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Delicious Red Velvet Cake

This is my delicious, classic Red Velvet Cake made with a rich cocoa flavor, beautiful red color, and my creamy homemade buttercream frosting. It’s soft, flavorful, and perfect for birthdays, holidays, Sunday dinners, or any time you want to make something special for your family.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices

Equipment

  • 2 9-inch round cake pans

Ingredients
  

For the Red Velvet Cake

  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon butter extract
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 3 1/2 tablespoons red food coloring
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon distilled vinegar

For the Buttercream Frosting

  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 sticks softened butter
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

Cream the Sugar and Shortening

  • Add the sugar and shortening to a large mixing bowl. Blend together until well combined and creamy.

Add the Eggs and Extracts

  • Add the eggs one at a time. Add vanilla extract and butter extract. Mix until everything is thoroughly incorporated.

Make the Red Cocoa Mixture

  • In a separate bowl, combine the red food coloring and cocoa powder. Mix well until the cocoa powder is completely incorporated into the food coloring.
  • Add the red cocoa mixture to the cake batter and mix until combined.

Alternate the Flour and Milk

  • Add the flour and milk to the batter alternately, beginning and ending with the flour.
  • Mix after each addition until just combined.

Add the Baking Soda Mixture

  • In a separate bowl, combine the salt, baking soda, and distilled vinegar.
  • Add this mixture to the cake batter while it is still fizzing. Mix until incorporated.

Bake the Cake

  • Pour the batter into prepared 9-inch round cake pans.
  • Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes, or until the cakes are done and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting.

Homemade Buttercream Frosting

  • Add the softened butter to a large mixing bowl and beat until smooth and creamy.
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well between additions.
  • Add the heavy whipping cream and salt. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and fluffy.

How to Assemble

  • Place one completely cooled cake layer on your cake plate or serving stand.
  • Spread a generous layer of buttercream frosting over the top.
  • Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
  • Slice and serve!