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Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting



Yield: 2 (9-inch) round cakes / 1 layered 9-inch cake Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 22-28 minutes per cake

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups cake flour

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

  • 2 eggs

  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder

  • 1 ounce red food coloring

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

  • 1 cup buttermilk

  • 1 teaspoon cider or white vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F for 15 minutes before baking.

  2. Dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, sift together flour and salt. Set aside.

  3. Cream butter and sugar: In a separate mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar on medium speed for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.

  4. Add eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

  5. Cocoa mixture: In a small bowl, stir together cocoa powder, food coloring, and vanilla extract. Beat this into the butter mixture.

  6. Alternate wet and dry: Stir 1/3 of the flour mixture into the butter mixture, alternating with 1/2 of the buttermilk. Repeat with another 1/3 of the flour, the remaining buttermilk, and the remaining flour mixture. Stir just until blended.

  7. Vinegar and baking soda: In a cup, combine vinegar and baking soda. The mixture will fizz. Stir this into the batter and combine well.

  8. Bake: Divide batter evenly between two greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans. Bake at 350°F for 22-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  9. Cool: Allow cakes to cool in pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Run a blunt knife along the edges of the pan to free the cake. Remove cakes gently from pans and cool completely on a wire rack.

Frosting Instructions:

  1. Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup (1 stick) of softened unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.

  2. Gradually add 3-4 cups of powdered sugar, beating on low speed at first to avoid a sugar cloud, then increasing to medium-high speed until the icing is light and fluffy.

  3. Beat in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

  4. Frost the cooled cakes and enjoy!

A Heart Wrapped in Red Velvet: A Valentine's Day Tradition

Valentine's Day. The air is filled with the scent of roses, the sound of romantic music fills the air, and love is in the air. And what better way to celebrate this season of love than with a decadent slice of Red Velvet Cake?

This vibrant, crimson cake holds a special place in my heart. Not only is it visually stunning, but it's also incredibly delicious. The tender crumb, the subtle tang of the buttermilk, and the hint of cocoa create a symphony of flavors that is truly irresistible.

And let's be honest, who can resist the allure of that vibrant red hue? It's the perfect color for Valentine's Day, a symbol of passion, romance, and love.

This recipe has become a cherished tradition in our household. Every year, as Valentine's Day approaches, I find myself drawn to the kitchen, eager to bake a batch of these beautiful cakes. My man nibbler, ever the romantic, always looks forward to this special treat.

And let's face it, what says "I love you" better than a homemade cake baked with love?

This year, I'm planning to frost my Red Velvet Cake with a luscious cream cheese frosting. The tangy cream cheese perfectly complements the subtle cocoa flavor of the cake, creating a truly irresistible combination. But the possibilities are endless!

Frosting Suggestions:

  • Cream Cheese Frosting: A classic pairing, the tangy cream cheese perfectly complements the rich chocolate flavor of the cake.

  • Cream Cheese Frosting with Raspberry Swirl: Add a swirl of raspberry jam to the cream cheese frosting for a burst of fruity flavor.

  • Chocolate Ganache: For a truly decadent treat, top the cake with a rich and velvety chocolate ganache. It sounds fancy, which intimidates some people. Fear not dreamers, it's super easy!

No matter which frosting you choose, this Red Velvet Cake is sure to be a hit. It's a symbol of love, a testament to the power of culinary creativity, and a delicious way to celebrate the special moments in life.

So, gather your ingredients, put on some romantic music, and let the baking magic begin. This Red Velvet Cake is a labor of love, a sweet reminder of the importance of celebrating the ones you cherish.
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