Description
A deliciously soft and moist red velvet cake that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cup buttermilk
- 2 tsp vinegar
- 1 tbsp gel red food color
- 1/4 cup boiling water
- 2 1/2 tbsp Dutch processed cocoa powder
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened for frosting
- 20 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract for frosting
- 1/2 tsp salt for frosting
- 3–4 cups icing sugar, sifted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, combine the sugar, vegetable oil, and melted butter; mix until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract, buttermilk, and vinegar.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully. Add the red food color and boiling water, mixing until smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- For the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and salt, then gradually incorporate the sifted icing sugar until fluffy.
- Once cakes are cool, stack them with frosting in between layers and coat the top and sides with remaining frosting.
Notes
For richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. Don’t rush the cooling process, as frosting on warm cake can lead to disaster.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg