Name: Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 32 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups (360g) cake flour (spooned & leveled); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 Tablespoons (10g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar; 1 cup (240ml) canola or vegetable oil; 4 large eggs, room temperature and separated; 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar; 1-2 teaspoons liquid or gel red food coloring; 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, at room temperature; 16 ounces (452g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 5 cups (600g) confectioners’ sugar; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; Pinch of salt, to taste

If you’re craving a showstopping dessert that blends gorgeous color with rich flavor, the Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need in your baking repertoire. This luscious cake boasts velvety-soft layers tinted a vibrant red that pairs perfectly with the tangy, silky smooth cream cheese frosting. It’s a classic dessert that never fails to impress, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat. Once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your favorites to bake and share!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with fluffy, white whipped cream that has soft peaks and smooth texture, sitting on a white marbled surface. Above the bowl, an electric mixer with silver beaters is slightly blurred, showing the tool used to whip the cream. The scene is bright and clean with a soft light highlighting the whipped cream's airy texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward and essential to achieving that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and eye-catching color in your cake. Each one plays an important role, from the rich cocoa powder to the tangy buttermilk, coming together to create that unmistakable red velvet magic.

Cake flour (3 cups/360g): Provides a tender crumb thanks to its lower protein content compared to all-purpose flour.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise beautifully and gives a slight lift to those soft layers.
Unsweetened natural cocoa powder (2 tablespoons/10g): Adds subtle chocolate flavor without overpowering the cake’s signature red color.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances and balances the sweetness for a well-rounded taste.
Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup/113g): Brings richness and moisture while aiding in a tender texture.
Granulated sugar (2 cups/400g): Sweetens the cake while contributing to its moist crumb.
Canola or vegetable oil (1 cup/240ml): Keeps the cake ultra moist and soft.
Large eggs, room temperature & separated (4): Eggs provide structure and richness, with whites whipped to airy peaks to lighten the batter.
Pure vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Adds a lovely depth of flavor that complements the cocoa and cream cheese.
Distilled white vinegar (1 teaspoon): Reacts with the baking soda for a tender crumb and helps enhance the cake’s color.
Liquid or gel red food coloring: Gives the cake its iconic, vibrant red hue.
Buttermilk, room temperature (1 cup/240ml): Contributes acidity and moisture, making the cake tender and flavorful.
Full-fat brick cream cheese, softened (16 ounces/452g): The star in the frosting for that uniquely creamy, tangy finish.
Unsalted butter, softened (3/4 cup/170g): Adds richness and helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency.
Confectioners’ sugar (5 cups/600g): Sweetens the frosting and gives it that silky smooth texture.
Pure vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Elevates the frosting’s flavor with a subtle sweetness.
Pinch of salt: Balances the frosting’s sweetness and deepens flavor.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pans

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans, then line them with parchment paper rounds — this little step makes removing the cakes a breeze. Greasing the paper itself helps the layers come out perfectly intact, setting you up for a flawless cake assembly later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. These dry ingredients create the foundation for your moist, tender layers with just the right chocolate hint.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until smooth and combined, about one minute. Scrape down the bowl to make sure everything is evenly mixed, then add the oil, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and vinegar, beating on high speed for 2 minutes. This process ensures a luscious, rich batter.

Step 4: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

On low speed, add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in two to three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. This keeps the batter smooth and helps it reach the ideal consistency. Next, add your red food coloring to get that signature vibrant red tone—adjust to your preferred shade.

Step 5: Whip Egg Whites and Fold In

Whisk the reserved egg whites until fluffy peaks form—this aeration lightens the cake wonderfully. Gently fold the whites into the batter, being careful not to deflate them. This step will give your cake that unbeatable soft and silky texture.

Step 6: Bake and Cool the Cake Layers

Divide your batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–32 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the cakes cool completely in the pans on a wire rack before moving on to frosting. Patience here pays off with a neat finish!

Step 7: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until ultra smooth, about 2 minutes. Add in the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, starting on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Increase to high and whip until silky smooth, about 3 minutes. Adjust sweetness or thickness as needed—this frosting is the creamy crown jewel of your cake.

Step 8: Assemble and Frost Your Cake

Level the tops of each cake layer with a serrated knife for a flat surface. Place one layer on your serving plate, spread an even layer of frosting, then top with the second cake. Cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing edges with a spatula or bench scraper for a professional look. For decorative flair, try piping with a Wilton #12 tip like I do!

Step 9: Chill Before Serving

Refrigerate your frosted cake for at least 30 to 60 minutes before slicing to help it hold shape and make cutting neat and tidy. Trust me, this step makes serving a dream.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A slice of red velvet cake with two thick red layers separated by a thick white cream layer, topped with more white cream on the side in swirled shapes, sits on a white plate. Next to the cake slice, there is a bright red strawberry with green leaves. A silver fork is placed partially on the cake and plate. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of cake crumbs from trimming the tops can add rustic charm, or a dusting of cocoa powder or edible glitter can elevate your presentation. Fresh berries or a few mint leaves add a fresh pop of color and flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich cake and creamy frosting.

Side Dishes

Serve slices alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent experience. A hot cup of coffee, black tea, or even a creamy chai latte is perfect to balance the cake’s sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cake into mini squares for a party platter or stack the layers as cupcake-sized mini cakes. You can even turn this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe into cake pops by crumbling leftover cake and mixing with frosting, then chilling and dipping in melted chocolate for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover red velvet cake covered tightly in the fridge for up to 5 days. This helps maintain the cream cheese frosting’s delicate texture and keeps the cake moist and fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze the entire frosted cake or individual unfrosted layers for 2 to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil or an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving or decorating.

Reheating

For best results, bring slices to room temperature before enjoying. If desired, give your slice a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave to soften the frosting slightly without melting it completely.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

You can, but cake flour gives the softest, lightest texture. If using all-purpose flour, consider removing 2 tablespoons per cup and replacing it with cornstarch to mimic cake flour’s tenderness.

Is there a substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a simple substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

How do I avoid the cake turning purple or brown instead of red?

The acidity from vinegar and buttermilk combined with enough red food coloring ensures that vibrant red you’re after. Using natural cocoa powder and not Dutch-processed cocoa keeps the color from turning too dark.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

With some tweaks like using plant-based cream cheese, butter substitutes, and egg replacers, you can adapt this recipe. But keep in mind, the flavor and texture might vary slightly from the classic.

What’s the best way to level the cake layers?

A large serrated knife works great, but a cake leveler tool gives even more precise results. Leveling ensures the layers stack beautifully without a lopsided finish.

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe truly feels like a hug on a plate — rich, tender, and wrapped in creamy frosting that balances sweetness with a hint of tang. It’s worth every minute of effort because the result is a stunning dessert that delights both the eyes and the palate. I can’t wait for you to bake this and watch it become a beloved favorite in your home just like it is in mine!