
Red Velvet Cake
Classic Red Velvet Cake
Ingredients
- nonstick cooking spray0
- cake flour2 ¾ cup
- cocoa powder2 tablespoon
- kosher salt1 teaspoon
- baking soda2 teaspoon
- buttermilk1 cup
- vegetable oil½ cup
- white vinegar1 tablespoon
- red food coloring2 ½ teaspoon
- unsalted butter1 ½ stick
- granulated sugar1 ¾ cup
- large egg3
- McCormick® vanilla extract1 tablespoon
- freshly brewed coffee¼ cup
- unsalted butter1 stick
- cream cheese12 ounce
- heavy cream1 tablespoon
- kosher salt¼ teaspoon
- McCormick® vanilla extract2 teaspoon
- powdered sugar3 cup
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- 2
Grease 2 8-inch cake pans with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper.
- 3
In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda.
- 4
Whisk to combine.
- 5
In a large liquid measuring cup, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, vinegar, and red food coloring.
- 6
In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together with an electric hand mixer on high speed until light, fluffy, and homogenous, about 2 minutes.
- 7
Add the eggs, 1 at a time, and beat on medium speed until incorporated.
- 8
Add the vanilla and beat to incorporate.
- 9
Add ½ of the buttermilk mixture to the creamed butter and sugar.
- 10
Beat on medium speed until well combined, 1–2 minutes.
- 11
Add ½ of the dry ingredients and beat until well-combined, 1–2 minutes.
- 12
Repeat with the remaining buttermilk and dry ingredients.
- 13
With the mixer running, slowly pour in the coffee and beat until just combined.
- 14
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
- 15
Bake for 40–45 minutes, until a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- 16
Let cool for 5 minutes before flipping the cakes out onto a wire rack, then let cool completely While the cakes are cooling, make the cream cheese frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese with an electric hand mixer on high speed until well combined and fluffy, 3–5 minutes.
- 17
Add the heavy cream, salt, and vanilla and mix to combine.
- 18
Add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, and beat until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
- 19
Once cakes have cooled, trim off the domed tops, reserving the scraps.
- 20
Cut each cake in half so you have 4 even layers.
- 21
Place 1 cake layer, cut-side up, on a cake stand.
- 22
Spread an even layer of frosting over the cake.
- 23
Place another cake layer cut-side down on top of the first layer, spreading another even layer of frosting on top.
- 24
Repeat with the remaining 2 layers.
- 25
Spread a thin layer of frosting all over the sides and smooth out with an offset spatula or bench scraper.
- 26
Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes, until the layer of frosting has hardened.
- 27
Frost the outside of the cake with a thick layer of frosting.
- 28
Crumble the reserved cake scraps, then press into the frosting around the bottom of the cake.
- 29
Slice and serve.
- 30
Enjoy!
- 31
RECIPE BY: Amanda Berrill
Nutrition (per serving · serves 8)
Estimated values based on ingredient data. Actual nutrition may vary.










