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The Best Moist and Fluffy Homemade Southern Red Velvet Cake with Classic Cream Cheese Frosting

A tall, decadent slice of red velvet cake showing three layers of vibrant red cake separated by thick white cream cheese frosting.
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Make this authentic Southern Red Velvet Cake from scratch. It delivers a tender crumb, vibrant color, and is topped with a rich, classic cream cheese frosting. This no-fail recipe is perfect for birthdays or holidays.

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
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon red food coloring (liquid or gel)
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 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, combine the cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. In a measuring cup, mix the buttermilk, white vinegar, and red food coloring together until the color is uniform.
  5. Alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and the buttermilk mixture to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Gently fold in the red batter.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated. Beat in the vanilla extract until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  10. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread about one-third of the cream cheese frosting over the top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.

Notes

  • For the most vibrant red velvet cake color, use a high-quality gel food coloring instead of liquid coloring.
  • Buttermilk reacts with the cocoa and vinegar to create the signature slight tang and tender crumb. Do not skip it.
  • For a simple cake assembly, use an offset spatula to spread the frosting evenly across the layers and sides.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumdrizzle.com/red-velvet-cake-moist-fluffy-homemade-southern/