Ah, red velvet cake! Is there anything more delightful and luscious? This recipe always brings back sweet memories of family gatherings, where the rich aroma of cocoa-filled batter mingled with the scent of freshly brewed coffee. I still remember the first time I made this cake for my friend’s birthday. I just knew the vibrant red color would wow everyone, and it did! The creamy, tangy frosting just added to the charm.
What I love most about this Easy Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not just how stunning it looks, but also how wonderfully it tastes. It’s moist, tender, and the balance of sweetness with that hint of cocoa is simply divine. Plus, the cream cheese frosting—oh boy, it’s the icing on the cake! Let me share with you the secrets to whipping up this beauty.
What’s in Easy Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting?
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of any cake. It gives the red velvet cake its lovely structure. I prefer using a finely milled flour for a lighter texture.
Cocoa Powder: While red velvet cake is mostly about the red color, a small amount of cocoa powder brings depth and little hint of chocolatey flavor. I love using unsweetened cocoa powder.
Granulated Sugar: Your typical sweetener! It helps in creating that moist and tender cake you’ll love sinking your teeth into.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These two are essential for the rise of the cake; they help it achieve that soft, fluffy texture.
Vegetable Oil: This keeps the cake moist and tender. You can also use canola oil if you prefer!
Buttermilk: The secret to the cake’s richness! The acidity in buttermilk helps to develop the cake’s unique flavor and is a must-have for the perfect texture.
Eggs: These give structure and moisture to the cake. Room temperature eggs work best!
Red Food Coloring: It wouldn’t be red velvet without the vibrant red hue! You can use liquid food coloring or a gel version.
Vanilla Extract: A ‘dash’ of vanilla goes a long way, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your cake.
Cream Cheese: The star of the frosting! It gives that luscious, creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with the cake.
Powdered Sugar: For sweetness and a delightful creamy texture in the frosting.
Is Easy Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Good for You?
Oh, the joys of red velvet cake come with a couple of considerations! Let’s be honest, while it’s a treat, it’s not exactly a health food. The use of **all-purpose flour**, **sugar**, and **oil** means you’re taking in some calories. That said, it’s a delightful indulgence when enjoyed in moderation.
However, the **cream cheese** and **buttermilk** do offer some beneficial properties. **Cream cheese** contains calcium and protein while **buttermilk** is lower in fat than regular milk and contains probiotics. In the end, enjoy your slice of red velvet cake guilt-free!
Ingredients List
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
– 1 tbsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 cup vegetable oil
– 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
– 2 large eggs, room temperature
– 2 tbsp red food coloring
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
This recipe makes about 12-16 servings, perfect for a crowd!
How to Make Easy Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **sugar**, **baking powder**, **baking soda**, **salt**, and **cocoa powder**.
3. In another bowl, mix the **oil**, **buttermilk**, **eggs**, **food coloring**, and **vanilla extract** until well combined.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or you’ll end up with a tough cake!
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
8. For the frosting, beat the **cream cheese** and **butter** together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the **powdered sugar** and blend until silky.
9. Add the **vanilla extract** and mix until combined.
10. Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on top of one of the cakes, place the other cake on top, and frost the top and sides evenly.
Serve It Up Deliciously!
This cake makes an impressive centerpiece for any gathering! Consider dusting the top with cocoa powder or using fresh berries for an added touch. If you want a little twist, you can add some chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch or make a chocolate ganache drizzling for an elevated look.
I hope you dive right into making this fabulous Easy Red Velvet Cake! I can already picture the smiles it will bring to your friends and family. Be sure to share your baking adventures—I’d love to hear how yours comes out! Enjoy every bite!