Red Velvet Cake

Classic red velvet cake layers with creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting, featuring a perfect balance of cocoa flavor and a vibrant red color for a stunning dessert.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Red Velvet Cake is the ultimate showstopper dessert, combining rich, moist layers of cake with the creamy indulgence of cream cheese frosting. Its vibrant red hue makes it perfect for celebrations, while the subtle cocoa flavor creates a deliciously balanced taste. Whether for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions, this iconic cake is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

90 g egg whites
30 g liquid red food coloring
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
170 g all-purpose flour
30 g cornstarch
140 g sugar (original recipe uses 200 g)
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
60 g vegetable oil
55 g softened butter
120 g buttermilk or sour milk

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

230 g powdered sugar (or 170 g white chocolate)
225 g softened cream cheese
55 g softened butter
15 g sour cream
1 vanilla bean (seeds scraped out)

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour cake pans.
In a large bowl, whisk egg whites, red food coloring, and vanilla extract.
In another bowl, sift together flour, cornstarch, sugar, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with vegetable oil and buttermilk. Mix until smooth.
Stir in softened butter.

Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool cakes completely on wire racks.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar (or melted white chocolate), sour cream, and vanilla bean seeds until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Cake

Spread a layer of frosting between cake layers and over the top and sides.
Chill before serving for the best results.

Serve

Serve and enjoy this decadent red velvet cake for any special occasion.

Servings and timing

Makes 10 slices
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per slice

Variations

• Use mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese for a slightly different flavor.
• Add a splash of lemon juice to the cake batter for a subtle citrus note.
• Add a handful of chopped nuts (like pecans) or chocolate chips to the cake for extra texture.
• Make mini individual cakes instead of a large one for smaller servings.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving again for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cakes and frosting ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to assemble.

Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?

Using whole eggs will alter the texture slightly but should still work well. The cake may be slightly denser and less vibrant in color.

Can I use a different type of frosting?

While cream cheese frosting is traditional, you could also use buttercream or a whipped cream frosting for a different flavor.

Can I make this cake without food coloring?

The iconic red color is what defines a red velvet cake, but you can reduce or omit the food coloring if preferred for a more subtle hue.

How do I prevent the cake from being too dry?

Ensure you don’t overbake the cake, and check for doneness with a toothpick. The cake should come out clean but still slightly moist.

Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake layers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before frosting.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Cake is a true classic, perfect for any special occasion. Its rich flavor, stunning color, and creamy frosting make it a crowd favorite. With this easy recipe, you can make your own indulgent red velvet cake at home that’s sure to impress every time.

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