Are you craving a rich, intensely flavored dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! These Red Velvet Cake Bars are the perfect answer. Forget fiddly layer cakes – this recipe delivers all the decadent red velvet flavor in a convenient, bar-shaped treat, perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and even better, it's surprisingly easy to whip up, making it ideal for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros looking for a quick and delicious dessert. Get ready to experience the ultimate in homemade cooking with this simple recipe for a truly delicious dish.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal later – this is a helpful tip for many baked goods!
Make the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar. The vinegar reacts with the baking soda to create a light and fluffy texture.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it after 25 minutes, as ovens can vary.
Frost and Cut:
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting.
- While the cake cools, prepare the frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
- Once the cake is completely cool, frost the top evenly.
- Cut into bars and enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients ensures better mixing and a smoother batter.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Cool completely: Allowing the cake to cool completely before frosting is crucial to prevent the frosting from melting.
Variations:
- Chocolate chips: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for an extra chocolatey treat.
- Different Frosting: Experiment with other frostings, like a simple glaze or even a chocolate ganache.
- Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a nice crunch.
Nutritional Information (per bar, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: Approximately 12-15g
- Sugar: Approximately 25-30g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These Red Velvet Cake Bars are a perfect example of delicious dishes that are also easy recipes, perfect for healthy meal planning (in moderation, of course!). They are a fantastic addition to your quick dinner ideas repertoire, especially if you need a delightful dessert to complete a meal. Enjoy this simple recipe and elevate your homemade cooking skills!