Dessert

The Best Homemade Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

30 minutes Cook
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Few desserts captivate quite like Red Velvet Cake. Instantly recognizable by its rich crimson hue, velvety-soft crumb, and luxurious cream cheese frosting, this iconic cake strikes the perfect balance between elegance and indulgence.

What truly sets Red Velvet apart is its subtle complexity. A gentle touch of cocoa adds depth without overpowering, while buttermilk and vinegar create a tender texture and a faint tang that complements the sweetness beautifully. Finished with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting, every bite is moist, balanced, and utterly unforgettable.

Whether served at holidays, birthdays, weddings, or casual gatherings, Red Velvet Cake has earned its legendary status—not just for how it looks, but for how it tastes. It’s a classic for a reason, and once you try this homemade version, you’ll understand why it continues to be adored around the world.

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The Best Homemade Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

The Best Homemade Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

humaira
prep time
20 minutes
cooking time
30 minutes
servings
30 minutes
total time
1 hour 20 minutes

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls

  • Electric mixer or stand mixer

  • Measuring cups

  • Measuring spoons

  • Whisk

  • Rubber spatula

  • 9-inch round cake pans

  • Parchment paper

  • Cooling rack

  • Offset spatula

  • Cake turntable (optional)

Ingredients

  • For the Red Velvet Cake

  • 2½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour

  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar

  • 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil

  • 2 large eggs, room temperature

  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, room temperature

  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel or liquid)

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar

  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened

  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened

  • 3½–4 cups (420–480 g) powdered sugar, sifted

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1

Prepare the Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat sugar and oil until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until just combined—do not overmix. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
2

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract.
3

Assemble the Cake

Level cake layers if needed. Spread an even layer of frosting between the cake layers. Frost the top and sides of the cake. Chill for 20–30 minutes before slicing for clean cuts.
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