Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cake Recipe
I’ve had so many requests for a Red Velvet Cake Easy Recipe, and I’m thrilled to finally share it with you! This cake is known for its moist, soft texture, beautiful deep red color, and subtle cocoa flavor. It’s the perfect balance between chocolate and vanilla, topped with fluffy whipped cream frosting.
This easy homemade red velvet cake recipe is ideal for any occasion—whether it's a birthday, holiday, or just a simple treat. However, I always associate red velvet cake with Valentine’s Day, making it a perfect way to celebrate love!
If you’ve been searching for the best red velvet cake recipe, look no further. I’ll guide you step by step so you can make a delicious, bakery-quality red velvet cake right at home. Plus, I’ll share essential baking tips, common mistakes to avoid, and a foolproof cream cheese frosting alternative.
What Makes Red Velvet Cake Special?
Red velvet cake isn’t just a regular chocolate cake with red food coloring. The secret lies in its unique combination of ingredients:
✔ Buttermilk and vinegar – These add a slight tanginess and react with baking soda to create an ultra-soft crumb.
✔ Cocoa powder – Unlike chocolate cake, red velvet uses just a hint of cocoa to give it a mild chocolate flavor.
✔ Oil instead of butter – This ensures the cake stays moist and soft for days.
✔ Whipped cream frosting – Instead of traditional cream cheese frosting, this recipe uses light and airy whipped cream for a delicious contrast to the rich cake.
Red Velvet Cake Ingredients
To make this classic red velvet cake, you’ll need simple pantry staples:
Dry Ingredients:
✔ 1 & 3/4 cups cake flour – Cake flour gives the cake a delicate texture. If you don’t have cake flour, use all-purpose flour but replace 3 tablespoons with cornstarch.
✔ 1 & 1/2 tbsp cocoa powder – Gives a mild chocolate flavor and enhances the red color.
✔ 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) – Reacts with vinegar to help the cake rise.
✔ 1/2 tsp salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Wet Ingredients:
✔ 1 cup white sugar – Sweetens the cake.
✔ 1/2 cup vegetable oil – Keeps the cake moist.
✔ 3/4 cup buttermilk – Adds tanginess and moisture.
✔ 2 eggs – Binds the ingredients together.
✔ 2 tsp vanilla essence – Adds a delicious aroma.
✔ 1 tbsp red gel food coloring – Provides the signature red velvet color.
✔ 1 tsp white vinegar – Reacts with baking soda for a light, fluffy texture.
For the Whipped Cream Frosting:
✔ 1/2 cup cold heavy or whipping cream
✔ 3 tbsp icing sugar
✔ 1 tsp vanilla essence
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Red Velvet Cake
Follow these simple steps for a perfect homemade red velvet cake:
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together sugar and vegetable oil until well combined.
- Add the vanilla essence and eggs. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
- Pour in the buttermilk, followed by the red food coloring. Stir until evenly blended.
- Sift in the cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add the white vinegar and gently mix until fully incorporated.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
- Line an 8-inch square cake pan with parchment paper and grease the sides with butter or oil.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely before frosting.
Step 3: Prepare the Whipped Cream Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cold heavy cream, icing sugar, and vanilla essence.
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat until the cream thickens to stiff peaks.
- Cover and refrigerate the frosting until ready to use.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Once the cake has cooled, trim the top and edges to create an even surface. Save the scraps for decoration.
- Slice the cake into four equal layers.
- Spread a layer of whipped cream frosting between each cake layer.
- Cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Crumble the leftover cake trimmings and sprinkle them on top for a classic red velvet look.
Baking Tips for the Perfect Red Velvet Cake
✔ Use Cake Flour – It gives the cake a soft and light texture.
✔ Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of fluffy.
✔ Use Gel Food Coloring – It gives a vibrant red color without affecting the cake’s texture.
✔ Cool Completely Before Frosting – If the cake is warm, the frosting will melt.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Skipping Vinegar or Buttermilk – These ingredients are essential for the cake’s texture and flavor.
❌ Using Too Much Cocoa Powder – Too much cocoa can make the cake brown instead of red.
❌ Baking at the Wrong Temperature – A high temperature can dry out the cake. Always bake at 160°C (320°F).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Cream Cheese Frosting Instead?
Yes! If you prefer the traditional cream cheese frosting, use this recipe:
✔ 1/2 cup butter, softened
✔ 1 cup cream cheese, softened
✔ 2 cups powdered sugar
✔ 1 tsp vanilla essence
Beat until smooth and spread over the cake.
Can I Make This Cake Without Red Food Coloring?
Yes! The natural reaction between cocoa powder and vinegar gives a reddish-brown hue. It won’t be as vibrant, but it will still taste delicious.
How Long Does Red Velvet Cake Last?
Store in an airtight container:
✔ At room temperature – Up to 2 days.
✔ In the fridge – Up to 5 days.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try This Recipe
This easy red velvet cake recipe is soft, fluffy, and perfectly moist. It’s simple enough for beginners but tastes like it came from a bakery! Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a delicious homemade dessert, this recipe will never fail.
Try this recipe today and let me know how it turns out! Don't forget to share your baking experience in the comments!
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