Southern Red Velvet Cake Recipe

If you have a soft spot for cakes that blend rich flavors with a touch of southern charm, this Southern Red Velvet Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This stunningly vibrant cake is everything you want from a classic dessert: tender crumb, subtle cocoa undertones, that signature deep red color, and a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply craving a slice of comfort, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple that’s as delightful to share as it is to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every great cake starts with a handful of simple ingredients, and this Southern Red Velvet Cake Recipe is no exception. Each component plays a crucial role—whether it’s the buttermilk for moisture and tang, or the red food coloring to achieve that iconic hue—making the final result truly unforgettable.

• All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): Provides the perfect structure for a soft yet sturdy cake.
• Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Acts as a leavening agent to help the cake rise beautifully.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
• Cocoa powder (1 tablespoon): Gives just a hint of chocolate flavor without overpowering the cake.
• Vegetable oil (1 1/2 cups): Keeps the cake moist and tender for days.
• Buttermilk (1 cup, room temperature): Adds tanginess and reacts with the baking soda for lift.
• Large eggs (2, room temperature): Bind everything together and add richness.
• Red food coloring (2 tablespoons): Creates the cake’s signature deep red color that’s eye-catching and festive.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the batter.
• White vinegar (1 teaspoon): Enhances the cake’s tenderness and brightens the color.
• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The star ingredient for that silky frosting that complements the cake perfectly.
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds creaminess and smooth texture to the frosting.
• Powdered sugar (4 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to just the right consistency.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for frosting): Boosts the flavor of the cream cheese frosting with a subtle aroma.

How to Make Southern Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans so your cakes lift out easily once baked. This little prep step ensures your layers come out beautifully and intact.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well combined. This ensures even distribution of all the dry ingredients, setting the foundation for a perfectly textured cake.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until everything is smooth. These wet ingredients add flavor, moisture, and that stunning color your Southern Red Velvet Cake Recipe is famous for.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here; a light hand keeps your cake tender and airy instead of dense.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You’ll notice the cake has risen nicely and has a slight bounce when pressed.

Step 6: Cool the Cakes

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes to set before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely. This is essential so the frosting doesn’t melt or slide off when applied.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until creamy and smooth. Slowly add the powdered sugar while mixing to achieve a fluffy consistency. Finish with vanilla extract to elevate the flavor. This rich frosting is what makes every bite irresistible.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on your serving plate, spread a generous amount of frosting on top, then add the second layer. Frost the top and sides evenly for a smooth, professional look. You can get creative here by adding swirls or leaving it sleek and simple.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Slice into your Southern Red Velvet Cake Recipe and savor every bite of this classic treat. It’s perfect for sharing and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to try it.

How to Serve Southern Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Adding garnishes can elevate the Southern Red Velvet Cake Recipe to something special. Fresh berries, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even a sprinkle of shredded coconut can complement the cream cheese frosting beautifully while adding an extra touch of visual flair.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent experience. For a more traditional Southern feel, try serving it alongside a cup of strong black coffee or sweet tea to balance the sweetness of the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

For celebrations, consider making mini cupcakes using the same batter and frosting for individual desserts. You can also try layering thin slices with fresh strawberries and frosting for a stunning cake trifle, giving a fresh twist on the classic Southern Red Velvet Cake Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, store your cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually marry and deepen, making leftovers taste even better as time goes on.

Freezing

This Southern Red Velvet Cake Recipe freezes well when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best results.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your cake slightly warmed, let slices come to room temperature then warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings out the cream cheese frosting’s luscious texture without melting it completely.

FAQs

Can I substitute the red food coloring with natural alternatives?

Absolutely! Beet juice or powder can be used to achieve a natural red tint; however, it might slightly alter the flavor and color intensity. Just keep in mind that natural alternatives may not produce that vibrant red hue typical of the Southern Red Velvet Cake Recipe.

Is buttermilk necessary in this recipe?

Buttermilk is key to creating the moist, tender crumb with a slight tang that balances the sweetness. If you don’t have it on hand, you can make a substitute by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.

Why does the recipe include vinegar?

Vinegar reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise and tenderize the crumb. It also helps to keep the cake vibrant by enhancing the red color’s brightness in combination with the food coloring.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

It’s possible by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for structure; otherwise, the cake texture may be affected.

What’s the best way to level the cake layers?

Once the cakes are cooled, use a serrated knife or cake leveler to trim off the rounded tops, creating flat surfaces for easier stacking and a professional-looking slice every time in your Southern Red Velvet Cake Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Red Velvet Cake Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that feels like a warm embrace from the South. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because, it’s sure to bring joy and smiles to all who taste it. Dive in and get ready to fall in love with this classic all over again.

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