Ultimate Red Velvet Layer Cake Recipe

Name: Ultimate Red Velvet Layer Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp cocoa powder; 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil; 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 tbsp red food coloring; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp white vinegar; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1-2 tbsp milk (if needed for consistency)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Experience the perfect balance of rich cocoa flavor and velvety texture with this Ultimate Red Velvet Layer Cake. Each layer is complemented by a luscious cream cheese frosting, making it an eye-catching centerpiece for any celebration or special occasion. This show-stopping cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply treating yourself to a sweet delight that leaves a lasting impression.

Created by

Anna Johnson

Last updated on 2025-11-17T02:53:49.115Z

This Ultimate Red Velvet Layer Cake combines a rich cocoa flavor with a velvety texture, creating a dessert that is just as delectable as it is visually impressive.

        Why You'll Love This Cake
        Rich cocoa flavor
Luscious cream cheese frosting
Perfect for celebrations
Eye-catching appearance
A treat for any occasion

      

A Brief History of Red Velvet Cake

Red Velvet Cake has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. Initially a relatively simple chocolate cake, the addition of red food coloring transformed it into the vibrant dessert we know today. The cake gained popularity after being featured in various cookbooks and was introduced to a wider audience through the famous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel's recipe in the 1920s.

The unique color of red velvet cake comes from the reaction between the cocoa powder and acidic ingredients like buttermilk and vinegar. This reaction not only affects the appearance but also contributes to the cake's velvety texture, making it a favorite among many dessert lovers.

Today, red velvet cake is often enjoyed in various forms, from cupcakes to layer cakes and even pancakes. Its distinct flavor profile and striking appearance make it a popular choice for weddings, anniversaries, and other special occasions.

Tips for the Perfect Red Velvet Cake

To achieve the best results with your red velvet cake, make sure to measure your flour accurately. Using too much flour can lead to a dense cake. It's best to weigh the flour if you have a scale or spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off without packing it down.

Using room temperature ingredients is crucial as well. Eggs, buttermilk, and butter should be at room temperature to help your batter mix thoroughly, leading to a lighter and fluffier cake. If you're short on time, you can gently warm the buttermilk or place eggs in warm water for a few minutes to speed up the process.

Don’t skip on the cooling time! Allowing your cake layers to cool completely before frosting will prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting. A well-chilled cake makes it easier to achieve those beautiful, clean edges that will impress your guests.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once your Ultimate Red Velvet Layer Cake is assembled, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For best flavor and texture, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This makes the cake soft and the frosting slightly creamy, enhancing the overall experience.

If you're planning to make the cake ahead of time, consider freezing the layers. Wrap each cooled layer tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw the layers in the fridge overnight and frost as usual.

For an added twist, consider pairing your red velvet cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy elements contrast beautifully with the rich flavor of the cake, making it an unforgettable dessert experience.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delightful cake:

For the Cake

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tbsp red food coloring
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp white vinegar

For the Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 tbsp milk (if needed for consistency)

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Ultimate Red Velvet Layer Cake:

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In another bowl, combine oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar.

Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until fully combined.

Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between two greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the layers cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little milk to reach your desired consistency.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cake layers are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.

Decorate and Serve

Feel free to add decorations, such as red velvet crumbs or fresh berries, on top of the frosting. Slice, serve, and enjoy your Ultimate Red Velvet Layer Cake!

Enjoy your delicious cake with your loved ones!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use different types of food coloring? A: While red food coloring is traditional, you can experiment with natural colorants like beet juice or even cocoa powder for a richer flavor and a less vivid color. Just keep in mind that the taste may vary slightly.

Q: Is there a gluten-free option available? A: Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. Be sure to check the label for any binding agents that may be necessary for the best results.

Q: How can I make this cake more decadent? A: You can add chocolate chips to the batter or layer in some ganache between the layers to elevate the flavor. Additionally, incorporating vanilla bean or almond extract can add complexity to the taste.

Pairing Ideas

This red velvet cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages. A classic pairing would be a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. The flavors balance beautifully, with the richness of the cake complementing the smoothness of the beverages.

For those who prefer something stronger, a glass of sweet red wine can enhance the cake's rich cocoa notes. Alternatively, serve it alongside a fruit-forward dessert wine to create an intriguing contrast.

Besides beverages, you could serve this cake with fresh fruit or a fruit compote. The tartness of berries can cut through the sweetness of the cake, making for a delightful taste combination.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.