Romantic Red Velvet Cake

We use affiliate links. If you purchase something using one of these links, we may receive compensation or commission.

About the Recipe

Our Romantic Red Velvet Cake is the epitome of love – a velvety delight that captures the essence of Valentine’s Day. With its rich red hue and decadent cream cheese frosting, this cake is a symbol of sweet affection and a delightful way to express your love.

Ingredients

• 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 and 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring (adjust as desired)

For Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 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 Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate 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 the desired 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 heart-shaped sprinkles or fresh berries for an extra touch of romance.