Ina Garten Red Velvet Cake

Name: Ina Garten Red Velvet Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon fine sea 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; 16 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Experience the delightful charm of Ina Garten's Red Velvet Cake, featuring a moist, velvety texture and a rich cream cheese frosting. This stunning dessert is perfect for celebrations, making any occasion unforgettable with its vibrant color and delicious flavor. Elevate your baking skills and impress your guests with this classic recipe that embodies love and warmth.

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2025-11-17T02:01:11.579Z

Ina Garten's Red Velvet Cake is more than just a dessert; it's a celebration of love and festivity. With its striking color and deliciously smooth cream cheese frosting, it's perfect for any occasion.

A Classic Dessert for Any Occasion

Red Velvet Cake, a staple in Southern baking, is cherished for its unique flavor and striking appearance. Its rich, velvety red color captures the eyes, while the blend of cocoa and buttermilk delivers a moist and delightful taste that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for birthday parties, weddings, or holiday gatherings, this cake is sure to be the star of the dessert table.

What elevates this dessert further is its luscious cream cheese frosting. The slight tanginess of the cream cheese pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake, creating a harmonious balance that pleases the palate. By using Ina Garten's recipe, you're not just baking a cake; you're creating a memorable experience that everyone will adore.

Perfect for Bakers of All Levels

Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this Red Velvet Cake recipe is straightforward and approachable. The step-by-step instructions guide you through each part of the process, from preparing the ingredients to the final frosting touches. With just a few essential ingredients, you’ll find the baking process not only easy but also enjoyable.

The use of common pantry staples makes this recipe accessible to anyone, while the level of creativity involved allows for personalization. Add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts can be incorporated easily, allowing you to put your own unique spin on this classic dessert. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your loved ones!

Tips for Baking Success

Achieving the perfect Red Velvet Cake is all about precision and care. Make sure all your ingredients, especially the eggs and buttermilk, are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking. Additionally, be careful not to over-mix the batter; mixing until just combined will help maintain the cake's light and fluffy texture.

Cooling the cakes properly is also essential. Allowing them to rest in the pans for a short time before transferring to wire racks will prevent them from breaking. When it comes to frosting, use a generous amount of cream cheese frosting for that indulgent finish. The frosting should complement, not overshadow, the cake's flavors.

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon fine sea 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

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

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

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pans

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry mixture, stirring until just combined.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely. Frost with cream cheese frosting.

Slice and enjoy your delicious Red Velvet Cake!

Storing and Serving Red Velvet Cake

To keep your Red Velvet Cake fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake can last up to a week when stored properly. If you plan on making the cake in advance, consider baking the layers ahead of time and freezing them. Just make sure to wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.

When it comes time to serve, allow the cake to sit at room temperature for a short while to soften the frosting. This will help intensify the flavors and make for a more enjoyable eating experience. Pair the cake with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for the ultimate treat.

A History of Red Velvet Cake

The origins of Red Velvet Cake can be traced back to the 1920s and 1930s, where it was often featured in special occasions and celebrations. Its signature red color was achieved using cocoa powder and buttermilk, creating its unique taste and texture even before red food coloring became popular. Over the years, the cake has evolved, becoming a favorite across the United States.

The cake gained widespread fame in the 1980s, thanks in part to the popularization by restaurants and baking shows. Today, Red Velvet Cake is not just a beloved dessert but a symbol of joy and celebration, often associated with Valentine's Day and other heartfelt occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions

One common question is, 'Can I use a different type of frosting with Red Velvet Cake?' While cream cheese frosting is a classic pairing, feel free to experiment. Chocolate ganache or vanilla buttercream could also work beautifully, offering different flavors and textures that still complement the cake's signature taste.

Another frequently asked question is about the use of food coloring. For a more natural approach, consider using beet juice or other natural colorants. However, traditional food coloring gives that striking red hue that people expect from a Red Velvet Cake, making it a popular choice in most recipes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cakes ahead of time and frost them just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can use regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice added.