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The Ultimate Moist Southern Red Velvet Cake with Classic Cream Cheese Frosting

A tall, moist slice of red velvet cake showing two vibrant red layers separated by thick white cream cheese frosting.
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Bake the best homemade red velvet cake, featuring a perfectly moist and velvety crumb and topped with rich cream cheese frosting. This classic Southern recipe is ideal for celebrations.

Ingredients

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  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup red food coloring (liquid or gel)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. In a small bowl, mix the buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until the color is uniform.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix only until just combined; do not overmix to keep the crumb tender.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Prepare the frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until combined. Beat in the vanilla extract until the frosting is light and creamy.
  10. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread about one-third of the frosting evenly over the top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.

Notes

  • For a deeper red color, use gel food coloring or increase the amount slightly.
  • Buttermilk reacts with the cocoa and baking soda to create the classic subtle tang and tender texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added; this prevents a tough cake and helps achieve a velvety crumb.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishcraze.com/red-velvet-cake-ultimate-moist-southern-recipe/