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Easy One-Bowl Red Velvet Cake Recipe with Silky Cream Cheese Frosting

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A quick and easy one-bowl red velvet cake with a tender crumb and silky cream cheese frosting, perfect for celebrations or a comforting treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (320 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar, let sit 5 minutes)
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel preferred)
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Add granulated sugar to the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
  4. Make a well in the center and add vegetable oil, eggs, buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring.
  5. Mix with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until smooth and combined, about 2-3 minutes. Avoid over-mixing.
  6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and tap pans gently to release air bubbles.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely (about 1 hour).
  9. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  10. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low then medium speed until fluffy.
  11. Beat in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Adjust sweetness or saltiness as desired.
  12. Once cakes are cooled, place one layer on a plate and spread frosting over the top.
  13. Add second layer and frost top and sides evenly.
  14. Chill cake for 30 minutes before slicing to set frosting.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Avoid over-mixing batter to keep cake tender. Gel food coloring gives vibrant color without thinning batter. Tap pans before baking to release air bubbles. Chill frosting if too soft before spreading. Buttermilk can be substituted with milk and vinegar mixture.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet cake, one-bowl cake, cream cheese frosting, easy cake recipe, quick dessert, celebration cake

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