Are you craving a show-stopping dessert that's as delicious as it is beautiful? Look no further than this Red Velvet Sheet Cake recipe! This classic dessert is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. Forget store-bought – making your own red velvet cake from scratch is easier than you think, and the rich, tangy flavor is unbeatable. This recipe provides a foolproof guide to creating a moist, fluffy cake with a decadent cream cheese frosting, a true testament to homemade cooking. Prepare for compliments galore!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel or liquid)
- 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Get started with the cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 15x10 inch baking pan. This ensures even baking and easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Thoroughly combining the dry ingredients prevents lumps in your batter.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. The red food coloring will create that signature red velvet hue.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Slowly pour in the hot coffee while mixing on low speed. The coffee adds moisture and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake the cake:
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Overbaking can lead to a dry cake, so keep a close eye on it.
Prepare the frosting:
- While the cake is cooling, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Using softened ingredients is key for a smooth, fluffy frosting.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and salt, and beat until well combined.
Assemble your masterpiece:
- Once the cake has completely cooled, frost the top evenly.
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet:
- Use good quality cocoa powder for the richest flavor.
- Don't overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough cake.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For a richer flavor, use buttermilk made with whole milk.
- Get creative with your decorations! Fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or even sprinkles can add a special touch.
Variations:
- Chocolate Red Velvet: Add ½ cup of melted semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Swirl some cream cheese frosting into the batter before baking for an extra decadent treat.
- Different Frosting: Experiment with other frostings, such as a chocolate ganache or a simple glaze.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 400-450
- Fat: 20-25g
- Saturated Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Sugar: 30-40g
- Protein: 4-5g
This Red Velvet Sheet Cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's perfect for easy recipes enthusiasts looking for delicious dishes, as well as experienced bakers seeking to elevate their skills. Enjoy this decadent treat and make some lasting memories!