How to Make Red Velvet Cake: A Beginner-Friendly Guide

By Bala Sa'adatu Kaigama (U19MM1003)

Red velvet cake is more than just a dessert, it is a showstopper. Known for its rich red hue, soft velvety crumb, and that irresistible cream cheese frosting, this cake combines visual appeal with mouthwatering flavor. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to make it from scratch, this beginner-friendly guide is the perfect place to start.

Step 1: Making the Cake Batter

Dry Ingredients

1. All-purpose flour – 2½ cups (310g)

2. Cocoa powder – 2 tablespoons (16g)

3. Baking soda – 1 teaspoon

4. Salt – 1 teaspoon

Method

Stir all the dry ingredients together in a bowl and set aside.

Wet Ingredients

1. Butter (room temperature) – ½ cup (115g)

2. Sugar – 1½ cups (300g)

3. Eggs – 2 (add one at a time and beat after each addition)

4. Vegetable oil – 1 cup + 1 tbsp (200g)

5. Vinegar – 1 teaspoon

6. Buttermilk – 1 cup (240ml)

7. Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons

8. Red food coloring – 1 tablespoon (or more if needed)

Method:

1. Beat the butter and sugar until smooth.

2. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

3. Mix in the vegetable oil, vinegar, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.

4. Gradually add in the flour mixture, stirring until everything is well combined.

5. Add the red food coloring and mix thoroughly.

Baking

Divide the batter into two 8-inch (20cm) round baking pans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Making the Frosting

1. Cream cheese – 2 cups (450g)

2. Powdered sugar – 1½ cups (190g)

3. Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon

4. Heavy cream – 1¼ cups (300ml)

Method:

1. Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

2. Whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks.

3. Gradually fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.

Step 3: Assembling the Cake

1. Trim the tops of both cake layers to make them flat.

2. Use a heart-shaped cutter to cut 8–12 mini hearts from the cake.

3. Make crumbs from the leftover trimmings.

4. Spread a layer of frosting on one cake round and place the second layer on top.

5. Frost the top and sides of the cake evenly.

6. Press the crumbs onto the frosted sides.

7. Decorate the top with the heart-shaped cake cutouts.

8. Refrigerate the cake for 2–3 hours before serving.

Red velvet cake is not only beautiful but also beginner-friendly. With its fluffy texture, subtle chocolate flavor, and rich frosting, it’s the perfect dessert for any special occasion, or to satisfy your sweet tooth.