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The Best Southern Style Moist Red Velvet Cake From Scratch with Classic Cream Cheese Frosting

Close-up of a moist slice of red velvet cake layered with thick cream cheese frosting.
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Bake the ultimate showstopper! This recipe delivers a perfectly moist and soft red velvet layer cake with that iconic vibrant red color, balanced with just a hint of cocoa. We pair it with a rich, homemade cream cheese frosting for a truly authentic Southern dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 bottle (1 ounce) red food coloring (for vibrant red velvet cake)
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set this dry mixture aside.
  3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the 1 cup of butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps create a soft homemade cake texture.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vinegar, and red food coloring until the color is uniform and vibrant.
  6. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk mixture to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix only until just combined; do not overmix.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick 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.
  9. Prepare the cream cheese frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup butter until smooth.
  10. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated, then increase speed to medium-high. Beat until fluffy.
  11. Mix in the vanilla extract and salt. If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk until you reach a spreadable consistency for your red velvet layer cake.
  12. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost and stack them to create your showstopping dessert.

Notes

  • For the most vibrant red velvet cake color, use a high-quality gel food coloring instead of liquid drops.
  • Buttermilk is key for the authentic Southern flavor and tender crumb; do not skip it in this easy red velvet cake recipe.
  • To make a quick buttermilk substitute, add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastytipster.com/red-velvet-cake-moist-easy-from-scratch/