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Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Rich and moist red velvet cake with cocoa notes, vibrant color, and creamy tangy frosting, perfect for celebrations and special occasions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the Cake
  • ½ cup hot coffee or water
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon optional
  • 2 cups sugar
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 stick butter melted
  • 2 large eggs + 1 yolk
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 teaspoons red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 16 ounces cream cheese
  • 2 sticks butter
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 4 cups powdered sugar

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Spatula
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat the Oven
  2. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare the cake pans.
  3. Mix Cocoa + Coffee
  4. In a small bowl, combine the cocoa powder with hot coffee or water. Let it sit briefly.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients
  6. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon.
  7. Mix Wet Ingredients
  8. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, vegetable oil, melted butter, eggs, egg yolk, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring.
  9. Add Vinegar + Cocoa Mix
  10. Stir in the vinegar and the prepared cocoa mixture until combined.
  11. Add Dry Ingredients Gradually
  12. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
  13. Divide Batter
  14. Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans.
  15. Bake
  16. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cakes are set.
  17. Course: Dessert
  18. Cuisine: American