Go Back
To make a classic red velvet cake, you need specific ingredients. These ingredients for red velvet cake give it its unique taste and texture. Here’s a list of essential items:

Red Velvet Cake

Indulge in the sweet delight of my easy and delicious red velvet cake recipe! Perfect for special occasions or just a sweet treat, this moist cake is sure to impress. Discover the simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions for baking success. Plus, get tips on frosting and decorating to make it shine. Ready to bake a showstopper? Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dessert game!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cocoa powder

1 ½ 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

1 cup cream cheese, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and set aside.

    Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, and set aside.

      Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and vegetable oil. Beat together until fluffy. Add the buttermilk and mix well.

        Add Eggs & Color: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar.

          Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.

            Bake: Divide the batter between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. 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, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

              Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy.

                Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second layer atop the first and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.

                  Decorate: For a festive touch, you can decorate the cake with white chocolate shavings, red velvet cake crumbs, or fresh berries.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 12

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve slices of the cake on vintage dessert plates, with a dusting of cocoa powder and a fresh berry on top for a pop of color.