Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re after a show-stopping dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, you’ve got to try this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. I absolutely love how this cake turns out every single time – it’s moist, tender, and that classic red velvet flavor just sings with a perfect balance of cocoa and subtle tang. The cream cheese frosting is rich, silky, and not too sweet, making it the perfect compliment. Honestly, when I first tried a homemade red velvet cake, I was hooked, and I can’t wait to share all the tips and tricks with you to get it just right.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe plays a vital role in creating that perfect texture and flavor. I love using natural cocoa and buttermilk for that authentic taste. Also, pick a gel food coloring because it gives you vibrant color without thinning the batter.

• Plain hot coffee or boiling water: Helps extract the cocoa flavor and enhances the cake’s depth.
• Unsweetened natural cocoa powder: The foundation for that subtle chocolatey note.
• All-purpose flour: Choose a good-quality flour for tender crumb.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Together, they make sure your cake rises properly and stays fluffy.
• Salt and ground cinnamon (optional): Salt balances sweetness, and cinnamon adds a warm hint I like to use sometimes.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens without overpowering that velvety flavor.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and depth.
• Eggs and egg yolk (room temperature): Essential for binding and structure—for the best texture, don’t skip warming them first.
• Buttermilk (room temperature): Gives a slight tang and tenderizes the crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out flavors beautifully.
• Red gel food coloring: This gives the cake that vibrant signature color without watering down batter.
• Distilled white vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to create lift and subtle tanginess.
• Cream cheese (room temperature): For that luscious, tangy frosting you’ll want extra of.
• Unsalted butter (room temperature): Smooths and balances the cream cheese in frosting.
• Powdered sugar (sifted): Makes the frosting sweet and silky.

Variations

I’m all about customizing recipes to suit your mood or occasion. This Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a fantastic base that you can tweak with simple swaps or additions – trust me, it’s just as delicious every way.

• Gluten-free version: I’ve tried swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and it worked beautifully when combined with a bit of xanthan gum for structure.
• Vegan adaptation: Using flax eggs and vegan butter, plus a coconut-based cream cheese, creates a great dairy-free twist that still tastes indulgent.
• Extra chocolate: Sometimes I add mini chocolate chips into the batter for little bursts of melty chocolate throughout the cake layers.
• Lemon vinegar swap: If you don’t have distilled vinegar, lemon juice works as a substitute but can add a faint citrus note.

How to Make Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Cocoa Mixture

First, preheat your oven to 325°F. Line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment rounds and spray everything generously with nonstick spray so your cakes release easily. Meanwhile, whisk together the hot coffee and cocoa powder in a measuring cup—this helps bring out that deep chocolate flavor. Cover and let it stand for about 5 minutes while you gather everything else.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon. I like to sift or at least whisk these well to avoid lumps and keep the batter light.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the sugar, vegetable oil, and melted butter until combined. Add the eggs and egg yolk and whisk for about 20 seconds until everything is smooth. Then stir in buttermilk, vanilla, red food coloring, and the vinegar-coffee mixture. The batter should glow a beautiful, deep red—add a little more gel food coloring if you want it brighter.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Now, using a fine mesh sieve, sift the flour mix into the wet batter in three additions, gently whisking after each to combine. Don’t overmix here; once it’s just combined, stop. Overworking the batter can make the cake tough, and we want it soft and velvety.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. I like to tap the bottoms on the counter a few times to pop any air bubbles—it helps get an even crumb. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remember, the tops will still look a bit spongy—that’s perfect! Let them cool in the pans for a bit, then carefully loosen edges with a knife and invert onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 6: Make That Cream Cheese Frosting

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed until super smooth and creamy—that can take about 3-5 minutes. Don’t rush it! Scrape down the bowl often, then add vanilla and beat to combine. On low speed, gradually add sifted powdered sugar until it’s fluffy. If frosting feels too thick, I add a splash of milk or cream; if too thin, a pinch more powdered sugar does the trick.

Step 7: Assemble and Frost

Start with one cake layer flat-side up on your cake plate, and I always tuck baking paper strips under the edges to keep things tidy. Spread about a third of the frosting evenly, then repeat on the second layer. Place the final layer on top and use the rest of the frosting to ice the whole cake. Smooth or create swirls as you like—this frosting is forgiving and delicious.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this cake with a few simple touches: a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans adds crunch, or a dusting of cocoa powder for drama. Fresh raspberries or strawberries provide a pop of color and a little tartness that works beautifully with the smooth frosting. When I’m feeling a little extra fancy, decorative edible flowers make it truly special.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually keep it simple with some fresh whipped cream and a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. A light fruit salad with citrus segments also pairs nicely, balancing out the richness of the cake for a well-rounded dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or celebrations, I like to turn this cake into a layered masterpiece using colorful sprinkles between the layers for a surprise inside. Alternatively, cutting the cake into mini cupcakes or cake jars is a fun, casual presentation perfect for parties. If you’re making it for Valentine’s Day or anniversaries, adding red velvet crumbs as a border around the frosting creates stunning texture and color contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover red velvet cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting keeps well and the cake stays moist for up to 4 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this cake stored in layers before frosting, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil, and it thaws beautifully overnight in the fridge. Cream cheese frosting doesn’t freeze as well once applied, so freezing unfrosted layers is best if you want to prepare in advance.

Reheating

Since it’s a cake, reheating isn’t usually necessary, but if you prefer your cake slightly warm, I pop a slice in the microwave for around 10-15 seconds. Keep it short to avoid drying it out. Again, bringing leftovers to room temp first really helps the flavors and moisture shine.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making and indulging in this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those desserts that instantly feels like a special treat but is surprisingly easy to bake at home. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just because, the rich flavor, tender crumb, and creamy frosting will keep everyone coming back for seconds. So, grab your mixing bowls, get cozy in the kitchen, and whip up this timeless classic. You’ll be so glad you did!

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