Red Velvet Cake

c
@cocinero44

A classic, elegant, and irresistible cake with a deep red, moist, and fluffy sponge, a hint of cocoa, and a creamy cheese frosting that is pure smoothness. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just treating yourself at home.

Red Velvet Cake recipe
Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
25min
Total Time
45min

Ingredients

10 Servings
(1 serving = slice)

Substitute for Sour Milk

  • Milk
    Milk
    330mL
  • Lemon juice
    Lemon juice
    40mL

Cake

  • Unsalted butter
    Unsalted butter
    250g
  • White sugar
    White sugar
    330g
  • Red food coloring (gel or paste)
    Red food coloring (gel or paste)
    10g
  • Eggs
    Eggs
    2
  • Vanilla essence
    Vanilla essence
    1tsp
  • All-purpose flour
    All-purpose flour
    375g
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder
    Unsweetened cocoa powder
    35g
  • Sour milk (prepared earlier)
    Sour milk (prepared earlier)
    370mL
  • Baking soda
    Baking soda
    1tsp
  • Vinegar (white or apple cider)
    Vinegar (white or apple cider)
    15mL

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Unsalted butter
    Unsalted butter
    280g
  • Powdered sugar
    Powdered sugar
    280g
  • Vanilla essence
    Vanilla essence
    1tsp
  • Cream cheese
    Cream cheese
    600g

Chocolate Curls (for decoration)

  • White chocolate couverture
    White chocolate couverture
    100g

How to make Red Velvet Cake

Substitute for Sour Milk

  1. Step 1

    Place milk and lemon juice in a bowl and whisk together.

Cake

  1. Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F).

  2. Step 2

    Prepare three 20 cm (8 inches) round baking pans with parchment paper at the base.

  3. Step 3

    Beat softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy.

  4. Step 4

    Add white sugar and red food coloring and beat until creamed.

  5. Step 5

    Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.

  6. Step 6

    Add vanilla essence and mix well.

  7. Step 7

    In another bowl, sift together flour and baking powder.

  8. Step 8

    Add dry ingredients and sour milk to the butter mixture alternately. Mix to integrate.

  9. Step 9

    Add baking soda to vinegar. It will fizz. Incorporate into the mixture.

  10. Step 10

    Divide batter into the three prepared pans.

  11. Step 11

    Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

  12. Step 12

    Let cool at room temperature. Set aside.

Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. Step 1

    Beat softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy.

  2. Step 2

    Sift powdered sugar and add to the butter. Beat until creamy and well integrated.

  3. Step 3

    Add cream cheese and beat until fully integrated.

Chocolate Curls (for decoration)

  1. Step 1

    Melt the couverture chocolate in a microwave or double boiler.

  2. Step 2

    Spread melted chocolate on an inverted baking sheet, forming a thin layer.

  3. Step 3

    Refrigerate until it solidifies.

  4. Step 4

    Once solid, remove from the fridge and let it temper slightly.

  5. Step 5

    Use a spatula to scrape the sheet, forming curls. Adjust temperature if curls crack or don't form properly.

Assembling

  1. Step 1

    Place a dollop of cream cheese frosting on the cake stand to secure the cakes.

  2. Step 2

    Unmold the cakes.

  3. Step 3

    Place the first cake layer and spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over it.

  4. Step 4

    Add the second cake layer and another layer of frosting. Place the last cake layer upside down.

  5. Step 5

    Cover the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.

  6. Step 6

    Decorate the cake with white chocolate curls.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

796.0kcal (39.8%)

Protein

12.5g (25.08%)

Carbs

86.0g (31.29%)

Sugars

69.7g (100%)

Healthy Fat

14.0g

Unhealthy Fat

31.1g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Ensure each cake layer is even and neat for a professional finish.

  2. Bring the cake to room temperature before serving for optimal texture.

FAQS

  1. Can I use a different type of vinegar?

    Yes, you can use either white or apple cider vinegar.

  2. How do I know when the cake is done?

    The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  3. Can I make the cake in advance?

    Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator.

  4. What if I don't have red food coloring?

    You can skip it, but the cake will not have the traditional red color.

  5. How should I store the cake?

    Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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