Are you craving a decadent red velvet cake but intimidated by complicated recipes? Fear not! This easy red velvet cake recipe uses a cake mix as a base, making it incredibly simple to whip up even on a busy weeknight. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike, delivering a rich, moist, and intensely flavorful cake without the fuss. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious homemade treat!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) red velvet cake mix
- Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (usually oil, eggs, and water)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This prevents sticking and ensures a beautiful, even cake.
Making the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, buttermilk, vanilla extract, oil, and eggs. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. You want to make sure all the ingredients are well combined for a smooth batter.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
Baking the Cake:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Overbaking can dry out the cake, so start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark.
- 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 breaking and ensures even cooling.
Preparing 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 and beat for another minute until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
Assembling the Cake:
- 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 with the remaining frosting.
Tips for the Best Red Velvet Cake:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients will help them blend together more easily and create a smoother batter.
- Cool completely: Ensure the cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Get creative with decorations: Add sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries to elevate the presentation.
Variations:
- Chocolate Red Velvet: Add 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the batter for a rich chocolate twist.
- Cream Cheese Stuffed Red Velvet: Add a layer of cream cheese filling between the cake layers for an extra creamy indulgence.
- Different Frosting: Experiment with different frostings, such as a chocolate ganache or a simple whipped cream.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific cake mix and ingredients used. For a general estimate, one serving could contain around 400-500 calories, 20-25g of fat, and 50-60g of carbohydrates. This is an approximation and should be considered a guide only. For accurate nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific ingredients used in your recipe.
This easy red velvet cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a delicious and impressive dessert. Enjoy!