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Classic Red Velvet Cake

This red velvet cake features a tender, velvety crumb with a striking deep red color, achieved through a blend of flour, cocoa powder, and vibrant food coloring. The batter is mixed until smooth, baked until golden, then cooled before generously frosting with tangy cream cheese frosting. The result is a visually stunning, rich, and moist cake with a soft, velvety texture that feels as luxurious as it looks.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring gel preferred
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Cake pan (23cm round)
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a 23cm round cake pan with parchment paper.
  2. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and cocoa powder in a large bowl until evenly combined. This ensures a smooth batter without lumps.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until the mixture is smooth, slightly thickened, and smells slightly sweet.
  4. Add buttermilk, red food coloring, and vanilla extract to the wet mixture. Mix until the batter turns a vibrant crimson hue and is uniform in color.
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or mixer on low speed, mixing gently until just combined and the batter is smooth and velvety.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure even baking.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden with slight cracks.
  8. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing the crumb to set and the color to deepen.
  9. Once cooled, frost the cake with cream cheese frosting or your favorite frosting to complete the rich, velvety look and taste.
  10. Slice and serve this stunning red velvet cake to enjoy its moist, tender crumb and striking appearance, perfect for special occasions or a bold treat.