Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Deliciously Decadent Dessert
Red velvet cake, with its vibrant color and rich flavor, has become a timeless classic for many special occasions. Whether you’re preparing for a birthday celebration, a holiday gathering, or simply indulging in a dessert for yourself, this cake never fails to impress with its moist texture and beautifully balanced flavor. When topped with a smooth and creamy cream cheese frosting, the result is a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Follow this step-by-step recipe for the perfect Red Velvet Cake, and learn how to create a show-stopping dessert for your next event.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for both the cake and the frosting, each ingredient carefully chosen to bring out the best in this iconic dessert.
| For the Cake | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter (room temperature) | 150g |
| Granulated sugar | 375g |
| Eggs (large) | 120g |
| Fine salt | 5g |
| Vanilla bean (or extract) | 1 pod |
| Red food coloring | 30g |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 50g |
| Plain yogurt | 300g |
| All-purpose flour (00 type) | 375g |
| Baking powder | 10g |
| White wine vinegar | 30g |
| For the Cream Cheese Frosting | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese (softened) | 525g |
| Butter (room temperature) | 150g |
| Powdered sugar | 300g |
| Lemon zest | 1 zest |
| Fresh raspberries | To taste |
| Edible gold dust | To taste |
| Mini meringues | To taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Red Velvet Cake Base
Begin by preparing the base of your red velvet cake. You’ll want to create a smooth and airy batter, so be sure to follow each step carefully.
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Mix the Butter and Sugar:
Place the room temperature butter and granulated sugar into the bowl of your stand mixer, equipped with the paddle attachment. Start mixing at medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a soft, tender cake. -
Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, scrape the seeds from the vanilla pod (or use vanilla extract) and add it to the mixture. Beat everything until it’s fully incorporated, and the mixture is smooth and pale in color. -
Incorporate the Red Food Coloring:
Add the red food coloring to the batter. This is the step where your cake transforms into the iconic red velvet hue. Mix thoroughly until the color is evenly distributed. -
Sift the Cocoa Powder:
Turn off the mixer and sift the unsweetened cocoa powder directly into the batter. Gently fold the cocoa powder into the mixture using a spatula. Be careful to mix gently from the bottom up to prevent deflating the batter. You want to preserve the fluffiness you’ve worked for so far. -
Add the Yogurt and Dry Ingredients:
Next, add the plain yogurt to the batter, mixing until combined. In a separate bowl, sift the all-purpose flour and baking powder together, and gradually add them to the batter, continuing to fold with a spatula. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate everything evenly. -
Add the Vinegar:
Lastly, pour in the white wine vinegar. This ingredient not only helps to react with the baking soda and give the cake its rise, but it also adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the cake. -
Prepare the Cake Pans:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line the bottom of a 20 cm (8-inch) round cake pan with parchment paper. Grease the sides of the pan and add a strip of parchment paper along the edges for easy removal later. -
Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Afterward, turn the cake out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
The cream cheese frosting is the crowning touch to your red velvet cake. It should be smooth, creamy, and slightly tangy to perfectly complement the cake’s sweetness.
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Mix the Cream Cheese and Butter:
Place the softened cream cheese and butter into the bowl of your stand mixer. Using the paddle attachment, beat the ingredients on high speed for 3-4 minutes until smooth, soft, and creamy. -
Add the Powdered Sugar:
Gradually sift the powdered sugar into the mixture, mixing continuously. Once all the sugar is added, continue to beat the frosting on high for another 3-4 minutes until it becomes fluffy and light. -
Flavor the Frosting:
Add the zest of one lemon to the frosting. This will enhance the flavor and give the frosting a subtle citrus note that pairs beautifully with the richness of the cake.
Step 3: Assemble the Red Velvet Cake
Now that the cake and frosting are ready, it’s time to assemble your masterpiece. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and even frosting application.
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Slice the Cake Layers:
Once the cake has cooled completely, carefully slice it into three even layers. You can use a serrated knife or a cake leveler for this task to ensure precision. -
Fill the Layers:
Place the first layer of cake onto a cake stand or serving plate. Using a piping bag fitted with a plain round tip, pipe small dollops of frosting onto the top of the cake layer. Use a spatula to spread the frosting evenly over the top. Repeat this process for the second layer, then add the final layer of cake on top. -
Frost the Entire Cake:
Once all the layers are stacked, apply a thin crumb coat of frosting to seal in any crumbs. Chill the cake for 10-15 minutes to firm up the crumb coat, then apply a final, smooth layer of frosting to the entire cake.
Step 4: Decorate the Cake
Now it’s time to add those beautiful finishing touches that make your cake truly special.
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Add Fresh Raspberries:
Cut fresh raspberries in half and place them around the top of the cake for a burst of color and freshness. The tartness of the raspberries contrasts nicely with the rich sweetness of the frosting. -
Decorate with Meringues:
Carefully place small meringues around the top edge of the cake, adding both texture and a touch of whimsy. You can make these meringues yourself or purchase them if you’re pressed for time. -
Sprinkle Edible Gold Dust:
For a touch of elegance, lightly dust the top of the cake with edible gold dust. This adds a festive shimmer that’s perfect for celebratory occasions. -
Chill the Cake:
Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving. This allows the frosting to set and makes it easier to slice cleanly.
Serving and Storing Tips
Once your Red Velvet Cake is complete, it’s time to enjoy! The cake should be sliced into generous portions and served chilled for the best flavor. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
This red velvet cake is a showstopper at any gathering, and with the smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it at a birthday party, a holiday feast, or simply as a treat for yourself, this dessert will always be met with admiration.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 460 kcal |
| Protein | 4g |
| Total Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 60g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 50g |
| Sodium | 260mg |
This Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a classic dessert that is not only visually stunning but also deliciously indulgent. It combines the perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and texture, making it a favorite for celebrations and special moments. Enjoy the process, and savor every bite!
