Name: Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 ¼ tsp baking soda; 2 tbsp cocoa powder (regular, not dark cocoa powder); 1 tsp salt; 1 ½ cups vegetable oil (or other neutral cooking oil); 2 eggs (room temperature); 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature); 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp white vinegar; 1 tbsp red gel food coloring; 2 cups unsalted butter (room temperature); 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature); 7 cups powdered sugar; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 31 reviews

If you’ve ever wished for a cake that perfectly balances vibrant color, tender crumb, and tangy-sweet frosting, look no further than this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s truly a showstopper that combines the classic, striking red hue with a subtle cocoa flavor and a luxuriously creamy frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether it’s for a special celebration or simply a treat to brighten your day, this cake’s irresistible texture and flavor combo will win hearts and bring smiles with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A shiny metal bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with smooth, deep red batter that has a slightly thick texture. A silver whisk with a black handle rests inside the bowl, partially coated with the red batter. The batter clings lightly to the sides of the bowl, showing streaks and swirls from stirring. The background is softly blurred with the white marble texture visible beneath the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking this stunning cake, and you’ll be happy to know that each one plays an essential role. From flour lending the structure to the buttermilk which keeps every bite moist and tender, these ingredients are straightforward yet carefully chosen to create that perfect Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake providing the perfect crumb.
1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake for balanced flavor.
1 ¼ tsp baking soda: Helps the cake rise beautifully for a fluffy texture.
2 tbsp cocoa powder (regular): Adds subtle chocolate undertones vital to the classic red velvet taste.
1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors in the cake.
1 ½ cups vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
2 eggs (room temperature): Provides structure and richness.
1 cup buttermilk (room temperature): Adds acidity and keeps the cake luscious.
2 tsp vanilla extract: Lifts the flavors with a warm aromatic note.
1 tsp white vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda to create the perfect rise.
1 tbsp red gel food coloring: Gives this cake its signature vibrant red hue.
2 cups unsalted butter (room temperature): Essential for rich, creamy frosting.
8 oz cream cheese (room temperature): The star ingredient in the frosting delivering tanginess and creaminess.
7 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for that dreamy finish.
1 tbsp vanilla extract: Brings depth to the frosting’s flavor.
½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness of the frosting perfectly.

How to Make Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F and get three 7-inch cake pans ready by spraying them with nonstick cooking spray and lining with parchment paper circles. This ensures your cake layers release easily and remain perfectly shaped.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined. This blend forms the foundation for your cake’s fluffy and tender crumb with that subtle chocolate flavor.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add vegetable oil, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red gel food coloring into the dry mix. Whisk everything together until the batter is smooth and well combined — it’s the vivid red color that makes this cake unforgettable.

Step 4: Portion and Bake

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans, using a kitchen scale for precision if you like perfect layers. Bake for about 30 minutes or until cakes spring back gently to the touch, then let them cool in the pans for 15–20 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together room temperature butter and cream cheese on medium-high speed for two minutes until creamy. Slowly incorporate powdered sugar in two batches, followed by vanilla extract and salt. Continue whipping for 2–3 minutes until the frosting is luxuriously smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Level each cooled cake layer using a serrated knife. Place one layer on your plate or cake board, spread a generous amount of frosting evenly over the top, then repeat stacking the layers. Apply a thin crumb coat, chill for 20–30 minutes, then smooth on the final frosting layer with a cake scraper. Add crumbs or pipe decorative borders to finish the look.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A slice of red velvet cake with three deep red layers, each separated by a smooth, thick white cream layer, sits on a glossy white plate. The top layer of cream is smoothly spread and decorated with two large, soft swirls of white whipped cream. The cake's edge shows some crumbled red cake pieces scattered lightly on top of the cream. The background is a white marbled texture with a blurred full cake in the background, also topped with white whipped cream swirls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple garnish of red velvet crumbs or piped frosting borders gives your cake a professional, polished appearance. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of edible glitter can add whimsy and extra flair, making every slice feel like a celebration.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments such as fresh whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea to balance the sweetness and rich texture for a complete indulgent experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing your red velvet cake into petite cupcakes or layer it creatively in a trifle with whipped cream and strawberries for a visually stunning and delicious twist. The vivid red and creamy frosting invite endless fun ideas for presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This preserves the freshness and stops the frosting from becoming too soft. It stays delicious for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze fully frosted cake or individual layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain that signature moistness and cream cheese frosting texture.

Reheating

Since this cake is best enjoyed slightly chilled or at room temperature, avoid microwaving. Just bring the slices out of the fridge about 20 minutes before serving for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use natural cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder in this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?

Yes, but the flavor and color might slightly change since natural cocoa powder is more acidic and lighter. Regular cocoa powder is preferred for that classic red velvet taste and color.

Is it necessary to use red gel food coloring?

While natural alternatives exist, gel food coloring provides the most vibrant and consistent color for red velvet cake. Liquid food coloring can make the batter runnier, altering the texture.

Can I substitute buttermilk in the cake?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix one cup of milk with one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to create a perfect homemade substitute.

What makes the cream cheese frosting so special for Red Velvet Cake?

The frosting’s tangy cream cheese flavor perfectly complements the mild cocoa and sweetness of the cake, giving a rich, creamy balance that makes red velvet cake unforgettable.

How do I get perfectly even cake layers?

Using a kitchen scale to divide the batter equally and leveling the cooled layers with a serrated knife helps you achieve uniform layers for a professional-looking cake.

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece that brings people together with its irresistible flavor and eye-catching beauty. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, give this recipe a try and delight in creating a cake that’s both comforting and celebratory. Trust me, once you bake it, this will quickly become a beloved go-to in your recipe collection.