: Tips for the Perfect Red Velvet Cake
Alright, my baking comrades, let’s dive a little deeper into the art of creating that perfect red velvet cake that’ll make your heart sing with joy. We’ve already touched on the importance of color and temperature, but there’s more to this delicious red velvet cake recipe than meets the eye.
The Right Flour Makes All the Difference
When it comes to flour, not all types are created equal. For red velvet cake, you want to use cake flour because it’s finely milled and has a lower protein content than all-purpose flour. This means a lighter, more tender crumb, which is exactly what we’re aiming for. If you don’t have cake flour on hand, don’t fret! You can make your own by replacing two tablespoons of each cup of all-purpose flour with cornstarch.
Cocoa Powder: The Unsung Hero
Now, let’s talk cocoa. A true red velvet cake isn’t just about the red; it’s also about that hint of chocolatey goodness. Be sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder to get that subtle flavor without making the cake too sweet. And remember, we’re going for a whisper of chocolate, not a shout, so a couple of tablespoons should do the trick.
Vinegar and Baking Soda: The Dynamic Duo
Here’s a tip that might surprise you: vinegar is your friend in this delicious red velvet cake recipe. A little bit of white vinegar reacts with the baking soda, giving the cake a fluffier texture. Plus, it helps enhance the red color, making it even more vibrant.
Keep an Eye on the Oven
Baking times can vary depending on your oven and the size of your cake pans, so keep a close eye on your creation as it bakes. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recipe suggests. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Let It Cool
Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to letting your cake cool. Give it time to rest in the Baking and Casserole Dishes for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This allows the cake to firm up a bit and makes it less likely to break apart when you’re moving it. Once it’s on the rack, let it cool completely before frosting. This will prevent your beautiful cream cheese frosting from melting into a sad, gooey mess.
And there you have it, some extra tips to ensure your delicious red velvet cake recipe turns out perfectly every time. Remember, baking is a journey full of learning and tasting—so enjoy every step (and every bite!). Happy baking, my friends!
FAQs About Red Velvet Cake
1. What is red velvet cake?
Red velvet cake is a cake that is traditionally made with a red food coloring. It is often made with a chocolate flavor, but can also be made with vanilla or other flavors.
2. Where did red velvet cake come from?
Red velvet cake is believed to have originated in the United States, though its exact origins are unknown. It is thought to have gained popularity in the early 1900s.
3. How do you make red velvet cake?
There are many recipes for red velvet cake, but most include red food coloring, cocoa powder, and buttermilk. Some recipes also include a vinegar or baking soda to react with the food coloring and create a deeper red color.
4. What do you serve with red velvet cake?
Red velvet cake is typically served with a cream cheese frosting, but can also be served with other frostings or simply dusted with powdered sugar.
5. Is red velvet cake gluten-free?
No, most red velvet cake recipes contain wheat flour and are not suitable for those on a gluten-free diet. However, there are some gluten-free red velvet cake recipes available.
Serving Suggestions: Elevating Your Red Velvet Experience
Ah, we’ve arrived at my favorite part—serving up that majestic red velvet cake. Now, a generous swirl of cream cheese frosting is just the beginning of this royal affair. It’s the canvas upon which we’ll paint our masterpiece.
A Dusting of Magic
Imagine the gasps of delight as you bring out your creation, not just crowned with frosting but also dusted with a light snowfall of powdered sugar. It’s a simple touch, but it adds a whisper of sweetness and a look of elegance that’s hard to resist.
Berries and Cream
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, let’s talk about berries. A few fresh raspberries or strawberries can add a burst of freshness and a contrast in flavor that complements the rich cake and tangy frosting beautifully. Arrange them on top or around the base for a cake that looks as if it’s been plucked from the pages of a fairy tale.
Edible Flowers for a Whimsical Touch
For those special occasions, why not adorn your delicious red velvet cake recipe with some edible flowers? They bring a pop of natural color and an element of whimsy that’s sure to charm any table setting.
Nuts for Texture
And for the texture enthusiasts out there, a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts provides a delightful crunch that contrasts the softness of the cake. Toast them lightly to enhance their flavor and sprinkle them over the frosting for an added layer of yum.
The Final Drizzle
Lastly, consider a drizzle of homemade caramel or chocolate sauce. It’s like the final brushstroke on a masterpiece, adding a glossy finish and a touch of decadence that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
So there you have it, a few suggestions to take your delicious red velvet cake recipe from great to unforgettable. Remember, the beauty of baking lies in the personal touches you add, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Now, go forth and create a dessert that’s as stunning to behold as it is divine to devour. Happy baking, and even happier serving!
