Soft, Moist & Classic Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Red Velvet Cake is a beautiful, soft and moist cake with a subtle cocoa flavor, vibrant red color, and a rich cream cheese frosting. It is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, anniversaries, or simply when you want to bake something special at home.
🍰 Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 8–10 slices
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Dessert / Cake
🛒 Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Cake
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour (maida)
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
For Cream Cheese Frosting
- 200 g cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
👩🍳 How to Make Red Velvet Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, sift together maida, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Keep aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time and beat well after each addition. Add vanilla essence and mix.
Step 5: Add Buttermilk & Color
Add the buttermilk and red food coloring. Mix gently until well combined.
Step 6: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix the batter.
Step 7: Add Vinegar
Add white vinegar and gently fold it into the batter.
Step 8: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
Bake at 175°C for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
🧁 How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla essence and mix well.
- Gradually add whipping cream and beat until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
- Keep the frosting refrigerated until ready to use.
🎂 How to Assemble the Cake
- Once the cake has cooled completely, carefully remove it from the pan.
- Slice the cake horizontally into two layers.
- Place one layer on a cake board or serving plate.
- Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over it.
- Place the second cake layer on top.
- Cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Decorate with red velvet cake crumbs, white chocolate shavings, or fresh berries.
✨ Tips for the Perfect Red Velvet Cake
- Always use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
- Do not overmix after adding the flour.
- Use good-quality cocoa powder and red food coloring for the best flavor and color.
- Let the cake cool completely before applying frosting.
- For an extra-moist cake, brush each layer lightly with sugar syrup before frosting.
- Chill the assembled cake for at least 30 minutes before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled or at room temperature with a cup of coffee or tea. Garnish with cake crumbs, berries, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Red Velvet Cake without buttermilk?
Yes. You can make homemade buttermilk by mixing ½ cup milk with ½ tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5–10 minutes.
Why is my Red Velvet Cake not bright red?
The color depends on the type and quantity of food coloring and cocoa powder used. Use a good-quality gel food color for a vibrant red shade.
Can I make this cake without cream cheese frosting?
Yes. You can use whipped cream frosting, buttercream, or mascarpone frosting instead.
How should I store Red Velvet Cake?
Store the frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume it within 3–4 days.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This homemade Red Velvet Cake is soft, moist, beautifully colored, and finished with a creamy cream cheese frosting. It makes a gorgeous centerpiece for any celebration and is sure to impress your family and guests.
Recipe by Food by Shalini ❤️