Very Moist & Soft Red Velvet Cake
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Elevate your dessert game with this remarkably moist and soft Red Velvet Cake that melts in your mouth. The rich cocoa flavor combined with a hint of vanilla creates a delightful experience for your taste buds, while the luscious cream cheese frosting adds the perfect touch of sweetness. Ideal for special occasions or a cozy gathering, this cake is sure to impress everyone at your table.
This Red Velvet Cake is not just a dessert; it's a celebration of flavor and texture that brings happiness to any gathering.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Red Velvet Cake is a showstopper that can truly elevate any gathering. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or just want to indulge in a delicious dessert, this cake fits the bill beautifully. Its rich, red hue and delectable layers of cream cheese frosting will catch everyone's eye, making it a favorite among guests. Pair it with a cup of coffee or your favorite dessert wine for a truly decadent experience.
Not only does this cake look stunning, but it also satisfies a variety of taste preferences. The combination of chocolate and vanilla flavors appeals to chocolate lovers, while the unique red color adds a festive twist that is perfect for special occasions. Serve it at holiday parties or family dinners; it's bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
Making It Your Own
While this recipe provides a fantastic foundation, feel free to get creative! You can incorporate different fillings, such as raspberry or white chocolate, to introduce new flavors. Consider adding crushed nuts for a delightful crunch or even a layer of chocolate ganache for extra indulgence. These small adjustments can elevate your cake, making it uniquely yours.
If you're looking to reduce the sweetness, you may substitute part of the powdered sugar in the frosting with cocoa powder. This will create a beautifully balanced flavor without compromising the cake's integrity. Creating variations on this classic dessert allows you to cater to everyone's taste preferences.
Storage and Serving Tips
Storing your Red Velvet Cake properly can help maintain its moisture and flavor. After frosting the cake, cover it with a cake dome or plastic wrap and refrigerate. It can last up to a week in the fridge. If you need to store it for a longer time, consider freezing the unfrosted cake layers. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container; they can last for up to three months in the freezer.
When it comes to serving, ensure the cake is at room temperature for optimal flavor. You can garnish with fresh berries or a dusting of cocoa powder for added visual appeal. A warm cup of tea or coffee pairs beautifully with this luxurious cake, creating a balanced dessert experience.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 cup 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
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before you start baking!
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until well combined.
Combine Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Make Frosting
In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy.
Frost the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting on top of one cake layer, place the other layer on top, and frost the top and sides.
Slice the cake and enjoy your delicious creation!
Ingredient Substitutions
If you're in a pinch and don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about five minutes to sour; this will mimic buttermilk's acidity and consistency. Additionally, for a lighter option, you could use applesauce in place of some oil, which will still yield a moist cake without the extra fat.
Vegan bakers can try an egg replacer or flaxseed meal mixed with water to create a binding agent similar to eggs. Using plant-based cream cheese and butter in the frosting can also help you achieve a delicious vegan-friendly dessert without compromising flavor.
FAQs About Red Velvet Cake
One common question is whether the red food coloring can be reduced or replaced. While the vibrant color is iconic, you can use beet juice for a more natural option. However, the cake may not have the same intensity. Another question revolves around the texture; the use of buttermilk and baking soda creates that soft, tender crumb, so it’s best to stick to the recipe for optimal results.
Many ask about serving sizes. A standard two-layer 9-inch cake typically serves about 12-16 people. If you're serving at a larger event, consider making a batch of cupcakes using the same batter, which can be a fun and portion-friendly alternative.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use less food coloring?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of food coloring based on your preference for color intensity.
→ How do I store leftover cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Very Moist & Soft Red Velvet Cake
Elevate your dessert game with this remarkably moist and soft Red Velvet Cake that melts in your mouth. The rich cocoa flavor combined with a hint of vanilla creates a delightful experience for your taste buds, while the luscious cream cheese frosting adds the perfect touch of sweetness. Ideal for special occasions or a cozy gathering, this cake is sure to impress everyone at your table.
Created by: Emma Johnson
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 1 cake
What You'll Need
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 cup 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
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
In a large bowl, mix together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake 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 wire racks to cool completely.
In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy.
Once the cakes are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting on top of one cake layer, place the other layer on top, and frost the top and sides.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 3g