Red velvet cake is a timeless favorite — soft, moist, and vibrant with a hint of cocoa and a signature tang from buttermilk and vinegar. Topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for celebrations or simply indulging in a luxurious dessert moment.
Here’s how you can make it at home, just like the one in the photo.
✅ Ingredients:
For the red velvet cake:
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2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
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1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon cocoa powder
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 large eggs
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1 ½ cups vegetable oil
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1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
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2 tablespoons red food coloring (liquid or gel)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon white vinegar
For the cream cheese frosting:
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8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
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½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
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2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat and prepare pans:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease and flour two 9-inch (or three 8-inch) round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients:
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In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, and sugar.
3. Combine wet ingredients:
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In another bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar.
4. Make the batter:
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Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth (do not overmix).
5. Bake:
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Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Prepare frosting:
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Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
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Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until creamy and spreadable.
7. Assemble:
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Layer the cakes with cream cheese frosting in between.
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Frost the top and sides of the cake. Decorate as desired — piped swirls, red velvet crumbs, or fresh fruit.
Tips:
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For deeper flavor, let the cake rest for a few hours before serving.
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Gel food coloring gives a stronger red hue without thinning the batter.
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Chill the cake before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Final Thoughts:
This red velvet cake is as gorgeous as it is delicious — moist layers of cocoa-kissed cake with tangy cream cheese frosting. Whether for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or a weekend treat, it’s guaranteed to impress!
