Ultimate Southern Red Velvet Cake

The Ultimate Southern Red Velvet Cake: A Timeless Recipe That Never Fails to Impress!

There’s something magical about a perfectly crafted red velvet cake. This classic Southern dessert, with its striking crimson layers and cloud-like cream cheese frosting, has been gracing family gatherings and celebrations for generations. Our recipe promises the perfect balance of rich cocoa undertones and delicate vanilla notes, all wrapped in a texture so moist it practically melts in your mouth.

The secret to this cake’s incredible texture lies in the careful balance of buttermilk and vinegar, which work together to create the tender crumb that red velvet cake is famous for. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply craving something extraordinary, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.

Dating back to the 1800s, red velvet cake gained popularity during the Great Depression when Adams Extract Company began promoting their red food coloring through this recipe. Today, it remains a cornerstone of Southern baking tradition, beloved for its dramatic presentation and uniquely subtle chocolate flavor profile.

Ultimate Southern Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cake Batter

3 cups all-purpose flour 

2 cups granulated sugar 

1 teaspoon baking soda 

1 teaspoon salt 

1 teaspoon cocoa powder 

1 1/2 cups vegetable oil 

1 cup buttermilk room temperature 

2 large eggs room temperature 

2 tablespoons red food coloring 

1 teaspoon white vinegar 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

1 cup hot coffee 

For the Cream Cheese Frosting 

16 ounces cream cheese softened 

1/2 cup unsalted butter softened 

4 cups powdered sugar 

2 teaspoons vanilla extract 

Pinch of salt 

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.

3. In a separate bowl, combine vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract. Mix well.

4. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing on medium speed until well combined.

5. Slowly add hot coffee to the batter, mixing until smooth.

6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.

7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on wire racks.

For the Frosting:

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

2. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt.

3. Beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

4. Once cake is completely cool, frost between layers and cover entire cake.

Notes:

• Ensure all refrigerated ingredients are at room temperature before beginning
• Do not overmix the batter after combining wet and dry ingredients
• For deeper red color, add more food coloring, but no more than 4 tablespoons
• Store cake in refrigerator for up to 5 days

Nutrition Information

Per slice (based on 16 servings): 

Calories: 485 

Total Fat: 28g 

Saturated Fat: 9g 

Cholesterol: 55mg 

Sodium: 325mg 

Carbohydrates: 58g 

Fiber: 1g 

Sugar: 42g 

Protein: 5g 

Other Information

Equipment Needed

2 9-inch round cake pans 

Electric mixer 

Large mixing bowls 

Measuring cups and spoons 

Wire cooling rack 

Cost Estimate

Total Recipe Cost: $25-30 

Cost Per Serving: $1.56-1.88 

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 30 minutes 

Cook Time: 25-30 minutes 

Total Time: 55-60 minutes 

Servings: 12-16 slices

In Conclusion, Ultimate Southern Red Velvet Cake

This time-tested recipe proves that making a classic Southern red velvet cake from scratch is not only achievable but preferable to any boxed mix. The combination of rich flavor, tender crumb, and classic cream cheese frosting makes this recipe worthy of passing down through generations.

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