Name: Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 14 ounces all-purpose flour; 14 ounces granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 4 ounces vegetable oil; 8 ounces buttermilk (room temperature); 1 tablespoon white vinegar; 6 ounces unsalted butter (melted but not hot); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel food coloring); 12 ounces cream cheese (softened); 8 ounces unsalted butter (softened); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (or orange extract); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 26 ounces powdered sugar (sifted)

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If you are looking for that perfect dessert to impress friends and family while feeling like a cozy kitchen celebration, this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Packed with velvety texture and an irresistibly rich cream cheese layer, this cake blends a subtle cocoa hint with the vibrant red color that makes every bite a delight. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a day to brighten with a sweet treat, this recipe promises to deliver that classic comfort with a fresh homemade flair.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two small red velvet cakes are shown in white round baking dishes. Each cake is a single thick layer with a slightly domed, textured top that has a deep red color with small cracks and a soft, moist appearance. The dishes sit on a white marbled surface, and the background is softly blurred to focus on the cakes in the foreground. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All these ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays an essential role in creating the moist, tender crumb and the luscious frosting that defines this cake. Together, they balance flavor, texture, and that iconic deep red hue that makes red velvet so special.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cake for a tender yet sturdy crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create moisture through caramelization.
Cocoa powder: Adds just the right depth of chocolate flavor without overpowering the red velvet charm.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
Baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent, giving the cake its perfect lift.
Large eggs (room temperature): Help bind all ingredients and add richness.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without heaviness.
Buttermilk (room temperature): Reacts with baking soda to create lightness and adds that classic tangy note.
White vinegar: Enhances the red color and tenderizes gluten for softness.
Unsalted butter (melted): Provides richness and flavor depth.
Vanilla extract: Elevates and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Red food coloring (gel): Gives that unmistakable vibrant red hue that makes the cake visually stunning.
Cream cheese (softened): The hero of the frosting, lending tang and creamy texture.
Unsalted butter (softened): Adds body and silkiness to the frosting.
Vanilla or orange extract: Offers a subtle hint of warm aroma in the frosting.
Salt (for frosting): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
Powdered sugar (sifted): Sweetens the frosting and creates that smooth, spreadable consistency.

How to Make Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Start by heating your oven to 350°F, ensuring it’s properly preheated to create the perfect environment for your cakes to rise evenly. Grease and line two 8-inch by 2-inch cake pans with cake goop or your favorite pan release method so that your layers come out effortlessly and keep their shape.

Step 2: Mix the Liquid Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, white vinegar, melted butter, vanilla, and red food coloring. This combination brings moisture, acidity, richness, and that signature color all in one go. Setting this aside temporarily lets you prepare the dry mix next.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Into the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda. Mix on low speed just long enough to blend the ingredients and distribute the leavening evenly—this prevents overworking the flour and keeps things tender.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Slowly pour the liquid mix into the dry ingredients while mixing on medium speed. Keep going until the batter looks smooth and even, about a minute. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl to get every bit of moisture in—it’s the secret to an even crumb and moist cake.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Divide the vibrant red batter evenly between the prepped pans, smoothing surfaces if needed. Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes away clean and the tops spring back when gently touched. This ensures a beautifully baked, tender crumb that’s not dry.

Step 6: Cool and Prepare for Frosting

Let your cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, which helps them set to prevent breakage. Then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re frosting them the same day, chilling these layers in the freezer for an hour makes frosting easier and neater. Otherwise, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to a week, locking in freshness and moisture.

Step 7: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

Using your stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat softened butter first until smooth. Add in the softened cream cheese and mix on low until silky and lump-free. Gradually incorporate sifted powdered sugar one cup at a time to prevent cloudiness and mess, finishing with vanilla extract and salt for a well-rounded, luscious frosting.

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

Once the cake layers are fully cooled (and ideally cold), spread your cream cheese frosting generously between layers and all over the cake. This frosting brings that tangy sweetness that balances perfectly with the richness of the cake. You can get creative or keep it classic—it always tastes divine.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows a three-layer red velvet cake with a rich, deep red color and a slightly rough texture. Between each thick cake layer, there is a smooth, thick spread of white cream filling, creating two visible layers of cream. The cake sits directly on a white marbled surface with no visible plate, and the cake edges are clean but slightly crumbly. The background is blurred but neutral, keeping the focus on the cake. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple touches like fresh berries, edible flowers, or a light dusting of cocoa powder make the cake pop visually without overshadowing the rich flavors. Sometimes a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts adds a delightful crunch and warmth that elevates each bite.

Side Dishes

Pairing this cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream complements its creamy frosting and delicate crumb. For drinks, a cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk balances the sweetness perfectly and rounds out the dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopper, layer the cake in a trifle bowl with alternating layers of crushed red velvet pieces and cream cheese frosting for a beautifully rustic dessert. You can also transform the cake into cupcakes for individual servings or even cake pops, making it fun and portable for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cream cheese frosting will maintain its luscious texture, and the cake stays moist. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze fully baked cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to a month. After thawing, rewhip your frosting slightly if needed before decorating. This is a fantastic way to prep in advance without compromising freshness or taste.

Reheating

While you don’t want to microwave the frosted cake, if you have leftover slices without frosting or small pieces, a few seconds in the microwave can revive their softness. Avoid reheating frosted layers to prevent the frosting from melting and losing its lovely texture.

FAQs

Can I use a substitute for buttermilk in this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?

Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to one cup of milk and letting it sit for five minutes. This mimics the acidity and thickness of buttermilk essential for the cake’s texture and flavor.

Why does red velvet cake use cocoa powder but taste mild?

Red velvet cake uses a small amount of cocoa powder compared to typical chocolate cakes, resulting in just a hint of chocolate flavor rather than overpowering richness. The combination with vinegar and buttermilk also helps soften the cocoa’s intensity, delivering that unique mild yet complex taste.

Can I make this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure to choose one with xanthan gum or add a binder to ensure the cake’s structure remains just right. The rest of the ingredients work perfectly as is.

How do I prevent the cream cheese frosting from being runny?

To get the perfect frosting consistency, make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened but not melted. Beat them well before gradually adding powdered sugar. Also, avoid over-mixing after adding the sugar, as that can thin the frosting. If it gets too soft, chill for a bit to firm up.

Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?

To make a vegan version, swap out eggs for flax or chia eggs, use a plant-based milk with vinegar for the buttermilk, use vegan butter, and try a vegan cream cheese alternative for the frosting. The flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious with some adjustments.

Final Thoughts

If you want to bring a true classic into your kitchen with a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe, this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is your perfect go-to. From its tender crumb and gorgeous color to the tangy, luscious frosting, every slice tells a story of comfort and love. Don’t hesitate to make this for your next gathering or just for the joyful moments of baking and sharing with those you care about.