Red Velvet Cake

Why This Recipe Works: Red Velvet Cake is a timeless favorite with its moist, tender crumb and hint of cocoa, all brought together with a tangy cream cheese frosting. The combination of buttermilk and vinegar enhances the cake’s texture and flavor, making it a perfect dessert for any celebration.

Ingredients:

Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon 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

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   • In another large bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar.
4. Combine Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth and well combined.
5. Bake the Cakes:
   • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Prepare the Frosting:
   • In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
7. Assemble the Cake:
   • Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
8. Decorate:
   • If desired, garnish the cake with red velvet crumbs, fresh berries, or decorative sprinkles.

Note:

• For a more vibrant red color, you can adjust the amount of food coloring to your preference.