This Red Velvet Sheet Cake is a classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, offering a moist, tender cake with a vibrant red hue and a rich cream cheese frosting. Imagine a light, fluffy cake with a subtle cocoa flavor, complemented by a tangy cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. This sheet cake is easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Convenient: A sheet cake is simple to prepare and perfect for large gatherings.
- Classic Flavor: The combination of cocoa, buttermilk, and cream cheese frosting creates the signature Red Velvet flavor.
- Moist and Tender: The buttermilk and oil in the cake batter ensure a moist and tender cake.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Red Velvet Sheet Cake:
For the Cake
- Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and moisture to the cake.
- Eggs: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor.
- Baking soda: Leavens the cake and reacts with the vinegar.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors.
- Vinegar: Reacts with baking soda for leavening and adds tanginess.
- Butter: Adds richness and tenderness.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness.
- Cake flour: Provides a light, tender crumb.
- Cocoa powder: Adds a subtle chocolate flavor.
- Red food coloring: Provides the signature red color.
For the Frosting
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the frosting.
- Cream cheese: Softened, provides a tangy, creamy base.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
Instructions
Make the Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease an 11×17 inch baking sheet with cooking spray.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Stir well and incorporate vinegar. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the buttermilk mixture, flour, and cocoa powder to the creamed mixture. Mix until just combined.
Step 5: Add Food Coloring
Add red food coloring and mix until the color is evenly incorporated.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool
Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
Make the Frosting
Step 8: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
Step 9: Add Powdered Sugar
Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
Frost the Cake
Step 10: Frost and Serve
Once the cake is cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for smoother batter and frosting.
- Food Coloring: Adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your desired color.
- Gentle Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter for a tender cake.
- Cooling Time: Ensure the cake is completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- Storing: Store leftover cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days.
How to Serve
- Dessert: Serve as a classic dessert for any occasion.
- Parties and Gatherings: Perfect for feeding a crowd at parties and celebrations.
- Holidays: A festive addition to holiday dessert tables.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour?
Cake flour provides the best texture for this cake, but all-purpose flour can be used as a substitute.
Can I use a different type of frosting?
Yes, you can use other frostings like buttercream or chocolate frosting.
Can I make this cake in a different pan?
Yes, you can use a 9×13 inch pan or two 9-inch round pans. Adjust baking time accordingly.
How do I prevent the cake from being dry?
Do not overbake the cake and ensure accurate measurements of ingredients.
There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Red Velvet Sheet Cake that’s perfect for any occasion. The moist cake and tangy frosting create a truly unforgettable treat. Give it a try, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dessert ready in no time!
PrintRed Velvet Sheet Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 slices 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
ย Indulge in the classic comfort of a Red Velvet Sheet Cake. This moist, tender cake, with its signature red hue and subtle cocoa flavor, is topped with a smooth, creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or a delightful treat anytime.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vinegar
- 1 cup butter
- 1 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 1/2 cups cake flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 ounce red food coloring liquid
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350โ (175โ). Coat an 11×17-inch baking sheet with cooking spray.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Stir well and incorporate vinegar. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In your mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the buttermilk mixture, flour, and cocoa powder to the creamed mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Add Food Coloring: Add red food coloring to the batter and mix until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Bake Cake: Transfer batter to the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth.
- Frost Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Serve: Cut into squares and serve directly from the baking sheet.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese.
- Adjust food coloring for desired red hue.
- Mix batter gently to avoid a tough cake.
- Cool cake completely before frosting.
- Store leftover cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *