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The Best Southern Style Moist Red Velvet Cake from Scratch with Classic Cream Cheese Frosting

A perfect slice of moist red velvet cake layered with thick white cream cheese frosting.
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Make the ultimate show-stopping red velvet layer cake that is perfectly moist, soft, and fluffy. This authentic Southern recipe uses buttermilk and cocoa for true flavor, topped with the best cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring (liquid or gel)
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 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 stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly.
  4. In a small cup, mix the baking soda, cocoa powder, and red food coloring until the cocoa is fully dissolved and the color is deep red.
  5. Add the buttermilk mixture and the red coloring mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
  6. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the batter is smooth. Do not overmix.
  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. While the cakes cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  10. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  11. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread about one-third of the cream cheese frosting evenly 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 is essential for the authentic flavor and soft crumb; do not skip it.
  • Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at true room temperature for the smoothest cream cheese frosting.
  • This recipe makes a perfect homemade birthday cake or holiday cake recipe.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonswirl.com/best-moist-red-velvet-cake-recipe-from-scratch/