The BEST RED VELVET CAKE RECIPE (SOFT, MOIST AND EASY) is a delightful treat that will impress at any gathering. Whether it’s a birthday party, an anniversary, or simply a cozy family dessert night, this cake stands out with its vibrant color and rich flavor. Its superbly soft and moist texture paired with luscious cream cheese frosting makes it irresistible. This recipe is straightforward, ensuring that even novice bakers can achieve bakery-quality results right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delectable Flavor: The unique blend of cocoa and buttermilk creates a deliciously rich taste.
- Moist and Soft Texture: This cake stays soft and moist for days, making it perfect for sharing.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, anyone can whip this up quickly.
- Versatile for Occasions: Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or just because—everyone loves red velvet!
- Stunning Presentation: The vibrant red color makes it visually striking on any dessert table.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having the right equipment will make your experience enjoyable and successful.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Baking pans (round or sheet)
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: This tool makes mixing the batter quick and easy, ensuring a light texture.
- Baking pans: Proper pans help achieve even baking, resulting in perfectly shaped cakes.
- Cooling rack: Allows the cake to cool properly without becoming soggy from steam.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups granulated sugar (400g)
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil (170g)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (113g)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cup buttermilk (320g) – mix 1 1/3 cup whole milk with 4 tsp vinegar or lemon juice to make your own
- 2 tsp vinegar
- 1 tbsp gel red food color – may need up to 1.5 tbsp depending on the brand
- 1/4 cup boiling water (60g)
- 2 1/2 tbsp Dutch processed cocoa powder (15g)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (390g)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (30g)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (2.5 sticks or 283g)
- 20 oz cream cheese, room temperature (2.5 8 oz blocks or 570g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3-4 cups icing sugar, sifted (360 to 480g)
How to Make BEST RED VELVET CAKE RECIPE (SOFT, MOIST AND EASY)
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pans with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, combine:
All-purpose flour
Cornstarch
Cocoa powder
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Whisk together until well mixed.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl:
Beat together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Add buttermilk gradually while mixing.
Slowly mix in vinegar and red food color.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix. Finally, stir in boiling water carefully.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cooling in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
In a large bowl:
Beat softened butter and cream cheese together until creamy.
Add vanilla extract, salt, then gradually add sifted icing sugar until desired sweetness is achieved.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake
Once cooled completely:
Place one layer of cake on a serving plate.
Spread frosting generously on top before placing the second layer.
Frost the top and sides as desired.
Enjoy your beautifully crafted BEST RED VELVET CAKE RECIPE (SOFT, MOIST AND EASY)!
How to Serve BEST RED VELVET CAKE RECIPE (SOFT, MOIST AND EASY)
Serving your Red Velvet Cake can elevate the experience for you and your guests. A beautifully presented cake not only tastes great but also looks stunning on any dessert table. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to complement your creation.
Classic Slice
- Serve a generous slice of the cake topped with cream cheese frosting for a classic presentation.
With Fresh Berries
- Add a side of fresh strawberries or raspberries. The tartness balances the sweetness of the cake perfectly.
Ice Cream Delight
- Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess enhances the moist texture of the cake.
Drizzle of Chocolate
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra indulgent touch that adds richness to every bite.
Festive Garnish
- Decorate with edible flowers or mint leaves for a beautiful pop of color that makes your cake look even more appealing.
How to Perfect BEST RED VELVET CAKE RECIPE (SOFT, MOIST AND EASY)
To ensure that your Red Velvet Cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips that focus on technique and ingredient quality.
- Use fresh ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially baking powder and baking soda, are fresh for the best rise.
- Room temperature eggs: Allow eggs to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps in achieving a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your cake light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
- Check oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures; this prevents undercooking or burning.
- Cool completely before frosting: Make sure your cake layers are completely cooled before adding frosting to avoid melting and sliding.
- Experiment with flavors: Consider adding a hint of almond extract for an additional layer of flavor in your cream cheese frosting.
Best Side Dishes for BEST RED VELVET CAKE RECIPE (SOFT, MOIST AND EASY)
Pairing side dishes with your Red Velvet Cake can create a balanced menu. Here are some perfect accompaniments that enhance the overall dining experience.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream complements the rich flavors of the cake beautifully.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These provide both sweetness and a slight tartness that pairs well with the cake’s flavor.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits offers a sweet contrast and adds brightness to your dessert table.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can balance the sweetness, especially tangy cheeses like goat cheese or sharp cheddar.
- Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup enhances the flavors of the cake while providing a nice caffeine boost after dessert.
- Nut Medley: Serve roasted nuts on the side for added crunch and earthy flavors that complement the soft texture of the cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your baking game. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for when making the BEST RED VELVET CAKE RECIPE (SOFT, MOIST AND EASY).
- Using cold ingredients: Baking with cold eggs or butter can lead to an uneven batter. Always bring your ingredients to room temperature for the best results.
- Overmixing the batter: This can toughen your cake. Mix just until combined to ensure a soft, moist texture.
- Skipping the buttermilk: Buttermilk adds moisture and flavor. Don’t substitute it with regular milk; instead, make your own by adding vinegar or lemon juice.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can dry out your cake. Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level method for precise measurements.
- Ignoring oven temperature: An inaccurate oven temperature can ruin your cake. Use an oven thermometer for accuracy to ensure a perfectly baked cake.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing BEST RED VELVET CAKE RECIPE (SOFT, MOIST AND EASY)
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating BEST RED VELVET CAKE RECIPE (SOFT, MOIST AND EASY)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds per slice until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this the BEST RED VELVET CAKE RECIPE (SOFT, MOIST AND EASY)?
This recipe combines soft textures with rich flavors from buttermilk and cocoa powder, ensuring every bite is delightful.
Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?
Yes! Gel food coloring is preferred as it gives a vibrant color without altering the batter’s consistency.
How do I know when my cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready!
Can I customize this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor or adjust the frosting based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
The BEST RED VELVET CAKE RECIPE (SOFT, MOIST AND EASY) is perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize flavors and decorations easily. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or enjoying a cozy night in, this cake will surely impress. Try it today!
BEST RED VELVET CAKE RECIPE (SOFT, MOIST AND EASY)
Indulge in the BEST RED VELVET CAKE RECIPE (SOFT, MOIST AND EASY), a stunning dessert that combines vibrant color with rich flavor. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is soft and moist, making it an irresistible treat for birthdays, anniversaries, or cozy family gatherings. Topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, each slice promises a delightful experience that will impress both novice and experienced bakers. With straightforward instructions and common ingredients, achieving bakery-quality results at home has never been easier.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cup buttermilk
- 2 tsp vinegar
- 1 tbsp gel red food color
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- Cream cheese for frosting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease baking pans.
- In one bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix sugar, oil, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Add buttermilk gradually along with vinegar and food coloring.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures until just combined; stir in boiling water carefully.
- Pour batter into pans and bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
