Description
A moist, velvety red velvet cake with a subtle cocoa flavor and tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for celebrations or cozy gatherings. This Southern classic combines buttermilk’s creaminess with natural food coloring and a delicate crumb, embodying Southern hospitality in every bite.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons unsweetened natural cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon white vinegar
¾ cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ cups red food coloring (natural beet powder optional)
2 cups powdered sugar for frosting
8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
½ cup unsalted butter (softened) for frosting
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt into a bowl
In another bowl, cream softened butter with granulated sugar until light
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition
Mix in vanilla extract
Gradually add sifted dry ingredients to the butter mixture
Add vegetable oil and buttermilk alternately, mixing well
Fold in red food coloring and white vinegar
Divide batter evenly between two greased 9-inch round pans
Bake 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean
Cool completely before frosting
For frosting: Beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth
Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, adjusting consistency with milk if needed
Spread between layers and top the cake
Notes
Use buttermilk as-is if preferred; no substitutions needed
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smooth batter
Storage: Keep chilled in an airtight container for up to 3 days
For extra moisture, add a thin layer of frosting between layers before slicing
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 1.2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 90mg