Red Velvet Cake: A Decadent Delight
Are you ready to bake a cake that's as visually stunning as it is delicious? Then get ready to dive into the world of red velvet cake! This iconic dessert, with its vibrant red hue and intensely moist crumb, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This recipe will guide you step-by-step to create a red velvet masterpiece that's perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields a classic 9x13 inch cake. Adjust quantities accordingly for different sizes.
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 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:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
1. Preparing the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of all the dry ingredients. Thoroughly whisking is crucial for a perfectly textured cake.
2. Combining the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Adding the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients gradually will prevent lumps.
3. Adding Color and Moisture:
- Gradually add the red food coloring to the wet ingredients, mixing until the desired shade of red is achieved. Start with less and add more as needed to get the perfect intensity. The boiling water contributes significantly to the cake's unique texture and moisture. Gradually add the boiling water to the batter, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix!
4. Baking the Cake:
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9x13 inch baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Frosting and Serving:
- Once the cake has completely cooled, frost generously with the cream cheese frosting. You can get creative with your frosting techniques—swirls, rosettes, or a simple smooth layer are all delicious options. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the frosting to set.
Tips for Red Velvet Success:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients make a big difference in the final outcome.
- Let the cake cool completely: Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt.
- Experiment with variations: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or different extracts to customize your cake.
This recipe ensures a moist and delicious red velvet cake every time. Remember to have fun and enjoy the baking process! Happy baking!
