Red Velvet Cake Recipe

 Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 2 tbsp red food coloring (liquid or gel)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or one 13x9 inch pan) and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter:

• In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.
• In another bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar.
• Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

3. Bake the Cake:

• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes (for round pans) or 35-40 minutes (for a 13x9 pan), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
• Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

5. Assemble the Cake:

• If necessary, level the cakes with a knife to make them flat.
• Place one layer of cake on a serving plate or cake stand.
• Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
• Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting and spread the remaining frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.

6. Decorate and Serve:

• Decorate the cake as desired (e.g., with sprinkles or additional frosting decorations).
• Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour to set the frosting before slicing and serving.