Best Red Velvet Cake Recipe

The best red velvet cake recipe around delivers soft, tender layers with that signature hint of cocoa and rich red color, all wrapped in a smooth cream cheese frosting that never goes out of style.

The balance of buttermilk, vanilla and a touch of tang creates a cake that feels nostalgic yet timeless, making it a go-to dessert for holidays, celebrations or anytime a homemade showstopper feels right.

What would Valentine’s Day be without a serious dessert? And a serious dessert this is indeed! One of the best Cake Recipes around!

This post contains affiliate links.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This classic Red Velvet Cake delivers rich cocoa flavor, a tender crumb, and a smooth cream cheese frosting that never goes out of style.

• Iconic red velvet taste: Cocoa, buttermilk and vinegar work together to create that signature flavor and soft texture.
• Moist, fluffy layers: Shortening, eggs and alternating dry and wet ingredients produce a light, bakery-style cake.
• Simple, familiar ingredients: Everything comes from everyday baking staples with no complicated steps.
• Creamy homemade frosting: Butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla blend into a smooth, perfectly sweet topping.
• Crowd-pleasing dessert: This cake feels just as special for holidays as it does for family celebrations.

This recipe creates a timeless Red Velvet Cake that looks beautiful, slices perfectly and tastes unforgettable.

What is Red Velvet?

Red velvet is known for its unique and eye-catching appearance, as well as its delicious, chocolatey taste.

It has become a staple in many bakeries and restaurants, and is a popular choice for special occasions such as weddings and birthdays.

The cake is typically topped with a creamy, tangy frosting made from cream cheese and butter, which balances out the rich chocolate flavor of the cake.

In recent years, red velvet has become a popular flavor for a variety of other desserts, including cupcakes, cookies, and even ice cream.

You can even make a quick microwavable red velvet cake in the just minutes!

What Pairs Well with This Recipe

This classic red velvet cake pairs best with meals that feel comforting, slightly savory, and well-balanced, allowing the cake’s rich cocoa flavor and tangy cream cheese frosting to stand out.

• Southern-style dinners: Fried chicken, baked chicken, or pork chops complement the cake’s traditional roots and subtle cocoa notes.
• Hearty comfort meals: Meatloaf, pot roast or baked casseroles create a satisfying contrast to the cake’s soft texture and sweetness.
• Holiday or celebration meals: Menus featuring roasted meats and classic sides pair naturally with a familiar, crowd-pleasing dessert.
• Italian-inspired dinners: Pasta dishes with red sauce or baked ziti balance the sweetness with savory acidity.
• Buffet-style or potluck meals: Rich main dishes benefit from a dessert that feels indulgent but not overly heavy.

Served after a savory, comforting meal, this red velvet cake delivers a classic, celebratory finish that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.

Best Red Velvet Cake Recipe

I often think of red velvet cake as a Southern-based recipe. Come on… you remember the red armadillo cake from Sweet Magnolias, don’t you?

The groom’s cake was in the shape of an armadillo.

And when you cut into it, it showed blood red.

But red velvet cake actually originated at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York. Huh, who knew?

And honestly, I would be willing to go to the Waldorf-Astoria to try this cake myself… you know, for research! 😉

Ingredients for Red Velvet Cake

Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 25 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12–16 slices

Cake Ingredients:

• shortening
• white sugar
• eggs
• cocoa
• red food coloring
• salt
• vanilla extract
• buttermilk
• all-purpose flour
• baking soda
• distilled white vinegar

Frosting Ingredients:

• butter
• cream cheese
• powdered sugar
• vanilla

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This classic Red Velvet Cake delivers a tender, cocoa-kissed crumb topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting.

Kitchen tools you’ll need:

• Large mixing bowl: to cream the shortening, sugar, and eggs and build the cake batter.
• Electric mixer (stand or hand): to beat the batter until light and fluffy and to mix the frosting smoothly.
• Small bowl: to make the cocoa and red food coloring paste.
• Medium bowl: to combine the buttermilk, salt, and vanilla.
• Measuring cups and spoons: to measure all cake and frosting ingredients accurately.
• Sifter: to sift the flour for a lighter cake texture.
• Rubber spatula: to gently fold the baking soda and vinegar into the batter.
• Three round cake pans: to bake the cake layers evenly.
• Nonstick spray or greasing tools: to prepare the cake pans.
• Cooling racks: to cool the cake layers completely before frosting.
• Offset spatula or butter knife: to spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake.

With these tools ready, you can bake, frost, and assemble a beautifully layered Red Velvet Cake that’s perfect for sharing.

How to Make Red Velvet Cake

Cake Directions:

Step 1: Beat shortening and 1 1/2 cups sugar until very light and fluffy.

Add eggs and beat well.

Step 2: Make a paste of cocoa and red food coloring; add to creamed mixture.

Mix salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and buttermilk together.

Add the flour to the batter, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, mixing just until incorporated.

Mix soda and vinegar and gently fold into cake batter.

Step 3: Pour into 3 round greased cake pans and bake for 25 minutes on 325. 

Step 4: Remove from oven and let cool.

Frosting Directions:

In a mixer blend together butter and cream cheese.

Mix in sugar and vanilla.

Blend until creamy and smooth.

Spread over your Red Velvet cake. 

More Red Velvet Recipes

Explore more red velvet recipes that showcase rich flavor and classic appeal.

• Red Velvet Pancake Mix
• Red Velvet Hot Chocolate
• Red Velvet Christmas Cookies
• Red Velvet Fudge
• Red Velvet Bundt Cake
• Gluten Free Red Velvet Donut
• Red Velvet Cake Balls

Please these Valentines Day Recipes You’ll Love to Share will be the hit of the holiday!

Don’t miss out on our other family friendly recipes!