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!
Servings 12 servings
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.