How to Make Homemade Red Velvet Cake

Are you ready to bake the perfect red velvet cake from scratch? Whether it’s for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, homemade red velvet cake is a showstopper with its vibrant red color, velvety texture, and rich flavor. Follow this easy, step-by-step recipe, and you’ll have a moist and delicious cake that will impress everyone!

How to Make Homemade Red Velvet Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients for the Perfect Red Velvet Cake

To ensure your red velvet cake is flavorful and moist, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cake:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cocoa powder
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 ½ cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 tbsp red food coloring
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. This will ensure your cake comes out perfectly without sticking to the pan.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. This dry mixture will help build the cake’s structure.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the vegetable oil, buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined and vibrant red.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed. Be careful not to overmix—just blend until smooth.

Step 5: Pour and Bake

Evenly divide the cake batter between the two prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cakes are cooling, it’s time to prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.

Step 7: Assemble and Frost the Cake

Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.

Step 8: Decorate and Serve

For a classic touch, sprinkle cake crumbs or extra cocoa powder on top. You can also add fresh berries or chocolate shavings for a more elegant presentation.

Tips for the Best Red Velvet Cake:

Use Buttermilk: The tangy flavor of buttermilk is key to achieving that signature red velvet taste.
Don’t Skip the Vinegar: A small amount of vinegar helps the baking soda react, giving the cake its airy, tender crumb.
Measure Flour Properly: Too much flour can make the cake dense. Use a spoon to scoop the flour into the measuring cup, then level it off.

Why Homemade Red Velvet Cake is So Special

Unlike a simple chocolate cake, red velvet has a unique taste—slightly tangy, with a hint of cocoa. The cream cheese frosting complements the cake’s richness, making it a crowd-pleaser for any event. Plus, baking it at home ensures you can enjoy this iconic dessert without any artificial preservatives or flavors.

Final Thoughts Making a homemade red velvet cake is easier than you think! With this step-by-step guide, you’ll have a moist, flavorful, and visually stunning cake that’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply a sweet treat for yourself. Give this recipe a try and watch your family and friends rave about it!

How to Make Homemade Red Velvet Cake