Classic Red Velvet Birthday Cake: The Ultimate Showstopper Dessert

Classic Red Velvet Birthday Cake: The Ultimate Showstopper Dessert

Key Info:

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1.5 hours

Servings: 12-14

Difficulty: Moderate

Dietary Tags: Vegetarian, Contains Gluten/Dairy

Equipment Needed:

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• 9-inch cake pans (2)
• Cooling rack
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Offset spatula
• Piping bags (optional)

Ingredients:

Cake Batter:

• 2 ⅔ cups cake flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp red food coloring
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp distilled white vinegar
• 1 ⅓ cups buttermilk

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line cake pans.
2. Cream butter and sugar for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each.
4. Mix in oil, vanilla, and red food coloring until evenly distributed.
5. In separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
6. Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
7. Divide batter between prepared pans and smooth tops.
8. Bake 25-35 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to rack.
10. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
11. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until fluffy.
12. Once cakes are completely cool, frost and decorate.

Crucial Tips:

• Room temperature ingredients mix more smoothly
• Don’t overmix batter – leads to dense cake
• Use gel food coloring for more vibrant red
• Check cake 5 minutes before recommended baking time

Storage:

• Refrigerate up to 5 days
• Cover tightly to prevent drying
• Bring to room temperature before serving

Variations:

• Vegan: Use plant-based butter/eggs
• Gluten-free: Substitute cake flour
• Cupcake version: Bake 18-22 minutes
• Natural coloring: Use beetroot powder instead of food coloring

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Overbaking – check early
• Using cold ingredients
• Overmixing batter
• Frosting warm cake

Pro Decorator Tips:

• Use offset spatula for smooth frosting
• Chill cake between frosting layers
• Add gold leaf or sprinkles for extra flair

Nutritional Note:

Moderate calories, contains dairy and eggs. Customize for dietary needs.

Indulge in this show-stopping red velvet birthday cake that’s guaranteed to impress at any celebration!