Perfect Your Southern Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Introduction to a Classic Southern Delicacy

Red Velvet Cake is a Southern favorite, with its characteristic deep red color and rich, indulgent flavor. Combined with a creamy, chocolatey frosting, this cake is a true indulgence. Let's dive into how to make this classic Southern Red Velvet Cake with a delicious chocolate cream cheese frosting!

Ingredients and Tools

2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 2 cups sugar 1 cup vegetable oil or canola 2 eggs 1 cup buttermilk 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1-2 oz. red food coloring (to achieve desired color) 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar 1 cup of plain hot coffee (optional) For the Frosting: 8 oz package cream cheese, at room temperature 8 tablespoons (1/2 cup) unsalted real butter, at room temperature 3 cups powdered sugar 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Southern Red Velvet Cake

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cake Tins Preheat your oven to 325 F. Grease and flour 2 9-inch round cake pans. Set them aside. Mix Dry Ingredients In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use. Combine Wet Ingredients In a large bowl, combine the sugar and vegetable oil. Mix in the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, and red food coloring until well combined. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients pareja the coffee and white vinegar. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients in 1-2 tablespoons at a time, mixing after each addition just until combined. The batter will be thin but well combined. Bake the Cake Pour the batter evenly into each pan. Bake in the middle rack of your oven for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs clinging to it. Do not overbake as the cake continues to cook as it cools. Let the Cake Cool Let the pans cool on a cooling rack until they are warm to the touch. Use a knife or offset spatula around the inside of the pans to loosen the cake from the pan. Remove the cakes from the pan and let them cool completely. The warm cake will be very delicate. Frost the Cake When the cakes have cooled completely, frost them with the creamy chocolate frosting.

Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Prepare the Frosting In the bowl of an electric mixer, using the paddle attachment or an electric hand mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter together on medium/high speed until creamy, scraping the bowl as needed. Blend in Other Ingredients Sift in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder to ensure there are no lumps, then add salt. Mix on low speed until well combined, then increase to medium/high speed and beat until smooth and whipped. Finish and Apply Frosting Add vanilla, and beat on medium/high until the frosting is smooth. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake layers.

Conclusion and Tips

Making a perfect Southern Red Velvet Cake with a rich chocolate cream cheese frosting is a rewarding experience. The attention to detail in the baking process ensures a moist, beautifully colored cake that is sure to impress. Don't forget to add a touch of extra red food coloring if you want a more intense color! Enjoy this Southern delicacy with family and friends.