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The Best Ultra-Moist Southern Red Velvet Cake with Classic Cream Cheese Frosting

Close-up of a tall, moist slice of red velvet cake layered with thick white cream cheese frosting.
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Follow this easy, foolproof recipe to create a classic Southern Red Velvet Cake. You get a deeply colored, soft, and velvety crumb paired with a superior homemade cream cheese frosting for your next celebration.

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup red food coloring (liquid or gel)
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and granulated sugar until combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate small bowl, mix the cocoa powder and baking soda. Add this mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
  4. In a small cup, mix the buttermilk and white vinegar together; let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly.
  5. In another small bowl, mix the red food coloring into the buttermilk mixture until you achieve a deep crimson color.
  6. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  7. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the red buttermilk mixture to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix only until the batter is smooth. Do not overmix.
  8. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
  9. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  12. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated, then increase speed to medium and beat until fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  13. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the layers and the outside of the cake. This recipe is a great alternative to using meal planning services when you want a homemade treat.

Notes

  • For the deepest red color, use a high-quality gel food coloring instead of liquid.
  • Use room temperature ingredients, especially the buttermilk and eggs, for a better cake texture.
  • If you want a slight tang that balances the sweetness, add 1 teaspoon of white vinegar to the buttermilk mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes before adding it to the batter.
  • This cake pairs well with a simple keto meal plan for those watching sugar intake, though the cake itself is a treat.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cutcooktaste.com/best-ultra-moist-red-velvet-cake-recipe/