Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a classic indulgent dessert that never fails to impress. This cake features a moist, tender crumb, a hint of cocoa, and is beautifully enhanced by vibrant red food coloring. The rich, creamy full-fat cream cheese frosting adds the perfect finishing touch, making it an ideal treat for celebrations or any occasion when you crave a decadent dessert. Let’s dive into the details of this beloved cake!
Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cake with
This Red Velvet Cake Recipe is sure to become a favorite for several reasons. First, the combination of flavors—cocoa, vanilla, and buttermilk—creates a unique taste that’s both rich and delightful. Second, the moist texture makes each bite heavenly, ensuring it stays fresh for days. Third, it’s visually stunning with its deep red hue, perfect for special occasions like birthdays. Plus, it’s versatile! You can easily transform it into a Red Velvet Layer Cake, or try variations like Vegan Red Velvet Cake Recipe or Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cake. Lastly, it’s an easy cake to make, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Ingredients for Red Velvet Cake with
Gather these items:
- 125 g unsalted butter, softened
- 300 g caster sugar
- 3 medium eggs
- 30 g cocoa powder
- 1 heaped tsp Sugarflair Red Extra food colouring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 250 ml buttermilk
- 300 g plain flour
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 2 tsp white wine vinegar
- 150 g unsalted butter, room temperature
- 150 g icing sugar
- 300 g full fat cream cheese
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Red Velvet Cake with Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a large bowl, cream together the 125 g unsalted butter and 300 g caster sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the 3 medium eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Step 2: Sift in 30 g cocoa powder and gently fold it into the batter. Add 1 heaped tsp Sugarflair Red Extra food colouring and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mixing until you achieve an even bright red color.
- Step 3: Gradually add 250 ml buttermilk to the mixture, stirring gently to maintain the batter’s lightness.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, sift together 300 g plain flour and 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda. Slowly fold these dry ingredients into the wet batter, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the flour.
- Step 5: Add 2 tsp white wine vinegar to the batter, folding gently. This reacts with the bicarbonate of soda to help the cake rise.
- Step 6: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour your cake pans (usually two 9-inch round pans). Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 7: Remove cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in their pans for 10-15 minutes. Then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
- Step 8: In a mixing bowl, beat together 150 g room temperature unsalted butter and 150 g icing sugar until smooth and creamy. Add 300 g full fat cream cheese and 1 tsp vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Step 9: Once cakes are fully cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
- Step 10: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least an hour to set the frosting. Slice into 12 portions and serve.

Pro Tips for the Best Red Velvet Cake with
Keep these in mind:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a more intense red color, use a higher quality food coloring.
- Make sure to measure ingredients accurately for the best results.
Best Ways to Serve Red Velvet Cake with
This Moist Red Velvet Cake is perfect for various occasions. Serve it at birthday parties, anniversaries, or family gatherings. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fruit compote for a delightful contrast. Consider decorating with fresh berries or chocolate shavings to elevate its presentation.

How to Store and Reheat Red Velvet Cake with
To maintain the cake’s freshness, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to three days. If you prefer it warm, you can microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds before serving. This cake is suitable for meal prep, making it a great dessert to have on hand!
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Velvet Cake with
What’s the secret to perfect Red Velvet Cake with?
The secret is in using high-quality ingredients, especially the food coloring and cocoa powder. Additionally, ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter. This will help create the desired moist texture.
Can I make Red Velvet Cake with ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Frost the cake just before serving for the best flavor and presentation.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Red Velvet Cake with?
To avoid common mistakes, measure your ingredients accurately and don’t over-mix the batter. Over-mixing can lead to a dense cake. Always check for doneness with a toothpick to avoid undercooking or overbaking.
Variations of Red Velvet Cake with You Can Try
For a twist on the classic, consider making a Red Velvet Cake with Buttercream Frosting instead of cream cheese frosting. You can also try a Red Velvet Cake with Chocolate Ganache for a richer flavor. Additionally, explore options like Red Velvet Cake Decorating Ideas to customize your cake for any celebration!
For more delicious recipes, check out Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs or Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe. If you’re interested in baking techniques, visit Creamy Italian Meatball Soup for inspiration.
For more information on the history of red velvet cake, you can visit The Spruce Eats.
Print
Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: 10 Steps to Perfection
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 portions 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic indulgent red velvet cake featuring a moist, tender crumb with a hint of cocoa, enhanced by vibrant red food coloring, and layered with a rich, creamy full-fat cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or anytime you crave a decadent dessert.
Ingredients
- 125 g unsalted butter, softened
- 300 g caster sugar
- 3 medium eggs
- 30 g cocoa powder
- 1 heaped tsp Sugarflair Red Extra food colouring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 250 ml buttermilk
- 300 g plain flour
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 2 tsp white wine vinegar
- 150 g unsalted butter, room temperature
- 150 g icing sugar
- 300 g full fat cream cheese
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together the 125 g unsalted butter and 300 g caster sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the 3 medium eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Sift in 30 g cocoa powder and gently fold it into the batter. Add 1 heaped teaspoon of Sugarflair Red Extra food colouring and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until you achieve an even bright red color.
- Gradually add 250 ml buttermilk to the mixture, stirring gently to maintain the batter’s lightness.
- In a separate bowl, sift together 300 g plain flour and 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda. Slowly fold these dry ingredients into the wet batter, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the flour.
- Add 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar to the batter, folding gently. This reacts with the bicarbonate of soda to help the cake rise.
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour your cake pans (usually two 9-inch round pans). Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in their pans for 10-15 minutes. Then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together 150 g room temperature unsalted butter and 150 g icing sugar until smooth and creamy. Add 300 g full fat cream cheese and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Once cakes are fully cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
- Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least an hour to set the frosting. Slice into 12 portions and serve.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 519 kcal
- Sugar: 40 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
