Description

This red velvet layer cake with cream cheese frosting is soft, velvety, and bakery-style—rich vanilla flavor, a hint of cocoa, and that classic buttermilk tang in every slice.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups cake flour (spooned and leveled)
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons unsweetened natural cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup canola or vegetable oil
4 large eggs, room temperature, separated
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
1–2 teaspoons red gel food coloring (or 1 tablespoon liquid food coloring), adjust to preference
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature

Cream Cheese Frosting

16 ounces full-fat block cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
5 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch of salt, to taste

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Instructions

Heat oven to **350°F**. Grease two **9-inch** round cake pans, line with parchment, then grease the parchment.
Whisk flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt in a large bowl.
Beat butter and sugar on medium-high until combined. Beat in oil, egg yolks, vanilla, and vinegar until smooth.
Mix in dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk (low speed), stopping once combined. Mix in food coloring.
Beat egg whites on high until fluffy peaks form. Gently fold into the batter.
Divide batter between pans and bake **30–32 minutes**, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and salt; beat until thick and creamy.
Level cakes if needed. Frost between layers, then frost top and sides. Chill **30–60 minutes** before slicing.

Notes

– **Tools:** Two 9-inch round cake pans, parchment, electric mixer, offset spatula (helpful).

– **Make-ahead:** Wrap cooled layers and keep at room temp overnight. Frosting can be made ahead and refrigerated; soften 10 minutes before using.

– **Freezing:** Wrap unfrosted layers tightly and freeze up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30–32 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American