Red Velvet Cake

A soft, subtly cocoa-flavored crimson layer cake with a hint of tang from buttermilk and vinegar, layered with classic cream cheese frosting. A striking Southern classic perfect for special occasions.

By YumYum Editorial · Baking & Desserts

Prep: 25 min · Cook: 28 min · Total: 53 min · Serves 12

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans, lining bottoms with parchment.
2. Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl.
3. In another bowl, whisk oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth and evenly colored.
5. Divide batter between the pans and bake 25-28 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool cakes in pans 10 minutes, then turn out onto racks to cool completely.
7. Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth, then gradually beat in powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
8. Frost between the layers, on top, and around the sides of the cooled cake with the cream cheese frosting.