Are you ready to bake a cake that’s as stunning as it is delicious? This red velvet cake recipe takes inspiration from the queen of cooking herself, Martha Stewart, offering a rich, moist, and intensely flavorful cake that's perfect for any occasion. Forget boxed mixes; this homemade version is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and the results are truly spectacular. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this classic dessert elevated to perfection. This easy recipe is perfect for those searching for quick dinner ideas, healthy meals, and delicious dishes to make at home.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel preferred for vibrant color)
- 1 cup (240ml) freshly brewed strong coffee, cooled
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper for easier removal.
Making the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add the sugar, beating until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk and red food coloring. Mix well until the color is evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Stir in the cooled coffee.
Baking the Cakes:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
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 Success:
- Use gel food coloring for a richer, more vibrant red color. Liquid food coloring may require more to achieve the desired shade.
- Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for a smooth and creamy frosting.
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For an extra special touch, garnish with fresh berries or chocolate shavings.
Variations:
- Chocolate Red Velvet: Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter for an extra chocolatey twist.
- Cream Cheese Filling: Add a layer of cream cheese filling between the cake layers for an even richer flavor.
- Different Frosting: Experiment with different frostings, such as a chocolate ganache or a whipped cream frosting.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 60-70g
- Protein: Approximately 5-7g
This red velvet cake is a true masterpiece. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe guarantees a delicious and impressive result. It's perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a truly special dessert. Enjoy!