This old fashioned red velvet cake recipe will be a show stopper for your next special occasion! Tender cake is topped with decadent cream cheese frosting that will melt in your mouth! With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, try it today!

Do you love the look and taste of red velvet cake, but are intimidated by the thought of making it from scratch? This old fashioned red velvet cake recipe is perfect for beginners! Plus, the cream cheese icing is amazing! 

Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced cook, this is one of those cake recipes that is definitely worth trying. So go ahead and give this easy red velvet cake recipe a go – you won’t be disappointed with your hard work!

With just a few simple ingredients and tips, you can bake a classic cake that everyone will love. 

What is a Classic Red Velvet Cake? 

A true red velvet cake uses cocoa to give just a hint of chocolate, buttermilk and red food dye in the batter to give it that bold red color. With a velvety crumb, the use of buttermilk adds another dimension to this already rich dessert – making for one tasty treat! This original recipe is way more than just another chocolate cake!

This moist red velvet cake recipe has a secret ingredient of vinegar which helps to get a nice red cake and a tender crumb.

The Best Red Velvet Cake recipe

Ingredients 

• 3 cups all purpose flour 
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 Tablespoons unsweetened natural cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
• red food coloring or beet juice
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Cake Release
• Cream Cheese Frosting

*This recipe makes 2 cake layers.

In the bowl of a stand mixer or large mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, salt and baking soda.

In a medium bowl, cream butter and sugar on a medium-high speed until fluffy and golden. Add oil, eggs, vanilla extract and vinegar and mix on high until well combined with the creamed mixture. 

Add the buttermilk and dry ingredients, alternating between both. Use a low speed to incorporate the ingredients and work up to a medium speed. Add in 1-2 teaspoons of red food coloring and combine. Be sure to scrape down the sides of bowl.

Grease and flour cake pans before baking. Divide the cake batter among the pans, add to a 350 degree preheated oven for a baking time for 30 minutes. When your cake tester comes out clean and the sides of the cake pull away from the pan, it is ready to be removed.

Cool for 15-20 minutes before removing the cakes from the pans and then cool completely on cooling racks to room temperature before frosting with cream cheese frosting. 

To make slicing your frosted cake easier, let it chill in the refrigerator for about an hour before slicing. 

The next time you want a sweet treat try this original red velvet cake!

old fashioned red velvet cake recipe

Yield: 1 cake = 12 servings

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Additional Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

This old fashioned red velvet cake recipe will be a show stopper for your next special occasion! Tender cake is topped with decadent cream cheese frosting that will melt in your mouth! With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, try it today!

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Ingredients

• 3 cups flour 
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 Tablespoons unsweetened natural cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup canola oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
• red food coloring
• 1 cup buttermilk

Instructions

In the bowl of a stand mixer or large mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, salt and baking soda.

In a medium bowl, cream butter and sugar on a medium-high speed until fluffy and golden. Add oil, eggs, vanilla extract and vinegar and mix on high until well combined with the creamed mixture. 

Add the buttermilk and dry ingredients, alternating between both. Use a low speed to incorporate the ingredients and work up to a medium speed. Add in 1-2 teaspoons of red food coloring and combine. Be sure to scrape down the sides of bowl.

Grease and flour cake pans before baking. Divide the cake batter among the pans, add to a 350 degree preheated oven for a baking time for 30 minutes. When your cake tester comes out clean and the sides of the cake pull away from the pan, it is ready to be removed.

Cool for 15-20 minutes before removing the cakes from the pans and then cool completely on cooling racks to room temperature before frosting with cream cheese frosting. 

Notes

To make slicing your Red Velvet Cake easier, let it chill in the refrigerator for about an hour before slicing. 

To make a cup of buttermilk, mix in 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 1 cup of milk.

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