Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or cake flour for a lighter texture)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened natural cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon red gel food coloring
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat the oil and sugar together. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Incorporate flavors: Stir in vanilla extract and red food coloring.
- Combine buttermilk and vinegar: Slowly alternate adding the buttermilk mixture and dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Make frosting: Beat butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy.
- Assemble: Once the cakes are completely cool, spread frosting between layers and over the top and sides.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For a more intense red color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- To make cupcakes, bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes.
- No buttermilk? Substitute with 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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