Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a dessert that’s both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious, you’re in for a treat with this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. I absolutely love how this cake comes together with its tender crumb, subtle cocoa flavor, and that signature smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting that steals the show every time. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this recipe will become your new favorite go-to for rich, moist, and beautifully vibrant cake.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right balance of ingredients is what makes this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe so special. Each component plays a role—from the cocoa powder bringing subtle chocolate undertones to the cream cheese frosting adding that perfect tangy sweetness.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure for the cake, be sure to measure it properly by spooning the flour into your cup and leveling it off.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds that hint of chocolate flavor without overpowering the classic red velvet taste.
• Baking soda: Helps your cake rise beautifully, lending a light and airy texture.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Melted for the cake to keep it moist and softened for the frosting.
• Vegetable oil: Key to that moist texture; plus it keeps the cake tender longer than butter alone.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping with structure and texture.
• Sour cream: Adds a slight tang and moisture that makes all the difference in crumb and flavor.
• Milk: Room temperature milk lightens the batter and adds tenderness.
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs provide structure and richness.
• Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the cake’s flavor with warm floral notes.
• Red food coloring: The red velvet signature! Gel food coloring works great for vibrant color without thinning the batter.
• Cream cheese: The star ingredient for frosting, softened to room temperature for a creamy texture.
• Powdered sugar: For smooth, sweet frosting without graininess.

Variations

I love making this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe my own by tweaking it a bit depending on the occasion or mood. Feel free to customize the recipe and make it your own—after all, baking is as much about creativity as it is about precision!

• Less Sweet Frosting: I sometimes cut back on the powdered sugar in the frosting when I want a more balanced sweetness that lets the cream cheese tang shine through.
• Buttermilk Swap: For a slightly tangier cake, try substituting buttermilk for the milk—it’s a trick I picked up that adds even more depth of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve tried this with success; just be sure to follow the blend’s instructions for best results.
• Decorative Touch: Add fresh berries or edible flowers on top for a festive look—my family goes crazy for that extra pop of color and flavor.

How to Make Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing three 9-inch round cake pans. I like to grease and then line the bottoms with parchment paper—it ensures your cake layers come out perfectly clean. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix sets the foundation, so giving it a good mix upfront helps avoid clumps in your batter.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients to Luxurious Smoothness

In your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the melted butter, vegetable oil, and sugar together until super smooth. This step is where the magic starts—once the sugar dissolves a bit, your cake texture will feel lighter after baking. Next, add the sour cream, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract, beating until everything comes together seamlessly. Then, pour in the red food coloring and mix until the batter turns that classic bold red hue.

Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures Gently

Now, slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing on low just until combined. Overmixing at this stage can make the cake dense, so you want to stop when you still see some streaks of flour. This method keeps the crumb tender and airy.

Step 4: Bake and Cool Your Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between your pans—about 634 grams per pan if you’re weighing, but eyeballing works fine too. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. When done, let the cakes cool in the pans for at least 10 minutes before removing them to wire racks. This resting time helps the layers firm up just enough to frost without crumbling.

Step 5: Whip Up That Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting

With your stand mixer whisk attachment, beat softened cream cheese until totally smooth. Add your softened butter and continue mixing until everything is well blended. Now, sift powdered sugar into the bowl to avoid lumps, then whip until you achieve a creamy frosting with stiff peaks. Finish with vanilla extract and salt, mixing until luscious and silky.

Step 6: Assemble and Decorate

Using a serrated bread knife, carefully slice off the domed tops of your cakes to create flat layers—this makes stacking easier and neater. Place the first cake layer on your stand, cut side down, and smooth a generous layer of frosting on top. Repeat with the second layer, then add the third without frosting on top before you crumb coat and frost the entire cake. If you saved those trimmed cake bits, crumbling them onto the sides or top creates a beautiful rustic finish that also hides any imperfections. Don’t forget, you can pipe any leftover frosting for an extra decorative touch!

How to Serve Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

For garnish, I love sprinkling crumbled cake bits around the edges of the frosted cake—adds texture and keeps things rustic-chic. Fresh berries or even a dusting of cocoa powder can elevate the presentation for special occasions. Sometimes, I pipe extra frosting rosettes on top to make it feel more festive, especially for birthdays.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a simple cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For parties, I like serving it alongside fresh fruit or a light whipped cream to balance the richness. A scoop of vanilla ice cream also turns it into a decadent dessert experience!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve stacked mini Red Velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting on tiered stands for a fun twist. Another idea is to turn this cake into a layered trifle with crumbled cake, whipped frosting, and fresh berries in a clear dish—that’s always a crowd pleaser. Even cutting the cake into neat squares and serving as petite bites is a smart way to share this treat without the fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it well so the frosting doesn’t dry out or absorb other fridge smells. My family enjoys snacking on chilled slices straight from the fridge because it also makes the frosting firmer and more refreshing.

Freezing

This cake freezes surprisingly well! Wrap individual slices or whole layers tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture. I like to freeze cake layers before frosting—it makes assembly easier on busy days.

Reheating

If you want to warm leftover cake slices, I recommend microwaving them wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel for 10-15 seconds. That little moisture keeps the cake tender instead of drying it out. Just remember, the frosting won’t melt nicely with heat, so a gentle touch is key.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s the one I always shy away from buying at bakeries—mainly because nothing beats my homemade version. The bright red layers paired with that creamy tangy frosting make any occasion feel extra festive. Trust me, once you try baking it yourself, you’ll feel accomplished and delighted every time someone asks for seconds. So go on, give it a whirl—you’ll love sharing this crowd-pleaser with your family and friends!

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