Red Velvet Cake

Here’s a classic recipe for Red Velvet Cake:

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 ½ cups (360ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring (liquid)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

For the Cake:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the sugar and eggs until well combined. Add the oil, buttermilk, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Mix until smooth.
4. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Beat cream cheese and butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until well combined and smooth.
3. Add vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Level cakes: If necessary, level the tops of the cooled cakes using a serrated knife.
2. Frost: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of frosting on top, then place the second cake layer on top. Spread the remaining frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
3. Decorate: If desired, decorate with cake crumbs, sprinkles, or fresh berries.
4. Serve: Slice and enjoy your delicious Red Velvet Cake!

This cake is moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!