Classic Red Velvet Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Bliss
This Classic Red Velvet Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is an indulgent treat that combines moist layers with rich flavors.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- cake pans
- Oven
- Electric mixer
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 cup Vegetable or Canola Oil can use melted coconut oil as substitute
- 1 cup Buttermilk can substitute with milk plus 1 tsp vinegar per cup
- 2 large Eggs room temperature preferred
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract or vanilla bean paste for a stronger flavor
- 1 tsp White Vinegar or lemon juice as an alternative
- 2 tbsp Red Gel Food Coloring liquid can be used but may require more
- 1.5 cups Granulated Sugar can substitute with a sugar alternative
- 2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour gluten-free flour blend can be used as a substitute
- 1 tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder sift before use
- 1 tsp Fine Salt
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter at room temperature
- 8 oz Full-Fat Cream Cheese at room temperature
- 4 cups Powdered Sugar adjust to desired sweetness
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream for fluffiness
Instructions
Baking the Cake
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease and line three 6-inch cake pans with parchment paper to ensure easy release.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, buttermilk, large eggs, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red gel food coloring until smoothly combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually whisk in granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, fine salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Mix until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Bake: Evenly divide the cake batter among the prepared pans. Bake for 27-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pans for 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Level Cake: Once completely cooled, carefully level the tops of the cakes with a serrated knife. Crumble any scraps to use for decoration later.
- Frosting Preparation: In a large bowl, beat unsalted butter and cream cheese together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy whipping cream, mixing until you reach the desired smooth and fluffy consistency.
- Assemble Cake: Place one layer of cake on a serving plate, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top, and repeat with the remaining layers. Frost the top and sides of the cake, then decorate with crumbled cake scraps and decorative piping around the edges.
Notes
Allow cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting. Chill layers for easier handling when frosting.