Description
This Southern Red Velvet Cake is a classic dessert featuring moist, vibrant red layers made with cocoa powder and buttermilk, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a special treat, this cake offers a tender crumb and rich flavors that capture the essence of Southern baking.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure the cakes don’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until thoroughly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the vegetable oil, room temperature buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until smooth and well blended.
- Make the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely, preventing sogginess.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract to finish.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Add the second layer, then frost the top and sides evenly with the remaining frosting.
- Serve: Slice the cake and enjoy this rich and tangy Southern classic, perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- Ensure all wet ingredients are at room temperature to help with even mixing and texture.
- You can substitute the red food coloring with beet juice for a natural alternative, though the color may be less vibrant.
- For a moister cake, brush the layers with a simple syrup before frosting.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
