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–+ servings

Classic Red Velvet Cake

A classic red velvet cake layered with vanilla cream cheese frosting, perfect for special occasions.
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Birthday Cake, Red Velvet
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
chill time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 16 people
Calories: 773kcal

Equipment

  • 3 19cm round cake tins or 2 for thicker layers
  • baking paper
  • electric mixer
  • Spatula
  • Fine Sieve

Ingredients

Cake

  • 3 cups 450 g plain flour
  • 3 tbsp cocoa powder reduce to 2 tbsp for brighter red
  • 1½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1½ cups 375 ml vegetable oil
  • 2¼ cups 495 g caster sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups 375 ml buttermilk
  • 1½ tbsp white vinegar
  • 1½ tbsp red gel food colouring or 3–4 tbsp liquid colouring

Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 250 g unsalted butter room temperature
  • 500 g full-fat cream cheese room temperature
  • 5 cups 625 g icing sugar, sifted
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

To Finish

  • 2 –3 tbsp freeze-dried raspberry powder
  • Fresh raspberries optional

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 180°C (fan-forced). Grease and line three 19 cm cake tins (or two for thicker layers).
  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, bicarbonate of soda and salt.
  • In another bowl, whisk oil and sugar until combined. Add eggs and vanilla and whisk until smooth.
  • Add buttermilk, vinegar and red food colouring to the wet mixture and mix until evenly coloured.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Divide evenly between tins.
  • Bake for 35–40 minutes (40–45 if using two tins), or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
  • Cool in tins for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Beat butter until pale and fluffy. Add cream cheese and beat until smooth. Gradually add icing sugar, then vanilla and salt. Beat until creamy but do not overwhip.
  • Once cakes are completely cool, use a long serrated knife to gently level the tops if needed.
  • Place first layer on serving plate and spread with frosting. Repeat with remaining layers.
  • Apply a thin crumb coat and chill for 30 minutes.
  • Apply final coat of frosting and smooth sides. Chill until firm.
  • Just before serving, dust lightly with raspberry powder.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 773kcal | Carbohydrates: 87g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 385mg | Potassium: 129mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 67g | Vitamin A: 892IU | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 1mg