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The Best Southern Style Moist Red Velvet Cake from Scratch with Classic Cream Cheese Frosting

A perfect slice of moist red velvet cake showing three vibrant red layers separated by thick white cream cheese frosting.
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Make this authentic Southern Red Velvet Cake from scratch. This recipe yields a perfectly moist, soft cake with a tender crumb, balanced cocoa flavor, and a vibrant red color. Top it with a rich, homemade cream cheese frosting for a showstopping dessert perfect for birthdays or holidays.

Ingredients

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  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons red food coloring (liquid or gel)
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set this dry mixture aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the 1 cup of softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This takes about 3 minutes.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  5. In a separate small bowl, mix the buttermilk, vinegar, and red food coloring until the color is uniform and vibrant.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix only until just combined; do not overmix.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Prepare the cream cheese frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of softened butter until smooth. Beat in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, salt, and gradually add the powdered sugar until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
  11. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost and stack the layers.

Notes

  • For the most vibrant red velvet cake color, use a good quality gel food coloring instead of liquid coloring.
  • Buttermilk is essential for the authentic texture and slight tang in this Southern recipe.
  • Do not overmix the batter once you add the flour; this keeps your cake soft and fluffy.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delicerecipe.com/red-velvet-cake-moist-easy-from-scratch/