Red Velvet Buttermilk Cake Recipe
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Create a show-stopping dessert with this Red Velvet Buttermilk Cake recipe. Moist and fluffy with a rich red hue, this cake features a delightful cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements its unique flavor. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion, this scrumptious cake is sure to impress your guests and become a favorite treat in your home.
This Red Velvet Buttermilk Cake is an exquisite dish that evokes joy and celebration. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout in any dessert table.
Why You'll Love This Cake!
- Moist and fluffy texture
- Vibrant red color
- Delicious cream cheese frosting
- Perfect for celebrations
Baking Tips for Red Velvet Cake
To achieve the best results with your Red Velvet Buttermilk Cake, remember that room temperature ingredients are key. Eggs, buttermilk, and butter should be at room temperature to ensure even mixing and proper leavening. This will help create a light and airy cake that maintains its moisture.
Another important tip is to avoid overmixing the batter once you've combined the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Mix until just combined for that perfect fluffy consistency. It’s also wise to sift your dry ingredients together, which allows for better aeration and a more uniform distribution of the baking soda and cocoa powder.
Storing Your Red Velvet Cake
After baking, it’s crucial to store your Red Velvet Buttermilk Cake properly to maintain its freshness. If you plan to serve it within a few days, simply cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will prevent it from drying out while preserving its moist texture.
For longer storage, consider refrigerating the cake, especially if it is frosted with cream cheese frosting. When refrigerated, cover the cake tightly to prevent it from absorbing any odors. For even longer storage, you may freeze the layers individually, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and then thaw them before frosting for a fresh taste.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
While this Red Velvet Buttermilk Cake is delicious on its own, you can enhance it with various variations. Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for a fun twist. You could also replace the cream cheese frosting with a classic buttercream or even a chocolate ganache for a different flavor profile.
When it comes to serving, this cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. Fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate syrup can also add a delightful touch, making each slice even more inviting. A well-presented cake is sure to impress your guests!
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups 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
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Combine all ingredients to create a delicious cake and frosting.
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In another bowl, mix oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top. Repeat with the second layer. Place the third layer on top and frost the entire cake. Decorate as desired.
Slice and serve your delicious Red Velvet Buttermilk Cake!
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional aspects of your Red Velvet Buttermilk Cake can help you make informed choices. Each slice contains essential macronutrients including carbohydrates for energy and fats that contribute to the cake's moist texture. The buttermilk adds a slight tang while providing beneficial probiotics, making it a delightful treat.
However, it’s worth noting that this cake does contain sugar and fats, which are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you’re looking to cut back on sugar, consider exploring alternative sweeteners that can provide the sweetness without the extra calories.
Frequently Asked Questions
One common question about Red Velvet Cake revolves around its distinct color. The vibrant red hue traditionally comes from cocoa powder combined with vinegar, which enhances the chocolate flavor. Today, many recipes opt for food coloring to achieve the desired shade, but the classic cocoa method adds unique depth to the flavor.
Another frequent inquiry is regarding the shelf life of the cake. If stored properly, the Red Velvet Buttermilk Cake can last up to 5 days at room temperature and about a week in the refrigerator. For optimal texture, consume it within a few days—this cake is always better fresh!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?
Yes, gel food coloring will give you a more vibrant red color.
→ How should I store the cake?
Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Red Velvet Buttermilk Cake Recipe
Create a show-stopping dessert with this Red Velvet Buttermilk Cake recipe. Moist and fluffy with a rich red hue, this cake features a delightful cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements its unique flavor. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion, this scrumptious cake is sure to impress your guests and become a favorite treat in your home.
Created by: Emma Johnson
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 servings
What You'll Need
For the Cake
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups 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
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In another bowl, mix oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top. Repeat with the second layer. Place the third layer on top and frost the entire cake. Decorate as desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 35g
- Protein: 3g