Velvety Dreams: Indulge in the Allure of Red Velvet Cake.... red velvet cake recipe

While the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York popularized red velvet cake in the 1930s, its origins likely predate that era. This iconic dessert features a signature red hue, a light, tangy sponge and generous layers of creamy cheese frosting—making it an ideal choice for any celebration. Our preferred recipe is quick to whip up, requiring just 30 minutes of preparation time, yet delivers maximum wow factor with each delicious bite.

Here's a classic recipe for Red Velvet Cake:

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 120g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened

• 300g (1 1/2 cups) granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 240ml (1 cup) buttermilk

• 2 tablespoons red food coloring

• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 225g (1 cup) cream cheese, softened

• 115g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened

• 450g (3 1/2 cups) icing sugar, sifted

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

1. Prepare Dry Ingredients:

• In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

1. Cream Butter and Sugar:

• In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

1. Add Eggs and Vanilla:

• Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

1. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, and mixing until well combined.

1. Add Food Coloring and Vinegar:

• Stir in the red food coloring until the batter reaches the desired shade of red. Then, stir in the white vinegar until evenly distributed.

1. Divide and Bake:

• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

1. Cool and Frost:

• Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

• While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting.

1. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting:

• In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

• Gradually sift in the icing sugar and beat until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.

1. Assemble the Cake:

• Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top.

• Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.

• You can make as many layers as you like.

1. Decorate and Serve:

• Decorate the cake with sprinkles, if desired, and serve slices of this delicious Red Velvet Cake to your eager guests!

Enjoy the rich flavor and velvety texture of this classic Red Velvet Cake—a timeless favorite for any celebration!