Classic Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Timeless Favorite

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There’s something undeniably special about a Classic Red Velvet Cake. With its bold red hue, subtle chocolate flavor, and smooth cream cheese frosting, this iconic dessert never fails to impress. Whether it’s a holiday table centerpiece, a romantic dessert for Valentine’s Day, or just a weekend baking project, red velvet cake has earned its place as a timeless favorite.

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect red velvet cake from scratch — rich in flavor, moist in texture, and layered with the dreamiest cream cheese frosting. Plus, you’ll find pro tips for decorating, storing, and serving like a pro.

📝 Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1½ cups granulated sugar

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • 1 tsp fine salt

  • 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1½ cups vegetable oil

  • 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature

  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature

  • 2 tbsp red food coloring (liquid or gel)

  • 1 tsp white vinegar

  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 16 oz cream cheese (2 packages), softened

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract

  • 4–5 cups powdered sugar (adjust to your desired sweetness)

  • Pinch of salt

🧁 Makes:

  • Two 9-inch round cake layers

  • Servings: 12 to 16

🎂 Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  • Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

  1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. This ensures a light, lump-free texture.

  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract.

  3. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using a hand mixer or stand mixer on low–medium speed.

  4. Mix just until combined — avoid overmixing to keep the batter tender and light.

Step 3: Bake

  1. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.

  2. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

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

🎂 Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy (about 2–3 minutes).

  2. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

  3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until it’s all incorporated.

  4. Once all sugar is added, beat on high speed for 1–2 minutes until light and fluffy.

  5. If frosting is too soft, chill for 10–15 minutes before spreading.

🧁 Assemble the Cake

  1. Level the cake layers if needed using a serrated knife to remove domes for even stacking.

  2. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.

  3. Spread a thick, even layer of cream cheese frosting on top.

  4. Add the second cake layer and press down gently to secure.

  5. Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake.
    You can smooth the finish with a cake scraper or leave it rustic and swirled.

🌹 Decoration Ideas

You can keep your red velvet cake beautifully simple or dress it up for special occasions. Here are some fun options:

Option 1: Classic Crumb Finish

  • Slice off the domed tops of your cakes, crumble them, and sprinkle the crumbs on the top or press onto the sides of the cake for texture and color contrast.

Option 2: Piped Rosettes or Swirls

  • Reserve some frosting and use a piping bag with a large star tip to pipe rosettes or swirls along the edge of the cake for a bakery-style finish.

Option 3: Fresh & Fancy

  • Garnish with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries and mint leaves.

  • Sprinkle white chocolate curls, cake crumbs, or even a touch of edible glitter for elegance.

🧊 Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate: Store the cake in the fridge, covered, for up to 4–5 days. Cream cheese frosting must be refrigerated.

  • Serving Tip: Bring the cake to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

  • Freezing: You can freeze unfrosted cake layers, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. Thaw completely and frost as desired.

🎉 When to Serve Classic Red Velvet Cake

This cake is perfect for:

  • Birthdays & anniversaries

  • Valentine’s Day or romantic dinners

  • Holiday desserts (Christmas, Thanksgiving)

  • Bridal showers or weddings

  • Or just because you love cake!

Its vibrant red color and silky frosting make it a showstopper for any celebration.

🧁 Final Thoughts

Classic Red Velvet Cake isn’t just about looks — it’s about flavor, texture, and that irresistible pairing with cream cheese frosting. Every bite delivers a hint of cocoa, the tang of buttermilk, and a smooth, sweet finish that melts in your mouth.

Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned home baker, this recipe is reliable, customizable, and guaranteed to impress. So grab your mixing bowls and red food coloring — it’s time to bake a classic!

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