Name: Red Velvet Cake Recipe: How to Bake Perfect Layers in 5 Steps - waverecipes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 1 cake (two 9-inch layers, serves 12)
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 2½ cups all-purpose flour; 1½ cups granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature); 1½ cups vegetable oil; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 2 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1 tsp white vinegar; 2 tbsp red food coloring; 8 oz cream cheese (softened); ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

There’s something magical about a red velvet cake recipe—the deep crimson layers, the velvety crumb, and that tangy cream cheese frosting that makes your taste buds sing. Imagine slicing into a cake so moist it practically melts on your tongue, yet sturdy enough to hold towering layers. This isn’t just dessert; it’s a showstopper for birthdays, holidays, or “just because” days. Did you know red velvet’s iconic color originally came from a chemical reaction between cocoa and acidic ingredients? (No, it’s not just food coloring!)

This red velvet cake recipe is perfect for busy bakers who want bakery-quality results without the fuss. Unlike our classic chocolate cake, which leans on cocoa for richness, red velvet balances subtle chocolate flavor with buttermilk’s tang and a hint of vanilla. It’s easier than you think—no fancy tools needed! Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises fluffy layers, flawless frosting, and smiles all around. Ready to bake your way to dessert fame? Let’s dive in!

What is Red Velvet Cake?

Is it chocolate cake in disguise? A vanilla cake playing dress-up? Neither! Red velvet cake is a Southern gem with a personality all its own. Its name comes from the smooth, “velvety” texture (think: the crumb of a luxury sofa) and its signature crimson hue. But here’s the kicker: traditional red velvet cake recipes rely on just enough cocoa to add depth, not overwhelm, while buttermilk and vinegar team up to create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth bite.

Legend says the cake gained fame during WWII, when bakers used beet juice to enhance color due to rationed food dyes. Today, we use a splash of red food coloring, but the magic remains the same. As the old saying goes, “The way to someone’s heart is through their stomach”—and this cake is a direct flight. Whether you’re wooing a crush or winning over your in-laws, this red velvet cake recipe is your secret weapon. Don’t just admire it—bake it!

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Velvety Texture, Zero Stress: Forget dense, dry cakes! Our red velvet cake recipe uses buttermilk and vinegar to create a tender crumb that’s light yet indulgent. It’s like biting into a cloud… if clouds were bright red and slathered in cream cheese frosting.
Cheaper Than a Bakery: Why spend 50onastore−boughtcakewhenyoucanmakethis∗∗homemaderedvelvetcakerecipe∗∗forunder50onastore−boughtcakewhenyoucanmakethis∗∗homemaderedvelvetcakerecipe∗∗forunder15? Plus, you control the ingredients—no mystery additives here.
Cream Cheese Frosting FTW: The tangy-sweet frosting isn’t just a topping; it’s the crown jewel. Add lemon zest or a dash of cinnamon to make it your own.

If you loved our moist chocolate cake, you’ll adore this recipe’s subtle cocoa flavor and striking appearance. Ready to impress? Grab your apron!

How to Make Red Velvet Cake

Quick Overview

This red velvet cake recipe is a breeze: mix dry and wet ingredients separately, combine, bake, and frost. Prep time: 20 minutes | Bake time: 25 minutes | Total: 1 hour (plus cooling).

Key Ingredients

Dry: 2½ cups flour, 1½ cups sugar, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp cocoa powder, ½ tsp salt.
Wet: 1 cup buttermilk, 1½ cups vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp vinegar, 2 tbsp red food coloring.
Frosting: 8 oz cream cheese, ½ cup butter, 4 cups powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch pans.
Mix Dry: Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
Combine Wet: In another bowl, beat buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla, vinegar, and food coloring.
Batter Up: Gradually mix wet into dry until smooth (don’t overmix!).
Bake: Divide batter into pans. Bake 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
Frost: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until fluffy. Stack layers, frost, and devour!

What to Serve WithRed Velvet Cake

Pair this easy red velvet cake recipe with bold coffee, vanilla ice cream, or fresh berries to balance its sweetness.

Top Tips for Perfecting Red Velvet Cake

Room Temp Ingredients: Cold eggs or buttermilk can ruin the batter’s texture.
Don’t Skip the Vinegar: It activates the baking soda for a proper rise.
Natural Food Coloring: Use beet powder for a dye-free version of this red velvet cake recipe.

Whether you’re craving a midnight snack or need a last-minute party hit, these cookies deliver. And hey, if our Brownie-Stuffed Cookies taught us anything, it’s that more is more. So grab your mixer—your dessert game is about to level up!