Easy Red Cake Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Mar 30, 2025

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Easy Red Velvet Cake Recipe: A Delightfully Delicious Dessert

Are you craving a moist, decadent red velvet cake but intimidated by complicated recipes? Fear not! This easy red velvet cake recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. It delivers all the rich, tangy flavor and beautiful red hue you expect, without the fuss. Let's get baking!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous baking session.

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel or liquid)
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:

Preparing the Cake Batter:

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. This prevents sticking and ensures a clean release.

2. Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Thoroughly combining the dry ingredients is crucial for a consistent texture.

3. Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Don't overmix!

4. Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.

5. Add Color & Boiling Water: Stir in the red food coloring. Slowly pour in the boiling water while mixing on low speed. The batter will thin out – that's perfectly normal!

6. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Beat the Butter & Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.

2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined.

3. Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Assembling Your Red Velvet Cake:

1. Cool Completely: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from crumbling.

2. Frost & Decorate: Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of cream cheese frosting. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake. Get creative with your decorations!

Tips for Baking the Perfect Red Velvet Cake:

• Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients ensures even mixing and baking.
• Fresh Baking Powder & Soda: Ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh for optimal leavening.
• Cool Completely: Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt.

Serving Suggestions:

This easy red velvet cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a delicious and impressive dessert. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for an extra special treat.

Enjoy your homemade red velvet cake! Let us know in the comments how yours turns out!