Classic Red Velvet Cake

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About the Recipe

Our Classic Red Velvet Cake is a celebration of rich flavor and timeless charm. With its striking red hue and sumptuous cream cheese frosting, this cake embodies the perfect balance of sweetness and elegance. Treat yourself to a slice of this classic indulgence.

Ingredients

• 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring

For Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. Cream Oil and Sugar: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and vegetable oil until well combined.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Add Food Coloring: Stir in the red food coloring until the batter reaches a rich, vibrant red color.
7. Pour into Pans: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cooling: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and beat until creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
2. Frost the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting between the two layers and on top.
3. Decorate (Optional): Decorate with a sprinkle of cocoa powder, red velvet cake crumbs, or edible flowers for an elegant finishing touch.