Here's a basic recipe for red velvet cake:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 pound cream cheese, softened
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. In a large bowl, mix together oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth and well combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
1. In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add sifted confectioners' sugar, beating until frosting is smooth and spreadable.
3. Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one cake layer with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
4. Optional: Decorate with cake crumbs or sprinkles if desired.
5. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set.
Enjoy your homemade red velvet cake!
