Southern Homemade Red Velvet Cake

Southern Homemade Red Velvet Cake

Southern Homemade Red Velvet Cake is a classic dessert known for its vibrant red color, moist texture, and subtle chocolate flavor, all topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. This recipe will guide you through making a traditional red velvet cake that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
  • 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, beat the eggs, oil, buttermilk, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Bake the Cakes:
   • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
   • In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
   • Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until smooth and fluffy.
   • Beat in the vanilla extract.
7. Assemble the Cake:
   • Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
   • Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top of the first layer.
   • Place the second cake layer on top and spread frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
   • Smooth the frosting with a spatula, adding more as needed.
8. Decorate:
   • Optionally, garnish with cake crumbs, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
9. Serve:
   • Slice and serve the cake at room temperature. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Tips:

• Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
• Food Coloring: Gel food coloring works best for a vibrant red color without altering the texture of the cake.
• Frosting: Ensure the cream cheese and butter are fully softened for a smooth frosting.

Enjoy your classic Southern Homemade Red Velvet Cake with its rich, velvety texture and creamy frosting!