Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of a Southern Red Velvet Cake, a timeless dessert that has captured hearts and taste buds for generations. With its stunning red hue, moist texture, and a hint of cocoa, this cake is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the palate. Topped with tangy cream cheese frosting, it’s the perfect centerpiece for any celebration, from birthdays to holidays. Let’s dive into this classic recipe that will make your gatherings memorable!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until smooth and well blended.
Make the Batter:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Bake:
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cakes:
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Assemble the Cake:
Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
Serve and Enjoy!
Slice this rich Southern classic and serve it to your delighted guests. Enjoy the velvety texture and the sweet, tangy flavor that makes this cake truly special!
Serving Tips:
Slice with Care: Use a sharp, serrated knife to cut the cake for clean slices. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts to keep the edges neat.
Presentation: Consider decorating the cake with additional cream cheese frosting, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries for an elegant touch.
Pairing Suggestions: This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee, a glass of milk, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
Serve at Room Temperature: For the best flavor and texture, allow the cake to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Cold cake can sometimes feel dense and less flavorful.
Use Cake Stands: Display your cake on a decorative cake stand to enhance its visual appeal at parties or gatherings.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to consume the cake within a couple of days, store it at room temperature in an airtight container to maintain its moisture.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the cake in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting should be refrigerated, as it can spoil at room temperature. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing for Later: If you want to save some cake for later:
Whole Cake: Wrap the entire cooled cake in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Individual Slices: Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. This allows for easy thawing when you want to enjoy a piece.
Thawing: To enjoy frozen cake, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. For quicker thawing, you can leave it at room temperature for a few hours.
Avoiding Sogginess: To prevent sogginess, make sure the cake is completely cooled before storing. This helps avoid condensation, which can affect texture.
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FAQs:
What makes Red Velvet Cake different from regular chocolate cake?
Red Velvet Cake has a unique flavor profile that includes a hint of cocoa, but it is primarily characterized by its vibrant red color and soft, velvety texture. The addition of buttermilk and vinegar gives it a slight tanginess that sets it apart from traditional chocolate cake, which typically has a deeper chocolate flavor without the tang.
Can I make Red Velvet Cake without food coloring?
Yes, you can make a chocolate cake without food coloring by omitting the red food coloring. However, you will lose the iconic red hue. If you’re looking for a more natural option, consider using beet juice as a natural dye, which can add a subtle earthy flavor while providing the desired color.
How do I store leftover Red Velvet Cake?
Leftover Red Velvet Cake should be stored in an airtight container. If consumed within a couple of days, it can be kept at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake to preserve freshness, and ensure the cream cheese frosting is properly covered. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Can I use a different frosting for my Red Velvet Cake?
While cream cheese frosting is traditional and complements the flavors of Red Velvet Cake beautifully, you can use other types of frosting if you prefer. Some popular alternatives include buttercream, whipped cream, or ganache. Each frosting will bring a different taste and texture to the cake, allowing you to customize it to your liking.
Conclusion:
This Southern Red Velvet Cake is a showstopper that is sure to delight anyone who tries it. Its rich flavors, beautiful appearance, and tender texture make it a beloved classic. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a weekend treat, this cake is a fantastic addition to your dessert repertoire. So gather your ingredients, follow this easy recipe, and prepare to impress your family and friends with a slice of Southern goodness!
📖 Recipe:
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Southern Red Velvet Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the moist and velvety Southern Red Velvet Cake, a classic dessert known for its stunning red hue and rich cocoa flavor. Topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for celebrations and will surely impress your guests. Easy to make, this Southern delicacy is a must-try for any baking enthusiast!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until smooth.
- Make the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one layer on a serving plate, frost the top, and then add the second layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy your rich Southern classic!
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
For added flavor, consider mixing in a teaspoon of almond extract to the frosting.
If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the amount of powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 slices
- Calories: 450 kcal per slice
