Name: Southern Red Velvet Cake Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon fine salt; 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ cups vegetable oil; 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature); 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons red food coloring; 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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If you’ve ever found yourself dreaming of the perfect slice of Southern Red Velvet Cake, rich with cocoa flavor and soaring with cream cheese frosting, you’re in for a true treat. This classic Southern dessert is as gorgeous to look at as it is delicious to eat, boasting that trademark crimson crumb and a silky, tangy icing that’s nothing short of irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a holiday, or just because, Southern Red Velvet Cake is sure to steal the show and become a beloved centerpiece at your table.

Southern Red Velvet Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s an undeniable magic in how this simple list of ingredients transforms into a show-stopping cake. Every element plays a role, from the cocoa for subtle richness to the buttermilk for its velvety crumb and signature tang.

All-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender, sturdy cake that holds up beautifully to layers of frosting.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and ensures the cake bakes up moist and soft.
Baking soda: Essential for lift, creating a light and fluffy crumb you’ll want to sink your fork into.
Fine salt: Just a pinch balances flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: For that unmistakable hint of chocolate that makes Southern Red Velvet Cake unique.
Vegetable oil: The secret to an ultra-moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Buttermilk (room temperature): Brings tang and tenderness, working with the cocoa to deepen flavor.
Large eggs: Bind the batter for a uniform, rich finish.
Red food coloring: The iconic deep red hue is non-negotiable for true Southern Red Velvet Cake authenticity.
White distilled vinegar: Reacts with baking soda and buttermilk for that velvet-soft crumb and subtle tang.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors with a lovely fragrance and warmth.
Unsalted butter (softened): Adds creaminess to your fluffy cream cheese frosting.
Cream cheese (softened): The heart of the frosting—smooth, tangy, and oh-so addictive.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to pillowy perfection.
Vanilla extract (for frosting): Echoes the cake’s flavor and ties everything together.

How to Make Southern Red Velvet Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a moment to grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans so your cakes will release easily. This little bit of prep makes all the difference in getting those perfect layers.

Step 2: Sift the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, fine salt, and cocoa powder. Sifting ensures your Southern Red Velvet Cake batter is lump-free and that all dry ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

Grab a second bowl and whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, white distilled vinegar, and vanilla extract. Take a moment to marvel at that vibrant color—it’s pure celebration in a bowl!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring just until everything comes together. Don’t overmix; a light hand keeps your cake soft with that signature velvet crumb.

Step 5: Divide and Bake

Evenly divide the batter between your prepared pans. Slide them into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cakes are cooling, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is perfectly smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and that splash of vanilla, whipping until the frosting is fluffy and luscious.

Step 7: Assemble and Frost

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting between them, then cover the top and sides. A cake this pretty deserves all the swoops and swirls you can muster!

How to Serve Southern Red Velvet Cake

Garnishes

Dress up your Southern Red Velvet Cake with a simple shower of cake crumbs, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of chopped pecans. A few curls of white chocolate add an elegant touch that’s sure to impress.

Side Dishes

Pair each slice with a glass of cold milk, or offer a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a little extra indulgence. Coffee or sweet iced tea are classic Southern companions that balance the rich flavors of the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your cake into petite trifles layered in jars, or use a cookie cutter to shape individual portions for a whimsical dessert buffet. For a truly show-stopping display, tower your Southern Red Velvet Cake with extra-tall layers and piles of frosting between each one.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Southern Red Velvet Cake dreamy and moist, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake stays delicious for up to 4 days, and the flavors even deepen as it sits.

Freezing

If you want to plan ahead, wrap the unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost and serve as usual—no one will know you made it in advance!

Reheating

While Southern Red Velvet Cake is delightful chilled, you can bring slices to room temperature before serving for maximum softness. Avoid microwaving, as it can melt the frosting and dry out the crumb.

FAQs

What makes Southern Red Velvet Cake different from chocolate cake?

It’s all about subtlety! There’s just a touch of cocoa, which brings depth without making it overwhelmingly chocolatey. The buttermilk and vinegar work together with the cocoa to create that special tang and tender crumb.

Can I make this cake without red food coloring?

Of course. While the color is traditional, you can absolutely leave it out or use a natural alternative like beet juice for a more muted hue—but the flavor will still be classic Southern Red Velvet Cake.

How do I get perfectly smooth cream cheese frosting?

Always use softened butter and cream cheese, and be sure to sift your powdered sugar. Beat everything until fluffy and smooth, and your frosting will glide onto the cake like a dream.

Why do I need to use both buttermilk and vinegar?

This dynamic duo reacts with the baking soda and cocoa, helping to create a moist, airy texture and that iconic, slightly tangy flavor that sets Southern Red Velvet Cake apart.

Can I make cupcakes instead of a layer cake?

Absolutely! Divide the batter among cupcake tins, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18–20 minutes and top with generous swirls of cream cheese frosting for the perfect personal treat.

Final Thoughts

Few desserts bring as much joy and Southern charm as a homemade Southern Red Velvet Cake. With its vivid color, lush frosting, and timeless flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. So go on, gather your ingredients, and bake up a little slice of Southern hospitality in your own kitchen—you’re going to love every bite!

Southern Red Velvet Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the classic Southern Red Velvet Cake with its vibrant color and rich, moist layers topped with decadent cream cheese frosting. This iconic dessert is perfect for any special occasion or simply as a delightful treat for yourself.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon fine salt
1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder

Wet Ingredients:

1 ½ cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For Cream Cheese Frosting:

½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla. Slowly add to dry ingredients.
Bake: Divide batter between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool cakes on wire racks.
Make Frosting: Beat butter and cream cheese, add powdered sugar and vanilla, beat until fluffy.
Frost Cakes: Spread frosting between layers and over top/sides of cakes.