Description
This festive Red Velvet Layer Cake is a perfect Christmas dessert featuring moist, vibrant red layers with a rich cream cheese frosting. The cake balances a subtle cocoa flavor with the tang of buttermilk and the smoothness of cream cheese frosting, making it a beloved holiday treat for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cake layers.
- Prepare pans: Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder, mixing well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until fully blended.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until the batter is smooth and well combined without overmixing.
- Divide batter: Evenly pour and spread the batter into the three prepared cake pans.
- Bake: Place pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes: Remove cakes from the oven and let them cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Add sugar and vanilla: Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture, beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Assemble cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one layer, stack the next layer on top, and repeat until all layers are stacked and covered with frosting. Smooth the sides and top as desired.
Notes
- Ensure all refrigerated ingredients, like eggs and buttermilk, are at room temperature for better batter consistency.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and moist.
- Use high-quality red food coloring for vibrant color and avoid any off flavors.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
- Store cake covered in the refrigerator; bring to room temperature before serving.
- The cake can be made a day ahead to enhance flavors and ease of assembly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Red Velvet Cake, Christmas Cake, Layer Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting, Holiday Dessert, Festive Cake
