Red Velvet Cake with Extra Icing!

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

This decadent Red Velvet Cake is a showstopper that combines rich cocoa flavor with a vibrant red hue, topped with a generous layer of creamy cream cheese icing. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet treat, it’s a slice of heaven that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Elevate your dessert game with this classic favorite that’s as delicious as it is beautiful!

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-11-17T05:43:32.695Z

This Red Velvet Cake is not just a dessert; it's a celebration of flavors and colors!

The Rich Flavors of Red Velvet

Red Velvet Cake is not just visually stunning; it offers a unique flavor profile that’s both rich and decadent. The subtle cocoa undertones complement the luscious cream cheese icing perfectly, creating a balanced dessert that excites the palate. The cake’s velvety texture, combined with its bright red color, makes it a delightful centerpiece for any celebration or gathering. Each slice is a perfect blend of sweetness and slight tanginess, making it a crowd favorite that appeals to both chocolate lovers and those seeking something different.

Beyond its flavor, the vibrant red hue of this cake adds a festive touch to any occasion. It’s perfect for romantic dinners, holiday celebrations, or as a birthday surprise. The striking color can be attributed to the combination of cocoa powder and red food coloring, which brightens up the layers without overtaking the cake’s chocolate flavor. Red Velvet Cake not only pleases the taste buds but also elevates the visual appeal of your dessert table.

Tips for Perfecting Your Red Velvet Cake

To ensure your Red Velvet Cake turns out perfectly, use room temperature ingredients. This allows for better emulsification and results in a tender crumb. Buttermilk is particularly important as it adds moisture and a hint of tang that complements the sweetness of the cake. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can create a substitute by mixing milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for a few minutes.

Another tip is to pay attention to the mixing process. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just blended to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a denser cake. Also, be precise with your baking time; checking for doneness with a toothpick in the center will ensure you don’t end up with dry cakes. Remember, every oven is different, so it’s worth keeping a close eye during the final minutes of baking.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients to get started!

For the Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Red food coloring

For the Cream Cheese Icing

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to check each ingredient carefully before starting.

Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfect Red Velvet Cake!

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix the oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, and food coloring. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While the cakes cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of cream cheese icing on top, then place the second layer on top. Use the remaining icing to frost the top and sides of the cake. Decorate as desired.

Enjoy your delicious Red Velvet Cake!

Storing Your Red Velvet Cake

If you have leftover Red Velvet Cake, proper storage is key to maintaining its freshness. Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it, which will keep it fresh for about a week. If the cake is frosted, keep it covered to prevent the icing from drying out.

If you want to keep the cake for an extended period, consider freezing it. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, ensuring it’s well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Perfect Occasions for Red Velvet Cake

Red Velvet Cake is a fantastic choice for a variety of celebrations. Its striking color and rich flavor make it ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings. Whether you choose to serve it at a casual gathering or as the centerpiece of a grand celebration, it’s sure to delight your guests and leave a lasting impression.

Additionally, consider bringing a Red Velvet Cake to potlucks or holiday parties. Its unique aesthetic and delicious taste set it apart from other desserts, making it a showstopper at any event. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat or dessert experience.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cakes a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator.

→ What if I can't find buttermilk?

You can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

Red Velvet Cake with Extra Icing!

This decadent Red Velvet Cake is a showstopper that combines rich cocoa flavor with a vibrant red hue, topped with a generous layer of creamy cream cheese icing. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet treat, it’s a slice of heaven that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Elevate your dessert game with this classic favorite that’s as delicious as it is beautiful!

Prep Time30.0
Cooking Duration30.0
Overall Time60.0

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12.0

What You'll Need

For the Cake

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  3. 1 cup vegetable oil
  4. 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  5. 2 large eggs, room temperature
  6. 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  7. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  8. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  9. 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  10. 1 teaspoon salt
  11. Red food coloring

For the Cream Cheese Icing

  1. 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  2. ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  3. 4 cups powdered sugar
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix the oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, and food coloring. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 02

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 03

While the cakes cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.

Step 04

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of cream cheese icing on top, then place the second layer on top. Use the remaining icing to frost the top and sides of the cake. Decorate as desired.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 36g
  • Protein: 3g