THE BEST RED VELVET CAKE RECIPE

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar or apple cider vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

For the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until well combined.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Add the vanilla extract and continue to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Assembly:

1. Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
2. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of the first layer.
3. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
4. Optionally, you can decorate the cake with additional red velvet crumbs, chocolate shavings, or other decorations of your choice.
5. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Red Velvet Cake!