Red Velvet Cake is a classic dessert known for its beautiful deep red color, soft and moist texture, and rich cream cheese frosting. With a mild cocoa flavor and a slight tang from buttermilk, this cake is perfect for celebrations, holidays, or whenever you want an elegant homemade dessert.
⏱ Prep Time
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 50 minutes
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Servings: 10–12 slices
🧰 Equipment
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2 round 9-inch cake pans
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Mixing bowls
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Electric mixer or hand whisk
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Rubber spatula
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Cooling rack
🥄 Ingredients
For the Cake
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2½ cups all-purpose flour
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2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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1½ cups granulated sugar
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1 cup vegetable oil
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2 large eggs
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1 cup buttermilk
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 tablespoon white vinegar
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1–2 tablespoons red food coloring
Cream Cheese Frosting
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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3–4 cups powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together:
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Flour
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Cocoa powder
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Baking soda
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Salt
Set aside.
3. Prepare the Cake Batter
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In a large bowl, beat sugar and oil until combined.
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Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
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Stir in buttermilk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring.
4. Combine Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix until smooth.
In a small bowl, combine vinegar and baking soda, then gently fold it into the batter.
5. Bake the Cake
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Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool the Cakes
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack until completely cooled.
7. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
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Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
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Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fluffy.
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Add vanilla extract and beat again until smooth.
8. Assemble the Cake
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Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
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Spread a thick layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
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Add the second layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.
🍽 Nutrition (Approximate per slice)
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Calories: 450
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Carbohydrates: 55 g
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Protein: 5 g
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Fat: 24 g
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Sugar: 38 g
⭐ Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cake
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Use buttermilk for the softest texture.
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Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
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Chill the cake for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner layers.
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Add a little extra cocoa powder if you want a slightly richer chocolate flavor.
🔄 Variations
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Red Velvet Cupcakes: Use the same batter and bake for 18–20 minutes.
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Red Velvet Bundt Cake: Bake in a bundt pan for 40–45 minutes.
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Chocolate Red Velvet: Add ¼ cup extra cocoa powder for deeper flavor.
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Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting: Mix strawberry puree into the frosting.
✅ Red Velvet Cake is a timeless dessert loved for its moist crumb, vibrant color, and creamy frosting—perfect for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions.
