Scarlet Velvet Bliss

Indulge in the extraordinary with our Red Velvet Cake recipe, meticulously crafted to be extra special and irresistibly scrumptious! This classic dessert, renowned for its striking color and delicate crumb, is elevated through a few simple yet impactful variations that promise a truly memorable baking experience. Get ready to create a masterpiece that will captivate both eyes and taste buds, cementing its place as a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire.

Contents

Unveiling the Allure of Red Velvet Cake

The holiday season often brings with it a flurry of celebrations, and in our family, that means many birthdays and plenty of cake baking! Among all the delightful treats, my Red Velvet Cake stands out as the most requested. Its vibrant hue and rich flavor make it a showstopper for any gathering, and I am absolutely thrilled to share this cherished recipe with you. My hope is that it will soon become your go-to celebration cake, earning rave reviews from everyone who tastes it!

Red Velvet Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. Its iconic deep red color, coupled with a subtly chocolatey and moist crumb, crowned with a tangy cream cheese frosting, creates a symphony of flavors and textures. This cake transcends seasonal boundaries, making it perfect for Christmas festivities, romantic Valentine’s Day dinners, lively birthday parties, casual BBQs, cozy girls’ nights in, or even an intimate dinner party for a few close friends. It’s one of those universally adored desserts that guarantees smiles and satisfaction every single time.

What Exactly is Red Velvet Cake? A Culinary Journey

At its core, Red Velvet Cake is a cocoa-infused buttermilk cake known for its signature deep red color. Historically, this striking hue wasn’t achieved with artificial food coloring. The original “rusty” red color was a natural phenomenon, a result of a chemical reaction between non-Dutched cocoa powder, acidic ingredients like buttermilk and vinegar, and baking soda. These components would react during baking to deepen the reddish-brown anthocyanin pigments naturally present in cocoa, creating a subtle mahogany tint. The “velvet” in its name refers to the exceptionally smooth and tender texture of the crumb, a characteristic also enhanced by acidic ingredients that tenderize the flour.

While modern Red Velvet Cakes often rely on a generous amount of red food coloring to achieve their vivid scarlet shade, the essence of the cake remains the same: a moist, fluffy, and slightly tangy chocolate cake perfectly complemented by rich cream cheese frosting. This delightful confectionery has a fascinating past, evolving from a humble “red cake” popular in the Victorian era to the iconic dessert we cherish today. Its popularity surged in the 20th century, particularly after its appearance at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, solidifying its status as a timeless American classic. Beyond its visual appeal, the unique flavor profile—a delicate balance of mild chocolate, tangy buttermilk, and sweet vanilla—is what truly sets it apart from other chocolate cakes. It’s a sophisticated and delightful treat that’s suitable for literally any occasion, adding a touch of elegance and festivity wherever it’s served.

Crafting the Perfect Red Velvet Cake: Essential Ingredients

This particular Red Velvet Cake recipe takes the classic to a whole new level, incorporating a few thoughtful variations that make it truly exceptional. The cake itself boasts a deep chocolate flavor and achieves an unparalleled moistness, thanks to the ingenious addition of instant chocolate pudding mix and a generous dollop of sour cream. These ingredients work in harmony to create a tender, rich crumb that practically melts in your mouth. To crown this culinary marvel, it’s generously slathered with a thick, luscious, and tangy cream cheese icing that provides the perfect counterpoint to the cake’s sweetness, making every bite simply irresistible. For this truly special Red Velvet Cake, you’ll need the following key ingredients:

All-purpose flour: The foundational structure of our cake.
Baking soda: Essential for lift and contributes to the velvet texture when reacting with acidic ingredients.
Salt: A flavor enhancer that balances the sweetness and brings out the chocolate notes.
Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
Powdered sugar: The key to a smooth, creamy, and delightful cream cheese frosting.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers the subtle chocolate flavor characteristic of Red Velvet.
Instant chocolate pudding mix: A secret ingredient that significantly boosts moisture and flavor, making the cake incredibly tender.
Butter: Adds richness and ensures a moist, flavorful cake.
3 large eggs: Act as binders and contribute to the cake’s structure and richness.
Sour cream, whole milk and cream cheese: Sour cream and whole milk add moisture and tang to the cake, while cream cheese is the star of our iconic frosting.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors, adding a warm, aromatic depth.
Red food coloring: To achieve that signature, vibrant red hue that makes the cake so visually stunning.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and appearance that defines this magnificent Red Velvet Cake. The combination of cocoa, sour cream, and the pudding mix creates a depth of flavor and moistness that will leave you wanting more, while the classic cream cheese frosting offers a delightful tangy finish.

Watch and Learn: My Red Velvet Cake Tutorial

Sometimes, seeing is believing, especially when it comes to baking. To ensure your Red Velvet Cake turns out perfectly, I’ve put together a step-by-step video tutorial. You’ll see exactly how simple and straightforward it is to bake this stunning cake, from preparing the batter to achieving that flawless crumb coat. Watching the process can demystify some steps and give you the confidence to tackle this recipe like a pro. So, grab a cup of coffee and settle in—let’s make some magic in the kitchen together!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Red Velvet Cake

Baking this Red Velvet Cake is a delightful process, and with these detailed instructions, you’re guaranteed a show-stopping dessert. Pay close attention to each step, especially the mixing and baking times, to ensure your cake achieves its signature moist and tender texture.

Prepare Your Pans: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a consistent baking temperature from the start. Lightly grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans or two 9-inch round cake pans. If you prefer a sheet cake, a 9×13-inch baking dish will also work beautifully. Proper pan preparation prevents sticking and ensures your cakes release cleanly.
Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, instant chocolate pudding mix, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined and evenly distributed, which is crucial for the cake’s texture and leavening. Set this mixture aside.
Cream Wet Ingredients: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This creaming process incorporates air, which contributes to the cake’s light texture. Next, beat in the large eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This prevents the batter from separating. Finally, add the sour cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and the vibrant red food coloring. Beat until these wet ingredients are just well combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.

Combine Wet and Dry: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the whisked flour and cocoa mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Overmixing at this stage can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in a tough cake. Stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks remain.
Bake to Perfection: Divide the batter evenly among your prepared cake pans. Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Baking times can vary depending on your oven and pan size, so keep an eye on it. Once baked, cool the cakes in their pans for about 20 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing them to cool in the pans briefly helps them set and prevents breakage.

Prepare the Irresistible Frosting: While your cake layers are cooling, it’s the perfect time to prepare the delectable cream cheese frosting. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until the mixture is beautifully creamy and smooth. This typically takes a few minutes. Next, beat in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until it is well combined and the frosting starts to thicken. Increase the mixer speed to high and beat the frosting for about 5 minutes, until it becomes wonderfully smooth, light, and easily spreadable. Remember to stop occasionally and scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is fully incorporated. If your frosting appears too thick to spread easily, you can beat in 1 tablespoon of whole milk at a time until it reaches the desired spreadable consistency.

Assemble and Decorate Your Masterpiece: Once your cake layers are completely cool, inspect them for any domed tops. If your layers have a slight dome, use a cake leveler or a sharp serrated knife to carefully level them, creating flat surfaces for easy stacking. Don’t discard these trimmed cake crumbs; reserve them! They make a beautiful and traditional garnish for Red Velvet Cake. Place your first leveled cake layer on a cake stand or serving platter. Spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese frosting over the top. Repeat this process with the remaining cake layers, stacking them neatly. Once all layers are stacked, cover the entire cake—top and sides—with a thin layer of frosting. This is known as a “crumb coat,” and its purpose is to trap any loose crumbs, ensuring a smooth, pristine final frosting layer. It doesn’t have to be perfect! Chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to allow the crumb coat to set. After chilling, apply the remaining frosting, smoothing it evenly over the top and sides of the cake for a polished finish. Finally, gently press the reserved cake crumbs onto the sides or top of the cake for that classic Red Velvet garnish.

Serving and Storage Tips: For the best flavor and texture, allow your Red Velvet Cake to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This softens the frosting and enhances the cake’s moistness. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. While it’s delightful fresh, many find the flavors of Red Velvet Cake deepen and meld beautifully overnight, making it even more enjoyable the next day.

If you embark on this delightful baking adventure and create this Red Velvet Cake, I would absolutely love to see your beautiful creations! Please snap a picture and share it with me, or tag me on Instagram @thebakermama. It truly brings me so much joy and inspiration to see how creative and enthusiastic you all get with the recipes I share. Enjoy every single delicious slice!

xoxo,

The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Recipe

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4 from 1 review

Author: Maegan – The BakerMama
Prep Time: 1 hour 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert, Cake

Print Recipe

Description

Discover how to bake the most stunning, moist, and flavorful Red Velvet Cake with a rich cream cheese frosting! Our unique recipe, featuring instant chocolate pudding mix and sour cream, elevates this classic dessert to an irresistible level, perfect for any special occasion. Get ready for rave reviews!

Ingredients

For the Moist Red Velvet Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (high quality recommended for best flavor)
1/4 cup instant chocolate pudding mix (this is our secret for extra moisture!)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup sour cream, full-fat for best results
1/2 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 (1 ounce) bottle liquid red food coloring (for that classic vibrant hue)

For the Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
6 cups powdered sugar, sifted (to prevent lumps)
2–4 tablespoons whole milk, if needed (to adjust consistency)

Instructions

Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial first step for even baking. Prepare your cake pans by lightly greasing and flouring them. You’ll need three 8-inch round pans or two 9-inch round cake pans. Alternatively, a single 9×13-inch baking dish can be used for a sheet cake. Proper preparation ensures your cake layers release effortlessly after baking.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, use a whisk to thoroughly combine the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, instant chocolate pudding mix, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures all ingredients are evenly distributed, which is essential for uniform flavor and texture throughout your cake. Set this mixture aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In the large bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy (this usually takes 3-5 minutes). Beat in the large eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to fully incorporate before adding the next. This creates an emulsified base for your batter. Then, add the sour cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and the entire bottle of red food coloring. Beat on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Combine and Bake the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the electric mixer bowl, mixing on low speed until just combined. Mix only until no streaks of dry flour remain to avoid overdeveloping gluten, which can lead to a dense cake. Divide the vibrantly red batter evenly among your prepared cake pans. Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cake layer comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 20 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cake layers are cooling, begin preparing your luscious cream cheese frosting. In the clean bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together on medium speed until the mixture is completely creamy and smooth, typically taking 2-3 minutes. Beat in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. Increase the speed to high and beat for about 5 minutes, until the frosting is wonderfully smooth, light, and perfectly spreadable. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure thorough mixing. If the frosting appears too thick, beat in 1 tablespoon of whole milk at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
Level and Reserve Crumbs: Once the cake layers are entirely cool, you may notice slight domes on top. Use a cake leveler or a sharp serrated knife to carefully trim these domes, creating flat, even surfaces for easy stacking. These trimmed cake crumbs are precious! Reserve them in a small bowl; they will be used later for a beautiful and classic Red Velvet garnish.
Assemble and Frost Your Cake: Place one leveled cake layer onto your chosen cake stand or serving platter. Spread a thin, even layer of the prepared cream cheese frosting over the top. Carefully place the next cake layer on top and repeat the frosting process. Continue until all layers are stacked. Then, apply a very thin layer of frosting over the entire cake, including the top and sides. This is known as a “crumb coat,” and it serves to trap any loose crumbs, preventing them from mixing into your final, pristine layer of frosting. It doesn’t need to be perfect! Chill the crumb-coated cake in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to allow the frosting to set. After chilling, apply the remaining cream cheese frosting, spreading it smoothly and evenly over the top and sides of the cake. For a final touch, gently press the reserved cake crumbs onto the sides or sprinkle them over the top for that iconic Red Velvet presentation. Serve and enjoy!