Go Big Red Cake
Indulge in the bold, vibrant flavors of the Go Big Red Cake—a striking dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. This two-layer masterpiece combines moist, tender cocoa cake with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting, all brought to life with a dramatic pop of red food coloring. Perfect for celebrations, Valentine's Day, or any occasion that demands a statement dessert, this cake is easy to make with pantry staples like buttermilk, vinegar, and vanilla extract for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth crumb. Topped with a creamy, decadent frosting and customizable decorations, the Go Big Red Cake is sure to wow your guests and leave them asking for seconds. Bake this showstopper today and bring a touch of indulgence to your table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon additional vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another large bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until completely smooth.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until the batter is well combined and no lumps remain.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove them from the pans and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well between additions. Add the milk and additional vanilla extract, and beat until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of frosting on top.
Place the second cake layer on top of the first. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it with a spatula.
Decorate the cake as desired. Optional decorations include red sprinkles or a drizzle of red food coloring for extra flair.
Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to set the frosting, and enjoy your Go Big Red Cake!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
7850 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 357.8 g | 459% | |
| Saturated Fat | 113.1 g | 565% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 138.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 755 mg | 252% | |
| Sodium | 3585 mg | 156% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1142.8 g | 416% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.0 g | 43% | |
| Total Sugars | 894.1 g | ||
| Protein | 68.9 g | 138% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.5 mcg | 28% | |
| Calcium | 666 mg | 51% | |
| Iron | 18.0 mg | 100% | |
| Potassium | 1342 mg | 29% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
