Classic Red Velvet Layer Cake
Bright crimson, lightly cocoa-flavored, perfectly tender layers with old-fashioned cream cheese frosting. the celebration cake that never goes out of style.
- Total time:
- 1 hr 30 min
- Servings:
- 12
- Per serving:
- 580 kcal
- Cost per serving:
- $1.30
- Difficulty:
- medium
Step-by-step
Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 9-inch pans.
Whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda, salt.
Beat 1 cup butter and granulated sugar 4 minutes until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.
Stir in red food coloring and 1 tbsp vanilla.
Alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk in three additions, ending with flour.
Stir vinegar in at the end. Divide between pans.
Bake 28–32 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
30 min timer
Cool in pans 15 minutes, then on a rack completely.
Beat cream cheese and remaining butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and remaining vanilla. Beat until fluffy.
Frost between layers and on top. Refrigerate 30 minutes before slicing.
Cook's tip
Vinegar reacts with baking soda for tender crumb. Cocoa amount is small but essential for the signature subtle flavor.
Storage
Refrigerate covered 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: Freeze unfrosted layers 2 months.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 580
- Protein
- 6g
- Carbs
- 72g
- Fat
- 30g
- Fiber
- 1g
- Sugar
- 56g
- Sat Fat
- 19g
- Sodium
- 380mg
Estimates based on USDA FoodData Central. See our nutrition disclaimer.
Frequently asked questions
Natural color instead of food dye?
Beet powder works. The cake is less vivid red, more russet, but flavor is identical.
Cupcakes?
Same batter, fills 24 cupcakes. Bake 18–20 minutes.
Reviews
Aisha K.
2 weeks ago
Loved it but added an extra scotch bonnet — we like it spicy. Recipe scales well, made a double batch.
✓ Would make again
Tola O.
3 days ago
Made this for Sunday lunch — the smoky bottom turned out perfect. Family demolished the pot in twenty minutes.
✓ Would make again
Marcus B.
1 week ago
First time cooking this and the timing notes saved me. Did not lift the lid once. The crust at the bottom was the best part.
✓ Would make again
Reviews shown are illustrative pre-launch. Real user reviews appear here as the community grows.
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