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Ultimate Moist Red Velvet Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

ultimate moist red velvet cake - featured image
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A moist and tender red velvet cake with a velvety crumb paired with tangy yet sweet cream cheese frosting. Perfect for beginners and any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar as substitute)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel-based preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional)
  • For the cream cheese frosting:
  • 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened (full-fat recommended)
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, then line bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Mix in buttermilk, vanilla extract, red food coloring, white vinegar, and espresso powder (if using).
  6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, folding gently or mixing on low speed just until combined.
  7. Divide batter evenly into prepared pans. Tap pans lightly to release air bubbles.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto cooling racks to cool completely.
  10. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  11. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low speed to avoid sugar clouds.
  12. Stir in vanilla extract and salt. Adjust consistency with milk or more powdered sugar if needed.
  13. Assemble cake by spreading frosting on one layer, topping with second layer, then frosting entire cake.
  14. Chill assembled cake for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs and butter for better mixing and fluffier cake. Do not overmix after adding dry ingredients to avoid dense cake. Gel food coloring keeps batter thick and vibrant. Chill frosting if too soft before applying. Baking in a single 9×13 pan is possible with longer baking time (40-45 minutes).

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet cake, cream cheese frosting, moist cake, easy cake recipe, beginner baking, classic dessert

Find it online: https://larameals.com/ultimate-moist-red-velvet-cake-recipe-with-cream-cheese-frosting-perfect-for-beginners/