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–+ servings
A two-layer red velvet cake with cream cheese icing on a white cake stand, showing a slice removed to reveal the deep red layers and creamy frosting, styled with strawberries and a heart topper.

❤️ Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

This Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Icing is a classic, homemade dessert that’s soft, moist, and beautifully red with a subtle cocoa flavor. The cake layers are tender and rich without being heavy, thanks to buttermilk and a touch of vinegar, and they’re finished with a thick, tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances the sweetness. Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, this festive red velvet cake is ideal for Valentine’s Day, special occasions, or anytime you want a bakery-style dessert that feels extra special and made with love ❤️
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling and Frosting Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Southern Cooking
Servings 12
Calories 560 kcal

Equipment

  • 2 round 9-inch cake pans
  • Mixining bowls
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber Spatula
  • Cooling Rack
  • Offset spatula or butter knife for frosting

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1½ cups vegetable oil
  • 1 cup buttermilk room temperature
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

  • 16 oz cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
  • In a large bowl, combine oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar. Mix until smooth and evenly colored.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
  • Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

How to Make Cream Cheese Icing

  • In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  • Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
  • Mix in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

Notes

Nutritional values provided are estimates only and are calculated based on general nutritional data for the listed ingredients. Actual values may vary depending on the specific brands, measurements, and preparation methods used. For precise dietary information, please consult a registered 
dietitian or use a verified nutrition calculator with the exact ingredients you use.

Nutrition

Calories: 560kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 6gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 390mgPotassium: 160mgFiber: 1gSugar: 40gVitamin A: 520IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 85mgIron: 2mg
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