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The Best Authentic Southern Red Velvet Layer Cake with Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting

Close-up of a tall slice of red velvet cake with three layers and thick cream cheese frosting.
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Make this ultra-moist and soft Red Velvet Cake from scratch. This classic Southern recipe uses buttermilk and vinegar for a tender crumb, topped with rich, homemade cream cheese frosting. It is the perfect showstopper dessert for birthdays or holidays.

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring (liquid or gel)
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 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.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring.
  4. In a separate small bowl, mix the white vinegar and baking soda together; it will foam slightly. Add this mixture to the wet ingredients along with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the batter is smooth. Do not overmix.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth using an electric mixer.
  10. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. Beat 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 frosting evenly over the top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.

Notes

  • For a more vibrant red color, use a high-quality gel food coloring instead of liquid coloring.
  • Buttermilk is necessary for the classic tangy flavor and tender crumb structure of this Southern red velvet cake.
  • You can make this cake batter in about 5 minutes by whisking the simple ingredients in a bowl.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/best-authentic-red-velvet-cake-recipe/