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A hand with glittery blue nail polish holds a red velvet cupcake topped with white swirled frosting. More red velvet cupcakes with frosted tops are arranged on a wooden board in the background.

How to Make Red Velvet Cake from a Chocolate Cake Mix

Learn how to make red velvet cake from chocolate cake mix with this easy recipe.

Course desserts
Cuisine American
Keyword Red Velvet from Chocolate Cake Mix
Servings 12
Author momma lew

Ingredients

  • 1 box of chocolate cake mix
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup buttermilk or 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 ounce red food coloring
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. If you don't have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix and unsweetened cocoa powder.
  3. Add the buttermilk, red food coloring, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
  4. Mix until well combined and smooth.
  5. Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the chocolate cake mix box.
  6. Prepare your baking pans by greasing them or lining them with paper liners if making cupcakes.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake according to the time specified on the chocolate cake mix box, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Allow the cakes or cupcakes to cool completely before frosting with your favorite cream cheese frosting.