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red (or green) velvet cake

This Velvet Cake is a rich, tender, and beautifully colored classic with a subtle cocoa flavor and a tangy cream cheese frosting. Whether you choose red or green, this cake is perfect for holidays, celebrations, or just because!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Southern (US)
Keyword cream cheese frosting, green velvet cake, holiday cake, moist cake recipe, red velvet cake, velvet cake
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Author sunny

Equipment

  • stand mixer or hand mixer
  • two 9-inch round cake pans
  • parchment paper
  • wire cooling rack
  • offset spatula
  • mixing bowls
  • measuring cups & spoons
  • whisk
  • spatula
  • cooling rack

Ingredients

for the cake

  • 2 1/2 cups cake flour
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tbsp. cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 stick
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp. white vinegar
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp. food coloring red, green, or any color you like!

for the frosting

  • 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp. heavy cream as needed, for consistency

Instructions

prepare the cake batter

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
  • In a large bowl, beat butter, oil, and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Mix in eggs, vanilla, and vinegar until combined.
  • Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry mix.
  • Stir in food coloring until evenly blended.

bake the cake

  • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  • Bake for 30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C) or a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.