Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Buttercream

Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Buttercream is the perfect showstopper for any celebration. This vibrant cake, known for its stunning red hue and rich flavor, features a velvety crumb that melts in your mouth. Topped with creamy, tangy cream cheese buttercream, it’s a delightful treat for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply as a sweet indulgence. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying a slice with your afternoon tea, this cake is sure to impress with its delicious taste and eye-catching appearance.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder and buttermilk gives this cake a unique flavor that stands out.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can make this cake.
• Versatile Occasion: Perfect for celebrations or as a comforting dessert at home.
• Beautiful Presentation: The striking red color topped with fluffy cream cheese frosting makes it visually appealing.
• Customizable: You can decorate it in various ways to suit any theme or personal preference.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Buttercream, having the right tools on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 2 (or 3) 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Electric mixer
• Sifter
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling racks
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Provides consistent mixing and aeration for the batter, ensuring a light texture.
• Sifter: Helps combine dry ingredients smoothly while removing lumps, which is crucial for achieving a tender cake crumb.
• Cooling racks: Allow cakes to cool evenly without trapping moisture, preventing sogginess.

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Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1 cup (360ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring (liquid or gel)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting

(Enough for filling, crumb coat, and piping)
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 12 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened
* 5-6 cups powdered sugar, sifted
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* Pinch of salt
* 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional for fluffier texture)

How to Make Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Buttercream

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until smooth.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients:
1. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; small lumps are okay.

Step 5: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans:
1. Bake in preheated oven for 28-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto cooling racks to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl:
1. Beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy (about 3-5 minutes).
2. Add vanilla extract and salt.
3. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar until fluffy; if necessary, add heavy cream one teaspoon at a time to reach desired consistency.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Once cakes are cooled:
1. Level each layer if needed.
2. Spread a thick layer of frosting between each layer of cake.
3. Apply a thin crumb coat on the outside of the cake; chill in refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes.
4. Frost the entire outside using your preferred finish technique.
5. Pipe decorative rosettes around the top edge using a star tip.

Decorate as desired with edible embellishments like gold flakes or sugar pearls! Enjoy your stunning Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Buttercream!

How to Serve Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Buttercream

Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Buttercream is a delightful treat for any occasion. The rich flavors and vibrant color make it a showstopper at celebrations, gatherings, or even as a simple dessert at home. Here are some ways to serve this exquisite cake.

Classic Slice

• Serve traditional slices alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting treat.

Mini Cakes

• Create mini versions of the cake in individual servings for a fun and elegant presentation at parties.

Layered Parfaits

• Crumble the cake layers and alternate them with cream cheese frosting in cups for an eye-catching dessert parfait.

Cake Pops

• Transform leftover cake into cake pops by mixing crumbled cake with frosting, then coating them in chocolate.

Dessert Board

• Include slices of Red Velvet Cake on a dessert board along with fruits, nuts, and other sweets for variety.

Birthday Celebration

• Use this cake as the centerpiece for birthday celebrations. Decorate it festively to enhance the party atmosphere.

How to Perfect Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Buttercream

To achieve the ideal Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Buttercream, keep these tips in mind while baking and decorating your masterpiece.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to avoid a dense cake. Overmixing can lead to tough texture.

• Correct Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven properly. An accurate temperature is crucial for even baking.

• Level Cake Layers: If your cakes dome while baking, use a serrated knife to level them out before frosting for a professional look.

• Chill Between Layers: After applying the crumb coat, chilling the cake helps set the frosting and makes decorating easier.

• Sift Powdered Sugar: Sifting prevents lumps in your cream cheese buttercream, ensuring a smooth and creamy frosting texture.

Best Side Dishes for Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Buttercream

Pairing side dishes with Red Velvet Cake enhances your dessert experience. Here are some great options that complement its flavors beautifully.

1. Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a tart contrast that balances the sweetness of the cake.

2. Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream offers a delightful creaminess that pairs well with rich flavors.

3. Chocolate Mousse: A dark chocolate mousse provides an indulgent experience that contrasts nicely with the cake’s sweetness.

4. Coconut Macaroons: Chewy coconut macaroons add texture and a different flavor profile that works well alongside the cake.

5. Ice Cream: Vanilla or cream cheese ice cream creates a creamy complement to the rich red velvet flavor.

6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of rich cake and add freshness to your plate.

7. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over slices adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness.

8. Lemon Sorbet: The bright acidity of lemon sorbet contrasts beautifully with the sweet richness of the Red Velvet Cake, making it an excellent palate cleanser.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Buttercream can be delightful, but common mistakes can hinder your success. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter and even baking.

• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the light texture you desire.

• Ignoring the baking time: Keep an eye on the cake as it bakes. Every oven is different, so check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time.

• Not leveling the cake layers: Uneven layers can affect the overall appearance of your cake. Use a serrated knife to level them if necessary.

• Skipping the crumb coat: A thin layer of frosting before decorating keeps crumbs at bay and gives your final layer a polished look.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Red Velvet Cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for about 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Buttercream

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Buttercream

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap slices in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.

• Microwave: Heat individual slices on low power for 10-20 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overheating.

• Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people have about making Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Buttercream:

How do I make my Red Velvet Cake more moist?

To enhance moisture, ensure you use room temperature ingredients and avoid overbaking. Adding an extra tablespoon of buttermilk can also help.

Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?

Yes! Gel food coloring tends to provide a more vibrant color without adding extra liquid to the batter.

How long should I chill my frosted cake?

After applying the crumb coat, chill your frosted cake for about 20-30 minutes to set it before adding decorative layers.

What can I use instead of cream cheese in frosting?

If you’re looking for an alternative, you can use mascarpone cheese or vegan cream cheese as substitutes while still achieving a creamy texture.

Can I decorate my Red Velvet Cake differently?

Absolutely! You can customize decorations with fresh fruits, nuts, or chocolate shavings to match any occasion or personal preference.

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Buttercream is not only visually stunning but also deliciously satisfying. Its rich flavor and smooth frosting make it perfect for celebrations or everyday treats. Feel free to customize it with different toppings or flavors to suit your taste!