Decadent Red Velvet Cake with Creamy White Frosting
Red velvet cake has long been a beloved dessert classic, captivating taste buds with its rich chocolate flavor and striking crimson hue. When paired with a creamy white frosting, the result is a truly decadent and visually stunning treat that is sure to impress at any occasion.
Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving a comforting slice of indulgence, this red velvet cake with white frosting recipe is sure to satisfy. With its moist, velvety texture and the perfect balance of sweetness, this cake is a true delight for the senses.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this red velvet cake apart is the attention to detail in both the cake and the frosting. The rich chocolate flavor is perfectly complemented by the tangy cream cheese frosting, creating a harmonious balance that will have your taste buds singing. The contrast of the deep red cake against the pristine white frosting also makes for a showstopping presentation, perfect for any occasion.
Beyond the flavor and appearance, this recipe is also remarkably easy to prepare, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. And with the option to make the cake in advance and freeze it, you can enjoy the convenience of having a delicious dessert ready to go whenever the craving strikes.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Red Velvet Cake with White Frosting ❓
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Red Velvet Cake with White Frosting ❓
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
The beauty of this red velvet cake with white frosting is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of cocoa powder, buttermilk, and red food coloring creates the classic red velvet-inspired flavor profile that has made this recipe a perennial favorite.
📝 How to Make Red Velvet Cake with White Frosting Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Then, add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, food coloring, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
• Step 4: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
• Step 5: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Step 6: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Step 7: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
• Step 8: Once the cakes are completely cooled, use a serrated knife to level the tops, if needed. Place one layer on a serving platter or cake stand, and spread a generous amount of the cream cheese frosting on top. Repeat with the second layer, then frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
• Step 9: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the frosting to set.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Compared to traditional layered cakes that can take up to an hour to prepare, this red velvet cake with white frosting saves you 45 minutes of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors and a stunning presentation.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 12 servings):
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 75g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 334mg
These red velvet cakes with white frosting provide approximately 20% of your daily carbohydrate requirements and 35% of your daily fat needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour, and use a low-calorie sweetener in place of the granulated sugar.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the buttermilk with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk, and use dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting.
• Added protein: Mix in a scoop of vanilla-flavored protein powder to the frosting for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Grate a small amount of carrot or zucchini into the cake batter for added moisture and nutrients.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the red velvet cake with white frosting.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk for a classic dessert pairing
• Complement the cake with a fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad for a well-rounded dessert
• For a dinner party, serve the cake as part of a dessert platter with other bite-sized treats like mini cheesecakes or truffles
• Create a festive holiday platter by decorating the cake with fresh berries, edible flowers, or a light dusting of powdered sugar
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Overbaking the cake: Keep a close eye on the cake during the baking process, and remove it from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Overbaking can lead to a dry, crumbly texture.
• Frosting the cake while it’s still warm: Attempting to frost the cake immediately after baking can cause the frosting to melt and become a runny mess. Make sure the cake is completely cooled before frosting.
• Using cold ingredients for the frosting: The cream cheese and butter should be at room temperature for the frosting to come together smoothly. Cold ingredients can result in a lumpy, difficult-to-spread frosting.
• Skipping the chilling step: Allowing the frosted cake to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours helps the frosting set and prevents it from sliding off the cake.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These red velvet cakes with white frosting retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the cake batter, divide it into the prepared pans, and freeze the unbaked cakes for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked cakes to cool completely, then wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.
• Reheating: If the cake has been refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to soften and the cake to come to temperature.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the red velvet cake in advance?
Absolutely! The unfrosted cake layers can be baked and frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before assembling and frosting the cake.
Can I substitute the buttermilk in the cake batter?
Yes, you can use regular milk or a non-dairy milk alternative like almond milk or oat milk. However, the buttermilk does help create the signature tangy flavor of red velvet cake, so the result may be slightly different.
Is this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet?
With a few simple substitutions, you can easily make this red velvet cake dairy-free. Use dairy-free cream cheese and non-dairy milk in the batter, and replace the butter in the frosting with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter.
Why is my red velvet cake crumbly or dry?
The most common culprits for a dry, crumbly cake are overbaking and overmixing the batter. Be sure to avoid these two mistakes by closely monitoring the baking time and gently mixing the ingredients just until they’re combined.
Can I add any variations or extras to this recipe?
Absolutely! Try folding in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a swirl of cream cheese filling for a fun twist. You can also garnish the frosted cake with fresh berries, shredded coconut, or a light dusting of cocoa powder.
Conclusion
These decadent red velvet cakes with creamy white frosting represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a showstopping dessert for a special occasion or enjoying a slice as a comforting treat, they’re sure to impress with their moist, velvety texture and harmonious blend of rich chocolate and tangy cream cheese.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this red velvet cake with white frosting recipe demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the baking and assembly process. So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to the delectable indulgence of this classic cake today?
