Red Velvet Cake Recipe

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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1. 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!
2. Sift together flour, baking soda, and cocoa. In a large bowl, whisk granulated sugar with eggs until smooth and creamy.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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!
6. Cool layers in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to racks to cool completely. Patience here ensures perfect frosting adhesion.
7. 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.
8. Beat until fluffy, gradually add sifted powdered sugar, and mix until smoothavoid overbeating to prevent thinning. Fold in vanilla and pecans for nutty crunch.
9. 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.