A Southern Homemade Red Velvet Cake is a timeless classic that boasts a vibrant, velvety texture matched with a taste that’s just as luxurious. This cake is a favorite for celebrations, especially in the South, where its rich history and delicious flavor have made it a staple at gatherings. Here’s a detailed recipe to help you create this iconic dessert from scratch, ensuring a moist, fluffy cake with the perfect cream cheese frosting.
Southern Homemade Red Velvet Cake Recipe
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (plus cooling)
Serves: 12
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring (liquid, not gel)
- 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 pound cream cheese, softened
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
- Pinch of salt (optional)