By Dinesh | coffeecakerecipe.blog
Red Velvet Cake Recipe : Red Velvet Cake is more than just a cake—it’s a perfect blend of flavor, texture, and elegance. With its vibrant red color, soft crumb, and rich cream cheese frosting, this cake is a classic for celebrations, birthdays, and special occasions.
With two years of experience in baking cakes, I have mastered the art of making a perfect red velvet cake with a moist texture and balanced sweetness. In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and variations to ensure that your homemade Red Velvet Cake turns out perfect every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Super soft & moist – Perfect texture that melts in your mouth.
✔ Balanced flavors – A hint of cocoa with the perfect sweetness.
✔ Creamy frosting – Smooth and rich cream cheese frosting.
✔ Great for any occasion – A showstopper for birthdays, weddings, and special events.
Ingredients You Need
Here’s what you’ll need to bake the perfect Red Velvet Cake at home:
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk (or yogurt substitute)
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar (or yogurt alternative)
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup whipped cream (for extra light texture)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create a delicious, bakery-style Red Velvet Cake at home.
1. Preheat & Prepare the Cake Tin
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line them with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Whisk them together to ensure a lump-free, smooth batter later.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar
- In another large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- This helps create an airy, soft cake texture.
4. Add Eggs & Flavoring
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla extract for a rich flavor.
5. Incorporate Buttermilk & Red Color
- Mix buttermilk, vinegar (or yogurt), and red food coloring in a small bowl.
- Add this mixture gradually to the butter-sugar mix, stirring gently.
6. Combine Dry & Wet Ingredients
- Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, using a spatula.
- Mix until just combined – do not overmix, as it can make the cake dense.
7. Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the two cake tins.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
This frosting is smooth, rich, and creamy, perfectly complementing the soft cake.
1. Beat the Cream Cheese & Butter
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.
2. Add Sugar & Vanilla
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until well combined.
- Mix in vanilla extract for extra flavor.
3. Fold in Whipped Cream (Optional)
- Gently fold in whipped cream to make the frosting lighter and fluffier.
Assembling the Red Velvet Cake
Once the cake layers are cooled, it’s time to assemble and decorate.
1. Slice & Layer
- Slice each cake layer horizontally to create four thin layers (optional).
- Place the first cake layer on a serving plate.
2. Spread the Frosting
- Spread a thick layer of cream cheese frosting evenly on the first layer.
- Repeat with all layers, stacking them evenly.
3. Cover the Cake
- Frost the entire cake with a thin crumb coat first.
- Then, apply a final thick layer of frosting for a smooth, even finish.
4. Decorate & Chill
- Sprinkle cake crumbs over the top for a classic look.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for best results.
Expert Baking Tips (From My Experience)
After two years of baking experience, here are my pro tips for the best Red Velvet Cake:
✔ Use room-temperature ingredients – This ensures even mixing and better texture.
✔ Don’t skip the vinegar or yogurt – It enhances the cake’s moistness and tangy flavor.
✔ Sift dry ingredients well – This helps create a smooth, lump-free batter.
✔ Refrigerate before serving – The flavors develop and taste even better!
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
💡 Cake is too dry? – Use buttermilk or yogurt for extra moisture.
💡 Cake didn’t rise properly? – Ensure baking soda & baking powder are fresh and active.
💡 Frosting too runny? – Chill the cream cheese before whipping it.
Delicious Variations
Want to customize your Red Velvet Cake? Try these variations:
🍫 Chocolate Red Velvet Cake – Add melted chocolate to the batter for extra richness.
🍓 Berry-Topped Red Velvet Cake – Decorate with fresh strawberries or raspberries.
🎂 Cupcake Version – Pour batter into cupcake liners and bake for 20 minutes.
🌿 Vegan Red Velvet Cake – Use almond milk & flax eggs instead of dairy.
Serving & Storage Tips
How to Serve
🍰 Best served chilled or at room temperature.
☕ Pairs well with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
🍦 Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
How to Store
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Allow frozen cake to thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Sugar | 30g |
(Approximate values based on ingredients used.)
Final Thoughts from Dinesh
Red Velvet Cake has always been one of my favorite cakes to bake. It’s soft, moist, and beautifully rich with its signature cream cheese frosting.
This tried-and-tested recipe ensures you get bakery-style results at home. Try it today and let me know in the comments how it turned out!
