Description
From-scratch Southern red velvet cake with buttermilk, cocoa, vinegar, and cream cheese frosting. Two 9-inch layers from Alissa at Yummy Dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 2 1/2 cups (313g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 2 tablespoons (12g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) red gel food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
Cream cheese frosting
- 16 oz (454g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans, line the bottoms with parchment, and grease the paper.
- Whisk the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa in a large bowl so the cocoa disappears into the dry mix.
- In a second bowl, whisk the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar until even.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold just until no dry streaks remain. Do not beat — overmixing makes a tight crumb.
- Divide the batter between the pans (about 650g each if you weigh). Bake 28 to 32 minutes, until a toothpick in the center comes out clean and the tops spring back.
- Cool in the pans 10 minutes, then turn out onto racks and peel off the parchment. Cool completely before frosting.
- Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt on low, then beat until fluffy.
- Fill and frost the layers. Chill 20 minutes before slicing so the frosting sets.
Notes
Gel color gives a true red without thinning the batter. Liquid coloring needs more volume and can dull the cocoa. The cake keeps refrigerated, covered, for 4 days. Bring slices to room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Southern