Red Velvet Cake

A classic Southern red velvet layer cake with tangy cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons (1 oz) red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened (frosting)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened (frosting)
• 4 cups powdered sugar (frosting)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (frosting)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease and flour two 9-inch round pans.
2. Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa.
3. In another bowl, mix the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar.
4. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined and smooth.
5. Divide between the pans and bake 28 to 32 minutes, until a tester comes out clean; cool completely.
6. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth, then beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla.
7. Frost between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake.

Notes

Paula Deen’s Red Velvet Cake with cream cheese frosting.