Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, known as Scarlet Velvet Bliss, is not just a dessert but an exploration of taste, tradition, and technique. Originating in the 19th century as a Southern treasure, it has become an iconic dessert across the United States. Its rich cream cheese frosting beautifully complements the cake’s moist crumb and the vibrant scarlet hue achieved through red food coloring, making it a standout dessert at any gathering.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Servings
This recipe serves 12 people.
Ingredients
- For the cake:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 1/2 cups (312g) cake flour
- 1 tsp (5g) baking soda
- 1 tsp (5g) salt
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- 1 1/2 tsp (7.5ml) vanilla extract
- 1 tsp (5ml) white vinegar
- 2 tbsp (30ml) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp (30ml) red gel food coloring
- For the cream cheese frosting:
- 1 lb (454g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (115g) butter, room temperature
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the sugar and eggs until fluffy.
- Gradually add red food coloring to the egg mixture until you achieve a rich scarlet hue.
- Alternately mix in the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the egg mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Fold in the vinegar and vanilla extract.
- Pour the batter into two greased and floured 9-inch cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Frost the cooled cake layers with the cream cheese frosting.
Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that combines the subtle cocoa flavor with the tangy yet sweet cream cheese frosting, creating a perfect balance. Its stunning appearance and delicious taste make it an ideal choice for special occasions or as a luxurious treat for your taste buds. Remember, while it’s a splurge in terms of calories and sugar, every bite is worth savoring.
Nutritional Information (Approx)
- Calories: 275-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 25-40g
- Protein: 3-6g
- Sugar: 20-30g