Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A Timeless Classic with a Velvety Crumb and Tangy-Sweet Frosting ❤️🎂

Some recipes are more than just food — they’re tradition, comfort, and love served on a plate. For me, the Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting falls right into that category. Every bite reminds me of family gatherings, warm laughter, and that special moment when the cake comes to the table and everyone’s eyes light up.

I’ll never forget the first time I baked this cake for my aunt’s visit. She was traveling from out of town, and I wanted to surprise her with something homemade, something a little more special than the usual chocolate or vanilla cake. My aunt has always had a soft spot for red velvet, so I rolled up my sleeves, preheated the oven, and got to work. That day turned into a memory I’ll cherish forever — a kitchen filled with the scent of cocoa, the sound of clinking teacups, and family gathered around, waiting for the first slice.

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🍰 The Charm of Red Velvet Cake

What makes this cake such a classic? It’s not just about the striking red color. The real magic lies in the balance of flavors — a soft cocoa-infused sponge with a slightly tangy note from buttermilk, paired with the rich and creamy sweetness of cream cheese frosting. It’s indulgent without being overwhelming, and beautiful enough to steal the show at any family gathering.

Unlike other cakes that are either purely chocolate or purely vanilla, Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting offers a unique in-between — light, moist, and subtly chocolaty with that signature velvet texture. Add the frosting, and you have a perfect harmony of sweet and tangy.

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

To recreate this beauty in your own kitchen, here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 ½ cups (300g) sugar

• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil

• 2 large eggs (room temperature)

• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (room temperature)

• 1 tsp white vinegar

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 tbsp red food coloring (gel preferred)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese (softened)

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter (softened)

• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar (sifted)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy release.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, beat sugar and oil together until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla, and red food coloring. Your batter should already look beautifully vibrant! ❤️

Step 4: Bring It Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix — the secret to that soft velvety crumb is a light hand.

Step 5: Bake

Divide the batter between your two prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

In a clean bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add vanilla, then gradually add sifted powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. This frosting is the soul of the cake — tangy, sweet, and irresistibly creamy.

Step 7: Assemble

Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting generously on top, then sandwich with the second cake. Frost the top and sides, smoothing with a spatula. You can decorate with cake crumbs, chocolate shavings, or keep it elegantly simple.

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🎉 Family Visit Story

That evening when my aunt visited, the cake sat proudly in the middle of the table. My little cousins were circling like hungry bees, waiting for their slice. My aunt laughed and said, “It looks too pretty to cut!” but of course, within minutes, everyone had a plate in hand.

The room filled with that quiet joy only food can bring — kids smudging frosting on their faces, my aunt reminiscing about the first red velvet cake she ever had back in the 70s, and my mom complimenting me on how moist it turned out. Honestly, that moment felt like more than just serving dessert. It was sharing love in the form of a cake. 💕

Even now, whenever family comes over, this cake is one of the first things they request. It has become my signature recipe — the one that people expect me to bake when there’s something worth celebrating.

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🌟 Tips for the Perfect Red Velvet Cake

1. Use gel food coloring – It gives a vibrant red without altering the taste.

2. Don’t skip vinegar or buttermilk – These give the cake its signature tang and tender crumb.

3. Chill the cake before frosting – A cool cake is easier to frost and won’t melt the cream cheese.

4. Sift the powdered sugar – This keeps your frosting smooth and lump-free.

5. Save some crumbs – Trim the top of the cake if needed, and use the crumbs for decoration.

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🎨 Variations to Try

• Cupcakes: Use the same batter for adorable red velvet cupcakes, perfect for parties.

• Layered Celebration Cake: Double the recipe and make a grand 4-layer cake for birthdays.

• Mini Cake Jars: Alternate layers of cake and frosting in mason jars for a fun twist.

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💭 Final Thoughts

Baking this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting has become more than just following a recipe — it’s a piece of family history for me. Every time I bake it, I remember that rainy afternoon, the laughter, the frosting-covered smiles, and the warmth of having everyone together around the table.

If you’ve never tried baking red velvet before, I promise this recipe will win hearts. And if you’re already a fan, you know exactly what I mean when I say one slice is never enough. 😉

So, the next time you’re planning a family visit, birthday, or just craving something special, whip up this timeless classic. Because sometimes, the sweetest memories are baked right into the cake. ❤️🎂 

Pro Tips for the Perfect Red Velvet Cake

✨ Room Temperature Ingredients – Always use eggs, butter, and buttermilk at room temperature. This ensures smooth mixing and a light, fluffy cake.

🥄 Don’t Overmix – Overbeating the batter can make your cake dense. Mix until just combined for the best texture.

🌈 The Right Red – Use gel food coloring instead of liquid. Gel gives a deeper, vibrant red without thinning the batter.

🧁 Level Your Layers – Use a serrated knife or cake leveler to even out your cake layers before frosting. It makes your cake look bakery-perfect.

❄️ Chill Before Frosting – Let the cakes cool completely, then chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps avoid crumbs mixing into the frosting.

🍰 Crumb Coat First – Spread a thin “crumb coat” of frosting over the cake, refrigerate it for 15 minutes, and then apply the final frosting layer. Smooth and flawless!

🔥 Storage Secret – Store your red velvet cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring it back to room temp before serving for the best flavor.

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🎂 Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting 🎂

A timeless classic with a velvety crumb and tangy-sweet frosting ❤️

⏱️ Prep Time:
25 mins

🔥 Cook Time:
30 mins

❄️ Rest Time:
1 hr

🍴 Servings:
10-12

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📝 Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temp
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp vinegar

🍥 Cream Cheese Frosting

• 450g cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round pans.
2. Whisk dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder.
3. In another bowl, beat oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla & vinegar.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet until smooth.
5. Divide batter into pans and bake 30 mins or until toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool completely before frosting.
7. For frosting: Beat cream cheese & butter until fluffy. Add sugar gradually, then vanilla.
8. Layer cakes with frosting, cover the outside smoothly, and decorate 🎉.

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