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The Best Authentic Southern Red Velvet Layer Cake with Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting

Close-up of a tall slice of red velvet cake showing three layers of deep red cake separated by white cream cheese frosting.
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You can make this ultra-moist and fluffy Red Velvet Cake from scratch! This classic Southern recipe uses buttermilk and vinegar for a tender crumb, topped with luscious homemade cream cheese frosting. It is the perfect showstopper dessert for birthdays or holidays.

Ingredients

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  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 bottle (1 ounce) red food coloring
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set this dry mixture aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  5. In a separate small bowl, combine the buttermilk, white vinegar, vegetable oil, and red food coloring. Mix until the color is uniform.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix only until just combined. Do not overmix to keep your cake fluffy.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and salt, mixing to combine.
  11. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until incorporated, then increase speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is light and creamy.
  12. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost and stack the layers to create your classic red velvet layers.

Notes

  • For the most vibrant red cake coloring, use a good quality, concentrated liquid red food coloring or gel paste.
  • Buttermilk is key for the authentic Southern red velvet flavor and tender crumb. If you do not have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of whole milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
  • This recipe makes a beautiful homemade cream cheese frosting that pairs perfectly with the cake’s slight tang.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerykings.com/best-authentic-southern-red-velvet-cake/