Print

The Best Southern Style Moist Red Velvet Cake From Scratch with Classic Cream Cheese Frosting

A close-up of a moist slice of red velvet cake layered with cream cheese frosting.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Bake this authentic Southern Red Velvet Cake from scratch. It is perfectly moist, soft, and delivers that vibrant red color you want, paired with a rich, homemade cream cheese frosting. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for any celebration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons red food coloring (liquid or gel)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set this dry mixture aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is a great moment for some music!
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. In a separate small bowl, mix the buttermilk, white vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until the color is uniform.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix only until just combined. Do not overmix; we want a soft crumb!
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. While the cakes cool, make the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Beat in the vanilla extract.
  10. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is light and creamy. If it seems too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
  11. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost and stack the layers. You have made a showstopping dessert!

Notes

  • For the most vibrant red velvet cake color, use a good quality gel food coloring.
  • Buttermilk is key for the authentic Southern flavor and moist texture; do not skip it.
  • If you do not have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of whole milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
  • This recipe makes a perfect homemade birthday cake or holiday cake.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchnkudos.com/red-velvet-cake-moist-easy-recipe-from-scratch/