Decadent Classic Red Velvet Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
A delightful Classic Red Velvet Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting that is a showstopper for any occasion.
Equipment
- - Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cake Pans
- - Wire rack
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 cup Vegetable or Canola Oil Can substitute with melted coconut oil.
- 1 cup Buttermilk Can substitute with milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar.
- 2 Large Eggs Ensure they are at room temperature.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Can replace with almond extract.
- 1 teaspoon White Vinegar Can substitute with lemon juice.
- 2 tablespoons Red Gel Food Coloring Liquid food coloring can be used.
- 1.5 cups Granulated Sugar
- 2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour Can use gluten-free flour blend.
- 2 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Avoid Dutch-processed.
- 1 teaspoon Fine Salt
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter Can substitute with vegan butter.
- 8 oz Full-Fat Cream Cheese Light cream cheese can be used but will yield a softer frosting.
- 4 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1/4 cup Heavy Whipping Cream Milk can be used but yields a thinner frosting.
Instructions
Cake Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 6-inch cake pans by greasing them.
- Whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, vinegar, and red gel food coloring in a mixing bowl until well combined.
- Slowly add the granulated sugar to the mixture, whisking for about 30 seconds until completely dissolved.
- Combine the dry ingredients—flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, and baking powder—into the wet mixture until smooth; avoid overmixing.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 27-30 minutes; check for doneness with a toothpick.
- Cool the cakes in the pans for 15 minutes, then carefully remove them and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Frosting and Assembly
- Beat together the unsalted butter and cream cheese for the frosting until smooth, then gradually mix in powdered sugar and heavy cream.
- Assemble the cake by stacking the layers with cream cheese frosting in between; apply a thin coating around the sides.
- Frost the cake with a thicker layer of cream cheese frosting, decorating the top and sides as desired.
Notes
To enhance the cake, consider adding fresh berries on the side for a delightful flavor contrast.