Red Cake
Indulge in the vibrant decadence of this homemade Red Cake, a dessert that's as stunning as it is delicious! Featuring a moist and tender crumb, this cake gets its signature hue from rich red gel food coloring, while a hint of cocoa powder adds depth to every bite. The balanced blend of buttermilk, vinegar, and vanilla extract ensures a soft texture and incredible flavor. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting made from velvety butter, tangy cream cheese, and powdered sugar, this classic cake is perfect for special celebrations or simply treating yourself. Easy to prepare in under an hour, this recipe yields two beautiful layers of perfection that serve up to 12. Whether you’re baking for birthdays, holidays, or just because, this Red Cake is sure to steal the show.
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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
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons red gel food coloring
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter (softened, for frosting)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened, for frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
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, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until smooth.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain.
Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cakes cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together with a mixer on medium speed until creamy and smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on low speed after each addition to avoid a sugar cloud.
Add the vanilla extract and increase the mixing speed to medium-high. Beat until the frosting is fluffy and well-incorporated.
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top.
Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
For a polished finish, refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
7498 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 312.6 g | 401% | |
| Saturated Fat | 87.4 g | 437% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 134.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 642 mg | 214% | |
| Sodium | 4024 mg | 175% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1160.3 g | 422% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.0 g | 43% | |
| Total Sugars | 920.9 g | ||
| Protein | 69.2 g | 138% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.2 mcg | 26% | |
| Calcium | 558 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 18.2 mg | 101% | |
| Potassium | 1212 mg | 26% | |
*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.
