red velvet cake from scratch recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best red velvet cake from scratch recipe

I’m so excited to share this classic red velvet cake from scratch recipe with you. As a busy mom, I’ve had the pleasure of making this cake for countless family gatherings, birthdays, and holidays.

My kids just love helping me in the kitchen, especially when we get to use our favorite stand mixer to cream together the butter and sugar. The result is a moist, velvety cake that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.

And the best part? It’s made entirely from scratch, using simple ingredients that you likely have on hand.

I’ve experimented with various recipes over the years, but this one remains my go-to for its perfect balance of flavors and textures. Plus, it’s a great way to get some extra veggies into your family’s diet – just think of all the antioxidants in those lovely red food coloring and beets!

My husband always jokes that our house smells like a bakery when I’m baking this cake, and it’s true – it fills the whole house with that sweet, comforting aroma. Whether you’re serving it at a fancy dinner party or just need a special treat for your family, this red velvet cake is sure to impress.

And let’s not forget about the health benefits – with all those beets and carrots in there, it’s basically a superfood! But don’t just take my word for it – try making this recipe yourself and see what your family thinks.

Red Velvet Cake from Scratch

4.5 from 939 votes

A classic red velvet cake made from scratch with a moist crumb and tangy cream cheese frosting. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cake

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp cocoa powder
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp red food coloring
1 tsp baking soda
1 tbsp white vinegar
1/2 cup buttermilk

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
pinch of salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and cocoa powder.
4Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5Add eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the dry ingredients.
6Mix on medium speed until well combined and the batter is a smooth, vibrant red color.
7In a separate small bowl, mix baking soda and white vinegar.
8Allow the mixture to fizz and then quickly add it to the cake batter.
Mix well.
9Gradually add the buttermilk to the batter, mixing on low speed until just combined.
10Do not overmix.
11Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
12Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
13The cake should spring back lightly when touched and the edges should start to pull away from the sides of the pan.
14While the cake is baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting.
15In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
16Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating on medium speed until light and fluffy.
17Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
18Once the cakes are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
19Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
20Once cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
21Slice and serve the red velvet cake.
22Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
9-inch round cake pans
Parchment paper
Spatula
Wire rack

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 24g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 270mg🌾Total Carbs: 54g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 38g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

Tips: For a richer flavor, use buttermilk that has been left out at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Ensure that the cake is completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

This red velvet cake from scratch recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a special treat for your family.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – serve it as is or top it with cream cheese frosting for an extra-special touch.

And don’t worry about leftovers – this cake freezes beautifully and reheats perfectly in the microwave or oven.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Red Velvet Cake from Scratch

Q: What makes red velvet cake different from other chocolate cakes?

A: The addition of cocoa powder gives red velvet cake its distinctive flavor and color. Plus, the reaction between the cocoa powder and acidic buttermilk creates a lovely reddish hue that’s characteristic of this type of cake.

Q: Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk in this recipe?

A: While you can use regular milk as a substitute, keep in mind that buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and tenderness to the cake that regular milk won’t replicate.

Q: How do I ensure my cake is evenly colored?

A: Make sure to use high-quality cocoa powder that contains no additives or fillers, as these can affect the color of your final product. Also, don’t overmix the batter – this can cause uneven color distribution.

Q: Can I make individual cupcakes using this recipe?

A: Yes, simply divide the batter evenly among cupcake liners and bake according to your oven’s instructions.

Q: Why does my red velvet cake have a slightly bitter aftertaste?

A: This could be due to several factors – overmixing the batter, using low-quality cocoa powder, or not using enough buttermilk. Try adjusting these variables and see if it improves the flavor.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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