Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Buttercream

Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Buttercream is a delightful dessert that brings a touch of elegance to any occasion. With its vibrant red hue and rich, velvety texture, this cake is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday celebrations. The creamy buttercream frosting adds a luscious finish, making each slice irresistible. Whether you are a baking novice or an experienced chef, this recipe will guide you to create a show-stopping dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cocoa and buttermilk creates a unique taste that is both sweet and slightly tangy.
• Stunning Presentation: The bright red color makes this cake visually striking, perfect for special occasions.
• Versatile Frosting: The cream cheese buttercream can be adjusted to your liking, offering flexibility in sweetness and texture.
• Easy to Follow: Clear step-by-step instructions make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a gathering or just a treat for yourself, this cake fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the deliciousness of Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Buttercream, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process and ensure success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sifter
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• 9-inch round cake pans: These are ideal for achieving the traditional layered look of the cake.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and ensures that your butter and cream cheese are perfectly blended for the frosting.
• Sifter: Helps to aerate the flour and removes lumps, resulting in a lighter cake.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (300g) 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 2 (or 3) cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

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

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly combine the wet ingredients into the dry mixture:
– Mix just until smooth; avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly into prepared pans:
– Bake for 28-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
– Let them cool in pans for 10 minutes before turning out onto racks to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl:
1. Beat 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 while beating until fluffy.
4. If needed, add heavy cream one teaspoon at a time to loosen.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

1. Level the cake layers if necessary.
2. Spread a thick layer of frosting between each layer of cake.
3. Apply a thin crumb coat around the outside of the cake; chill for 20-30 minutes.
4. Frost the exterior with either a smooth or textured finish using a cake comb.
5. Pipe rosettes around the top edge using a large star tip (like Wilton 1M or 2D).
6. Decorate with edible gold flakes, red velvet crumbs, or sugar pearls at the base.

Now you’re all set to enjoy your beautiful 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 dessert that can elevate any occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.

Classic Slice

• Enjoy a generous slice of cake on its own for a rich, sweet treat that highlights the flavors of the red velvet and creamy frosting.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve with a side of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The tartness of the berries complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully.

Ice Cream Pairing

• Add a scoop of vanilla or cream cheese ice cream on the side. The creaminess will blend perfectly with the cake’s texture.

Coffee or Tea Companion

• Pair your slice with a cup of coffee or tea. The warmth of these beverages balances the sweetness and enhances the overall experience.

Decorative Plating

• Present individual slices on decorative plates garnished with edible flowers or mint leaves for an elegant touch perfect for special occasions.

Layered Dessert Cups

• Crumble leftover cake pieces and layer them in dessert cups with extra frosting and berries for a fun twist on traditional presentation.

How to Perfect Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Buttercream

Achieving the perfect Red Velvet Cake requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Here’s how you can ensure your cake turns out wonderfully every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Don’t overmix: Combine wet and dry ingredients gently. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light one.

• Check oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature; this helps in even baking.

• Cool completely before frosting: Allow your cake layers to cool fully before applying frosting. This prevents melting and sliding.

• Experiment with food coloring: Adjust the amount of red food coloring based on how vibrant you want your cake to be.

• Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Buttercream

To complement your Red Velvet Cake, consider serving it alongside these delightful side dishes. Each option adds variety and enhances your dessert spread.

1. Fruit Salad: A light mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the cake.

2. Chilled Cheesecake Bites: These creamy bites provide a different texture while maintaining a sweet flavor profile.

3. Chocolate Mousse: A velvety chocolate mousse creates a luxurious contrast to the red velvet’s tangy notes.

4. Caramel Popcorn: Sweet, crunchy caramel popcorn offers a fun, snackable side that pairs well with dessert.

5. Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing sorbet cleanses the palate between bites, enhancing enjoyment of the rich cake.

6. Nutty Granola Bars: Chewy granola bars can provide an energy boost while balancing sweetness when served as part of a dessert platter.

7. Mini Cupcakes: Offer mini versions of various flavors for guests who might want more than just red velvet.

8. Coffee Cake Squares: A moist coffee cake adds another layer of flavor that complements both coffee and tea served alongside dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Buttercream can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Sifting – Not sifting your flour and cocoa powder can lead to lumps. Always sift these dry ingredients together to ensure a smooth batter.

• Overmixing the Batter – Mixing too much after adding wet ingredients can make your cake dense. Mix just until combined for a light texture.

• Incorrect Oven Temperature – Baking at the wrong temperature can affect how your cake rises. Use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s preheated accurately.

• Not Letting the Cake Cool Properly – Removing cakes from pans too soon can cause them to break. Allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to racks.

• Using Cold Ingredients – Cold eggs or buttermilk can prevent proper mixing. Always let these ingredients come to room temperature before use.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Buttercream

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

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 on medium power for about 15-20 seconds per slice.
• Stovetop – Place a slice in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm until desired temperature is reached.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use a different frosting?

Yes, you can substitute cream cheese buttercream with chocolate or vanilla frosting if you prefer.

How do I achieve a vibrant red color?

Using gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring will give you a more intense hue.

What is the best way to decorate this cake?

You can pipe rosettes, add edible decorations, or sprinkle red velvet crumbs around the base for a beautiful finish.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.

How long does this cake stay fresh?

When stored properly, it lasts up to 5 days in the fridge and up to 3 months when frozen.

Final Thoughts

Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Buttercream is not only stunning but also delicious. This recipe allows room for creativity—whether by adding unique decorations or experimenting with flavors. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!