Red Velvet Cake Recipe

There’s something truly special about a classic Red Velvet Cake Recipe. It’s elegant, timeless, and has that “wow” factor that turns any ordinary occasion into something unforgettable. With its striking deep red color, soft crumb, and subtle chocolate flavor balanced by a creamy frosting, it’s no wonder that Red Velvet Cake has become one of the most beloved desserts around the world.

Whether you’re baking it for a birthday, Valentine’s Day, or just because you deserve a slice of happiness, this Red Velvet Cake Recipe is everything you need — rich, moist, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. Let’s dive in and make this beautiful cake. Red Velvet perfection right in your kitchen!

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What Makes a Red Velvet Cake So Special?

If you’ve ever tasted a Red Velvet Cake, you know it’s not just “chocolate cake dyed red.” There’s something different — a tangy, buttery depth that makes it stand out. The magic comes from a combination of cocoa powder, buttermilk, and vinegar, which work together to create a soft, tender texture and a mild chocolate flavor that’s not too sweet.

The buttermilk gives the cake a slight tang, the vinegar helps it stay fluffy, and the red food coloring gives it that iconic, luxurious look. Every bite is moist, velvety, and simply delightful.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Let’s start by gathering everything you need to make the most delicious Red Velvet Cake at home.

For the Cake Batter:

• All-purpose flour: 280 g (2 ¼ cups)
• Baking soda: 1 tsp
• Baking powder: 1 tsp
• Salt: 1 tsp
• Cocoa powder: 13 g (2 tbsp)
• Granulated sugar: 350 g (1 ¾ cups)
• Eggs: 2 large (100 g)
• Oil: 172 g (¾ cup)
• Buttermilk: 120 g (½ cup)
• White vinegar: 30 g (2 tbsp)
• Vanilla extract: 10 g (2 tsp)
• Red food coloring (gel paste): 2 tsp (adjust to your liking)
• Hot milk: 240 g (1 cup)
• Unsalted butter (melted): 56 g (½ stick)

This recipe makes one 8-inch Red Velvet Cake or about 24 cupcakes if you prefer individual portions.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Red Velvet Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 330°F (165°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line them with parchment paper. This ensures your cake comes out perfectly without sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This not only removes any lumps but also helps to evenly distribute the cocoa and leavening agents throughout the batter.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, oil, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add in the buttermilk, vinegar, and red food coloring, mixing until fully incorporated and vibrant in color.

Pro tip: Use gel food coloring rather than liquid for a more intense, rich color without thinning your batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and airy.

Finally, pour in the hot milk and stir until smooth. The hot milk helps create that moist, tender crumb that makes this Red Velvet Cake Recipe irresistible.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans. Tap them lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles.

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the tops bounce back gently and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with just a few crumbs attached.

If you’re making cupcakes, bake them for 15–20 minutes instead.

Try not to open the oven door too often during baking — it can cause your cake to deflate.

Step 6: Cool and Frost

Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important so your frosting won’t melt when you spread it on.

The Flavor Profile of a Perfect Red Velvet Cake

A good Red Velvet Cake has a flavor that’s hard to describe but impossible to forget. It’s not overly chocolatey, yet the cocoa adds depth and richness. The tang from the buttermilk and vinegar cuts through the sweetness, giving it that signature balance of flavors.

The result? A soft, velvety crumb that’s moist and tender, with a subtle chocolate note and a hint of vanilla. And when you pair it with a creamy frosting — whether it’s classic cream cheese or whipped buttercream — it becomes a dessert masterpiece.

Every forkful of this Red Velvet Cake Recipe feels like a little celebration.Tips for Making the Perfect Red Velvet Cake

To ensure your cake. Red Velvet turns out beautifully every time, here are a few tried-and-true tips:

1. Use room temperature ingredients: This helps everything blend smoothly and evenly.
2. Don’t skip the vinegar or buttermilk: These ingredients are key to that soft, tender crumb and signature tang.
3. Measure carefully: Baking is a science — too much flour or too little liquid can change the texture completely.
4. Use gel food coloring: It provides a rich, vibrant red without altering the consistency of your batter.
5. Cool completely before frosting: A warm cake will melt your frosting and make a mess!
6. Use high-quality cocoa: Even though there’s just a small amount, good cocoa powder enhances flavor beautifully.

Frosting Ideas for Red Velvet Cake

Traditionally, Red Velvet Cake is paired with cream cheese frosting, and for good reason — the tangy, slightly tart flavor complements the sweetness of the cake perfectly.

Here are a few frosting options you can try:

• Classic Cream Cheese Frosting: Rich, tangy, and perfectly balanced.
• Whipped Vanilla Buttercream: Light and fluffy, great for those who prefer a less tangy finish.
• Mascarpone Frosting: Silky and mild, a more delicate option that adds elegance.

If you want to get creative, try adding a touch of lemon zest or even a hint of almond extract to your frosting for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

This Red Velvet Cake Recipe is perfect for just about any occasion. Here are some ideas for serving it:

• Special Celebrations: Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or a wedding, this cake always impresses.
• Birthdays: Red velvet is a showstopper birthday cake that feels luxurious and festive.
• Cupcakes for Parties: Turn this recipe into red velvet cupcakes — they’re easier to serve and just as delicious.
• Everyday Treat: Who says you need a reason? Sometimes, a slice of red velvet is the best way to brighten your day.

Serve your cake chilled or at room temperature — either way, it’s pure perfection with a cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk.

How to Store Your Red Velvet Cake

To keep your Red Velvet Cake fresh and moist:

• Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cake layers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerated: If frosted, cover the cake and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Freezer: You can freeze cake layers (unfrosted) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.

Why This Red Velvet Cake Recipe Works Every Time

This recipe is designed for success — it’s straightforward, uses simple ingredients, and delivers professional bakery-style results. The texture is moist and soft, the color is beautifully vibrant, and the flavor is balanced with just the right amount of sweetness and tang.

Even if you’re new to baking, this Red Velvet Cake Recipe is easy to follow and foolproof. You’ll impress everyone at the table — and maybe even yourself — when you slice into that gorgeous red cake.

💬 Final Thoughts

Few desserts can rival the beauty and taste of a homemade Red Velvet Cake. It’s rich but not heavy, sweet but not overwhelming, and elegant without being fussy. This Red Velvet Cake Recipe captures all the magic of this classic treat — from its velvety crumb to its stunning color and irresistible flavor.

So go ahead and bake it for someone you love — or for yourself. Because sometimes, the best kind of love is a slice of cake. Red Velvet, shared with a smile and a fork. ❤️