Red Velvet Cake
Recipe courtesy of Johnnie Gabriel
Watch how to make this recipe.
- Level: Easy
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Nutritional Analysis Per Serving (Serving Size 1 of 8 servings): Calories 1191, Total Fat 73 g, Saturated Fat 12 g, Carbohydrates 129 g, Dietary Fiber 2 g, Sugar 96 g, Protein 9 g, Cholesterol 72 mg, Sodium 428 mg
- Total: 1 hr 45 min
- Prep: 15 min
- Inactive: 30 min
- Cook: 1 hr
For the Red Velvet Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (recommended: White Lily)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cocoa
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups canola oil
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1 (1-ounce) bottle red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/2 cup margarine
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
- 1 box confectioners' sugar, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup chopped lightly toasted pecans
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- For the Red Velvet Cake: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Generously oil and flour three 9-inch round layer cake pansget ready for layers of velvety magic!
- Sift together flour, baking soda, and cocoa. In a large bowl, whisk granulated sugar with eggs until smooth and creamy.
- In another bowl, mix oil, vinegar, food coloring, and vanilla until vibrant and uniform. Blend into the sugar-egg mixture for that signature red hue.
- Alternately add sifted flour mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined for a tender crumb.
- Divide batter into prepared pans, tap gently to release air bubbles, and bake about 25 minutes until a tester comes out clean. Don't overbakekeep it moist and delicious!
- Cool layers in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to racks to cool completely. Patience here ensures perfect frosting adhesion.
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting: This classic recipe yields enough for one cake, but double it for generous layers that inspire envy! Soften margarine and cream cheese at room temperature.
- Beat until fluffy, gradually add sifted powdered sugar, and mix until smoothavoid overbeating to prevent thinning. Fold in vanilla and pecans for nutty crunch.
- Assemble by spreading frosting between layers, and over top and sides. Slice into this Southern icon and watch it disappear!
This expert recipe from a culinary pro hasn't been tested for home kitchensbake with joy and adjust as your heart desires.
