Name: Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 125 g unsalted butter; 300 g caster sugar; 3 medium eggs; 30 g cocoa powder; 1 heaped tsp red food colouring (Sugarflair red extra recommended); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 250 ml buttermilk; 300 g plain flour; 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda; 2 tsp white wine vinegar; 150 g unsalted butter (room temperature); 150 g icing sugar; 300 g full fat cream cheese; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 75 reviews

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that feels like a warm hug in cake form, this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a must-try. Combining the rich, velvety texture of a perfectly baked red velvet sponge with the tangy, luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is a celebration of flavor and color. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, this recipe delivers a tender crumb, that iconic red hue, and frosting so smooth it melts in your mouth. Trust me, once you try this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, it will become your go-to dessert to impress friends and family alike!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Three round metal cake pans filled with smooth, bright red batter evenly spread inside each pan, showing a slightly shiny and thick texture with small air bubbles on the surface. The pans rest on a white marbled surface and are arranged in a loose triangle shape. The batter layers appear thick enough for a tall cake once baked. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe right is all about having the right balance of simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from creating that classic cake crumb to achieving the perfect velvety texture, vibrant color, and luscious frosting. Let’s walk through the essentials!

Unsalted butter: Provides richness and moisture, and helps create that tender crumb.
Caster sugar: Sweetens the cake evenly while allowing a light, fluffy texture.
Medium eggs: Bind ingredients together and add structure to the cake.
Cocoa powder: Delivers a subtle chocolate depth that’s crucial for authentic red velvet flavor.
Red food colouring: Gives the cake its iconic and vibrant red shade.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, adding warm, sweet notes.
Buttermilk: Adds acidity and moisture, making the cake tender and soft.
Plain flour: Forms the base and structure of the cake.
Bicarbonate of soda: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cake rise beautifully.
White wine vinegar: Reacts with the bicarbonate to boost the cake’s lightness and tang.
Icing sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese frosting.
Full fat cream cheese: Brings that classic tanginess and creamy texture to the frosting.

How to Make Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 170ºc (150ºc fan) and prepare two 8-inch cake tins by greasing and lining them. This sets the stage for a perfectly baked cake. Beat together the unsalted butter and caster sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the eggs one at a time, mixing carefully so the batter doesn’t curdle—if it does, adding a bit of flour helps bring it back together.

Step 2: Creating the Red Velvet Paste

In a small bowl, blend the cocoa powder, red food colouring, and vanilla extract into a thick, rich paste. If it feels too thick, a splash of milk will help smooth it out. This step is key for infusing that deep red hue and chocolate flavor evenly throughout the cake batter.

Step 3: Combining Mixtures

Add the red velvet paste to your butter and sugar mixture, beating until it’s combined and the batter is a gorgeous deep red color. Slowly mix in half of the buttermilk followed by half of the flour, then repeat with the remaining buttermilk and flour. It might seem a bit tedious, but alternating these ingredients ensures a tender crumb and excellent texture.

Step 4: Adding the Leavening Agents

Finally, mix in the bicarbonate of soda and white wine vinegar. These react together to give your cake a delightful lift and subtle tanginess. Beat everything together for a couple of minutes more to ensure the batter is velvety smooth and ready for the oven.

Step 5: Baking the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between your cake tins and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Use a skewer to test the cakes; when it comes out clean, your cakes are perfectly baked. Allow them to cool entirely on a wire rack before moving on to frosting.

Step 6: Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

Ensure your butter is at room temperature, then beat it alone for a few minutes until it loosens. Add the icing sugar and beat again for about 5 minutes to achieve a silky smooth texture. Next, thoroughly drain any excess liquid from your cream cheese, then add it along with vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is thick, smooth, and free from lumps. This frosting is where the magic of the Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe really shines.

Step 7: Assembling the Cake

Spread or pipe half of the cream cheese frosting onto one cake layer, then place the second layer on top. Finish by spreading or piping the remaining frosting on top. If you’re feeling adventurous, decorate with some cake crumbs from trimming the layers—it adds a rustic, beautiful touch that your guests will adore!

How to Serve Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A close-up of a slice of red velvet cake with two thick dark red layers separated by a smooth white cream layer. The top has a thick white cream layer with soft swirls and tiny red crumbs sprinkled on it. The cake slice sits on a white plate with a colorful geometric pattern at the edge. A silver fork rests next to the cake on the plate. The background is a soft blur of the rest of the cake and a white marbled surface below. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a fresh garnish can elevate your Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe to the next level. Consider a sprinkle of finely grated white chocolate or a few fresh red berries like raspberries or strawberries to complement the creamy frosting with a hint of tartness and a pop of freshness.

Side Dishes

Pair this luscious red velvet cake with a simple cup of strong black coffee or a creamy latte for a perfect balance of flavors. For something cozy, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream gives a delightful contrast to the cake’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your cake stand out by serving individual slices with an edible flower or a drizzle of chocolate sauce on the plate. Alternatively, cut the cake into bite-sized squares and place them on decorative skewers for a charming party presentation that’s easy to share and adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe stays wonderfully moist when stored properly. Keep leftovers covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent the frosting from drying out.

Freezing

To enjoy this cake later, freeze it for up to 2 months. Wrap cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. For best results, freeze frosting separately and add it fresh after thawing the cake layers.

Reheating

Since this cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, allow frozen cake layers to thaw fully in the fridge overnight before assembling and serving. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the cream cheese frosting and alter the texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While you can substitute regular milk, buttermilk provides acidity that tenderizes the cake and reacts with baking soda to help it rise properly. If you don’t have buttermilk, try adding a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

What type of cream cheese is best for the frosting?

Use full-fat cream cheese without added flavors for the smoothest, richest frosting. Low-fat or whipped versions tend to be too watery or loose, which can affect the frosting’s texture and stability.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be sure to choose one that includes xanthan gum or add it separately to help maintain the cake’s structure and moisture.

How do I get the red color without artificial food colouring?

Natural alternatives include beetroot powder or juice, but these may not produce the vivid red that traditional food coloring offers. Experimenting with these substitutes can yield a lovely natural hue but be prepared for a more muted color.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

This classic recipe relies on butter, eggs, and cream cheese, which are difficult to substitute completely without changing the texture. However, vegan butter, plant-based milk, and vegan cream cheese alternatives can work if you’re comfortable modifying the recipe. Expect a slightly different result but still delicious!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking and sharing a Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s a blend of tradition, indulgence, and warmth that brightens any table. I encourage you to try this recipe the next time you want to impress or just enjoy a slice of pure, comforting happiness. Trust me, once this cake is on your menu, it won’t stay there for long!