Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Name: Red Velvet Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Butter, for greasing pans; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting pans; 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 3/4 cups vegetable oil; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; One 2-ounce bottle red food coloring; One 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature; 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature; One 1-pound box confectioners' sugar; Black food coloring, optional; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup pecans, finely chopped; Yellow food coloring, optional

Servings: persons

Butter, for greasing pans
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting pans
2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 3/4 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
One 2-ounce bottle red food coloring
One 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature
One 1-pound box confectioners' sugar
Black food coloring, optional
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup pecans, finely chopped
Yellow food coloring, optional

1
For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2
Sift together the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt.
3
Mix the granulated sugar and eggs.
4
Add the oil, slowly beating well as the oil is added.
5
Add the flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour and mixing well after each addition.
6
Stir in the vanilla and red food coloring.
7
Divide the batter evenly among the pans and bake for 40 minutes, testing for doneness with a toothpick.
8
Cool the layers in the pans for 10 minutes, and then turn out onto racks to finish cooling while you prepare the frosting.
9
For the frosting: Cream the cream cheese and butter.
10
Beat in the confectioners' sugar until the mixture is smooth.
11
If you want grey frosting, add 3 to 4 drops of black food coloring and 2 drops of yellow and mix until grey.
12
Add the vanilla and nuts, reserving 2 tablespoons of nuts for garnish.
13
Spread the frosting between the layers, on the sides and on top of the cake.

2471

kcal

Calories

200

Fat

164

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 18 ingredients. The key ingredients include: Butter, for greasing pans, 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting pans, 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and more.

Yes, Red Velvet Cake falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Red Velvet Cake

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions