Craving a classic that’s both beautiful and delicious? This Southern Red Velvet Cake recipe delivers a moist, tender crumb with a tangy cream cheese frosting, making it a perfect homemade cake recipe for any occasion. You’ll impress everyone with this vibrant, flavorful treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Buttermilk: You can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened natural cocoa powder for the best flavor.
- Red Food Coloring: Liquid or gel food coloring works well. Adjust quantity for desired color.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best frosting consistency.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450 calories
- Tools Needed: Two 9-inch round cake pans, electric mixer, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Cake Pans and Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, red food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Mix Cake Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed with an electric mixer until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make your homemade cake tough.
4. Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cakes cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Assemble and Frost Your Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire Southern Red Velvet Cake.
Variation Ideas
- Cupcakes: Bake as cupcakes for 18-22 minutes.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter for an extra treat.
- Lemon Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese frosting for a brighter flavor.
Storage Instructions
Store your homemade cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can you make this cake without food coloring?
A: Yes, you can omit the food coloring for a chocolate cake with a hint of red, but it won’t have the classic vibrant red color.
Q: Why is vinegar used in red velvet cake?
A: Vinegar reacts with the baking soda and buttermilk, helping to create the cake’s tender crumb and characteristic flavor.
Q: Can you use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, you can use cake flour, but you may need to adjust the quantity slightly. Cake flour generally results in an even more tender cake.
Q: How do you prevent your cake layers from sticking?
A: Always grease and flour your pans thoroughly. You can also line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper for extra insurance.
Q: Can you make the batter ahead of time?
A: It is best to bake the batter immediately after mixing for the best results.
Q: What makes this a “Southern” Red Velvet Cake?
A: The term “Southern” often refers to the traditional inclusion of buttermilk and a generous amount of red food coloring, along with a rich cream cheese frosting, which are hallmarks of classic Southern baking.