Are you ready to bake a cake that's as stunning as it is delicious? Then look no further! This Betty Crocker-inspired Red Velvet Cake recipe is the perfect blend of moist, tender crumb, tangy cream cheese frosting, and that iconic vibrant red hue. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this easy recipe will guide you to creating a show-stopping dessert perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply a cozy night in. This recipe offers a delicious and satisfying homemade cooking experience, providing a healthy balance to your meal plan with easy recipes and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel or liquid)
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. This simple step ensures your cake layers will release easily.
Making the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This creates a well-combined dry ingredient base for your batter.
- In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, food coloring, and vinegar. Whisk until everything is well incorporated. The vinegar helps activate the baking soda, resulting in a lighter cake.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can result in a tough cake, so be gentle.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared baking pans.
Baking the Cake:
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on it!
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from sticking and ensures even cooling.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined. Then increase the speed to medium-high and beat for another 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk to thin it out.
Frosting and Serving:
- Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of cream cheese frosting.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake.
- Decorate as desired and enjoy your delicious homemade red velvet cake!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use buttermilk instead of regular milk. Buttermilk adds a delightful tang.
- Get creative with frosting: Add a splash of red food coloring to your cream cheese frosting for a deeper red hue. You can also use different frostings such as chocolate or caramel.
- Add some chocolate chips: Fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter for a delicious twist.
- Make it a layer cake: Use three 6-inch cake pans for a taller, more impressive cake.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Always consult a nutrition calculator for a more precise analysis.
Calories: Approximately 400-450 calories per slice. This recipe offers delicious dishes that are not overly unhealthy.
This Betty Crocker-inspired Red Velvet Cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and savor every bite!