Red Velvet Cake Recipe (Step-By-Step Photos)

Learn how to create the perfect red velvet cake that is both light and rich, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, ensuring your cake is a showstopper at any gathering.

Ingredients Overview

To create the ultimate red velvet cake, it’s essential to gather all necessary ingredients beforehand. This ensures a smooth baking process and helps avoid any last-minute scrambles. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need:

• 2 ½ cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 ½ cups (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder (natural)
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
• 6 cups (680 grams) powdered sugar

Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the cake’s signature flavor and texture. For instance, buttermilk adds moisture and acidity, while the vinegar reacts with the baking soda to create a fluffy cake.

Preparing the Baking Pans

Before starting on the batter, it’s crucial to prepare your baking pans properly. This step ensures that the cake layers release easily after baking, preventing any potential damage to their structure.

To prepare the pans, follow these steps:

1. Grease the cake pans with baking spray or a thin layer of butter.
2. Dust the pans with flour or cocoa powder, ensuring an even coating.
3. Shake out any excess flour or cocoa powder.

By following these simple steps, your cake layers will pop out of the pans effortlessly once baked.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

The next step involves mixing the dry ingredients. This combination is foundational for creating the cake’s structure and flavor.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:

• 2 ½ cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder

Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined. Setting this mixture aside allows the baking soda to activate when it interacts with the wet ingredients later.

Creaming the Butter and Sugar

With the dry ingredients ready, it’s time to cream the butter and sugar. This step is essential for achieving a light, airy cake.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, add:

• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 ½ cups (150 grams) granulated sugar

Mix on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which typically takes about 3-5 minutes. This process incorporates air into the butter, resulting in a tender cake.

Incorporating the Eggs

Once the butter and sugar are creamed, it’s time to add the eggs. This step enriches the batter and contributes to the cake’s moisture.

Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This allows for a more stable emulsion and a smoother batter.

Adding Vanilla and Buttermilk

After the eggs are well mixed, the next ingredients to add are vanilla extract and buttermilk. This combination adds flavor and moisture, enhancing the cake’s overall texture.

Measure out:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Mix these together in a separate bowl, then gradually drizzle the mixture into the batter while mixing on low speed. This helps to combine the wet ingredients without splattering.

Coloring the Batter

To achieve the signature red color of red velvet cake, food coloring is added at this stage. This vibrant hue is key to the cake’s visual appeal.

Add:

• 1 tablespoon red food coloring

Mix until the color is evenly distributed. The batter will appear less vibrant initially, but it will deepen once all ingredients are fully combined.

Combining Cocoa Powder

The final step before baking involves incorporating the cocoa powder into the batter. This addition provides the subtle chocolate flavor characteristic of red velvet cake.

Start by sifting in:

• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder

Mix until just combined, ensuring not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.

Mixing in the Flour

Once the wet ingredients are combined, it’s time to mix in the flour. This step is crucial as it forms the structure of the cake.

Gradually add half of the prepared dry mixture into the mixing bowl. Mix on low speed until it is almost combined, ensuring not to overmix, as this can activate the gluten in the flour.

Next, pour in half of the buttermilk mixture. Continue mixing until just combined, then add the remaining dry ingredients followed by the rest of the buttermilk mixture. This method helps maintain a light and airy texture in the cake.

Mix everything until just combined. The batter should be smooth with a slightly thick consistency, perfect for a red velvet cake.

Preparing to Bake

With the batter ready, it’s important to prepare for baking. Ensure the oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C).

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. If using three 6-inch pans, weigh the batter to ensure equal distribution, which helps the cakes bake evenly.

Before putting the cakes in the oven, wrap wet cake strips around the pans. These strips help create an even bake without doming, resulting in flat cake layers.

Once the cakes are in the oven, bake for approximately 30 to 35 minutes. They are done when the edges pull away from the pan and the center springs back when touched.

Cooling the Cakes

After baking, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. This cooling period allows the cakes to stabilize.

To remove the cakes, gently tap the sides of the pans. This helps release any areas that might be sticking. Carefully invert the pans onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. This ensures that the frosting does not melt and slide off the layers.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cakes cool, it’s time to prepare the cream cheese frosting. This rich and tangy frosting is the perfect complement to the sweet red velvet layers.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, add:

• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 (8-ounce) blocks of cream cheese (452 grams)

Mix on medium speed until the mixture is creamy and homogeneous.

Next, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Mix again until fully combined.

Now it’s time to add the powdered sugar. Gradually mix in 6 cups (680 grams) of powdered sugar in batches to avoid a sugar explosion. Mix on low speed until fully incorporated.

Continue mixing until the frosting is smooth and silky. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.

Assembling the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, it’s time to assemble. If the cakes have domed tops, trim them for a level surface.

Place the first layer on your cake plate and spread about half a cup of cream cheese frosting on top. This layer of frosting adds moisture and flavor.

Repeat this process for the second layer, adding more frosting before placing the final layer on top. Ensure each layer is centered for a balanced cake.

After stacking, add a generous amount of frosting on top and around the sides of the cake. Use a spatula to smooth it out as desired.

Final Decorations

For the final touch, decorate the cake with the reserved cupcake crumbs. Crumble the extra cupcake and sprinkle it around the base and on top of the cake.

Using a piping bag fitted with a star tip, pipe decorative swirls on top. This adds an elegant finish to the cake.

Feel free to add any additional decorations that suit your style, such as sprinkles or chocolate shavings.

Serving and Storing the Cake

Once decorated, the cake can be served immediately or refrigerated to set the frosting. If storing, cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.

This cake can be enjoyed for several days when stored properly in the refrigerator. The flavors meld beautifully over time, enhancing the overall taste.

Slice and serve the cake to reveal its stunning layers. Each bite should be a perfect combination of moist cake and tangy cream cheese frosting.