Perfect Holiday Desert
Meta Description:
Bake the perfect homemade red velvet cake with this moist, tender, and vibrant recipe. Complete with cream cheese frosting, step-by-step instructions, and bake times — your new signature dessert!
Introduction: A Slice of Classic Red Velvet Magic
If there’s one cake that never fails to impress, it’s red velvet cake. Soft, velvety, lightly chocolatey, and layered with rich cream cheese frosting — it’s a Southern classic that feels luxurious in every bite.
If you love classic Southern desserts, you’ll also enjoy my [Homemade Sweet Potato Pie Recipe] — a reader favorite during the holidays.
Whether you’re baking for a birthday, holiday, celebration, or simply treating yourself, this recipe gives you bakery-level results with simple, accessible ingredients. Let’s bake this beauty together! ❤️
Quick Recipe Overview
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
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Total Time: 50–60 minutes
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Servings: 10–12 slices
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Skill Level: Easy / Intermediate
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Red Velvet Cake
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 ½ cups granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 ½ cups vegetable oil
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1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon white vinegar
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2 tablespoons red food coloring
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½ cup hot coffee or hot water
For Cream Cheese Frosting
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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3 cups powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
If you’re new to frosting cakes, check out my helpful guide: [Cake Decorating Basics].
How to Make Red Velvet Cake (Step-by-Step)
1. Prep Your Oven & Pans
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment.
Here’s a quick parchment tutorial from Bon Appétit (external):
https://www.bonappetit.com
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together:
oil, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, vinegar, and food coloring.
4. Bring It All Together
Slowly fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture.
Then add hot coffee or hot water and mix until smooth.
Curious why vinegar + cocoa create the signature red velvet texture?
Here’s the science behind it (external):
https://www.seriouseats.com
5. Bake the Cakes
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Divide batter between pans.
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Bake 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Cool completely before frosting.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
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Beat cream cheese + butter until smooth.
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Add powdered sugar.
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Add vanilla + pinch of salt.
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Beat until fluffy.
For a full frosting tutorial with piping tips, visit my [Cream Cheese Frosting Guide].
Assembling Your Red Velvet Cake
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Ensure cakes are fully cooled.
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Level tops if needed.
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Spread frosting between layers.
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Frost the top + sides.
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Decorate with red crumbs or simple swirls.
Your stunning cake is ready to serve!
Serving Suggestions
This cake is perfect with:
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hot coffee
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a glass of milk
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vanilla ice cream
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fresh berries
If you’re planning a holiday menu, check out my [Popular Thanksgiving Recipes] for dessert and side dish ideas.
For vibrant food coloring tips, here’s a helpful guide from King Arthur Baking (external):
https://www.kingarthurbaking.com
Tips & Variations
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No buttermilk? Use milk + vinegar (guide from Food Network):
https://www.foodnetwork.com -
Add sour cream for extra moisture.
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Use gel food coloring for brighter red.
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Bake as cupcakes: 18–20 minutes.
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerate: 4 days
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Freeze cake layers: 3 months
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Freeze slices: wrap individually for easy desserts
FAQ
Why add vinegar to red velvet cake?
It reacts with cocoa + baking soda for a tender crumb.
Can I skip the coffee?
Yes — use hot water. Coffee enhances cocoa flavor.
Can I use natural food coloring?
Yes, but color will be softer.
Final Thoughts
This homemade Red Velvet Cake is soft, moist, and truly unforgettable — perfect for holidays or celebrations.
If you’re craving more easy desserts, try my [Banana Bread Recipe] next.
And if you need a delicious dinner before dessert, the [One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta] is a reader favorite!
Bake it, share it, and enjoy every bite. 🍰✨