If you’re craving a cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, you absolutely need to try this Southern Red Velvet Cake. It’s a show-stopping classic, famous for its striking red hue, smooth cocoa undertones, and luscious cream cheese frosting. Each bite is tender, gently tangy, and just melts in your mouth—ideal for everything from birthdays to holiday gatherings. Once you taste a truly great Southern Red Velvet Cake, you’ll understand why it’s beloved throughout the South and far beyond!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Even though this cake looks impressive, the ingredients are simple and each one pulls its weight—either in flavor, texture, or that gorgeous hue. Don’t skimp on quality here; the magic of Southern Red Velvet Cake is in how these pantry basics come together to become something unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour: A sturdy base that gives the cake its tender crumb and soft structure.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps with the irresistible moisture everyone loves.
- Baking soda: Provides just enough rise—don’t skip it for that perfect, fluffy texture.
- Cocoa powder: Adds a light chocolatey note that balances the sweetness and brings depth.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the cake from tasting flat.
- Buttermilk (room temperature): Essential for a tender crumb and for that slight Southern tanginess.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the layers moist even after chilling—no dry cake here!
- Eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together and add richness.
- White vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda and cocoa powder for that classic red velvet taste and texture.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors with warmth and sweetness.
- Red food coloring: The iconic vibrant color that makes a Southern Red Velvet Cake unmistakable.
- Unsalted butter (softened): For the frosting, it helps create a rich and creamy base.
- Cream cheese (softened): The tangy star of the frosting, balancing sweetness and adding silkiness.
- Powdered sugar: Blends smoothly into the frosting for that fluffy, sweet finish.
- Vanilla extract (for frosting): Enhances the flavor of the cream cheese topping.
- Pinch of salt (for frosting): Just a touch to highlight all the sweet, creamy flavors.
How to Make Southern Red Velvet Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans—you want to be generous here to prevent any sticking. Taking a few extra seconds on this step means your Southern Red Velvet Cake will release in perfect rounds, ready for frosting.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed, so you don’t get lumps and every slice has that perfect flavor balance.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl. Whisk buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, white vinegar, vanilla extract, and that bold red food coloring together until you have a smooth, vibrant mixture. The vinegar helps brighten the red color and gives that subtle tangy touch.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until smooth and combined. Don’t over-mix—just make sure no flour patches remain. This keeps your Southern Red Velvet Cake light and airy.
Step 5: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. A kitchen scale ensures perfectly even layers if you have one. Bake for 28–32 minutes, until the tops spring back and a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Let the cakes rest in their pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely—patience is key here for a gorgeous finish!
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until you get a luscious, smooth mixture. Slowly add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Keep beating until everything is delightfully fluffy, dreamy, and ready to spread.
Step 7: Frost and Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, it’s time for the best part—assembling! Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting between the layers and all over the outside. Decorate however you like; sprinkles, cake crumbs, or even edible flowers turn your Southern Red Velvet Cake into a centerpiece.
How to Serve Southern Red Velvet Cake
Garnishes
For that classic Southern bakery look, sprinkle a handful of cake crumbs around the sides and top or add a swirl of extra cream cheese frosting. A few fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar adds an extra pop of color and freshness. If you’re feeling fancy, a touch of edible gold leaf can be fun for the holidays.
Side Dishes
A rich, tangy cake like this pairs beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a piping hot cup of coffee. For fancier occasions, try serving your Southern Red Velvet Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some fresh fruit salad—those flavors highlight the cake’s chocolatey notes and creamy frosting.
Creative Ways to Present
Individual mini cakes or cupcakes are always a crowd-pleaser, especially for parties. You can also serve slices in clear parfait glasses, layered with crumbled cake and extra frosting, for a fun twist. If you’re looking for a picnic or portable option, bake the batter as sheet cake squares—easy to pack, but still irresistibly Southern Red Velvet Cake through and through.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover cake slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. Properly wrapped, your cake will stay fresh and moist for up to five days, making it perfect for enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cake layers (well-wrapped) for up to two months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before frosting. Even a fully frosted Southern Red Velvet Cake holds up well in the freezer; just slice and wrap individual portions for easy treats whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
Because this cake is delightfully moist, there’s usually no need to reheat it. However, if you love that “just baked” warmth, let your slice come to room temperature or microwave for 8–10 seconds—just enough to soften the frosting and heighten those fabulous flavors.
FAQs
What makes Southern Red Velvet Cake different from regular chocolate cake?
Southern Red Velvet Cake is famous for its subtle cocoa flavor, unique velvet texture, and a touch of tang from buttermilk and vinegar. Unlike a true chocolate cake, the cocoa is minimal, lending color and depth rather than strong chocolate taste, and the striking red hue sets it apart visually.
Why is vinegar used in Southern Red Velvet Cake?
The vinegar reacts with the baking soda and cocoa powder, creating a light, tender crumb and amplifying the vivid red color. Plus, it adds a gentle tang that cuts the sweetness and keeps each bite feeling fresh.
Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?
Absolutely! Gel food coloring works beautifully and often requires less to achieve the same bold color. Just dissolve it in your wet ingredients to avoid streaks for that signature Southern Red Velvet Cake appearance.
How do I keep my cake layers even and flat?
For perfectly even layers, make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking, and try smoothing the batter out with a spatula before baking. If desired, use cake strips around the pans—they keep the edges from baking too quickly, resulting in flatter cakes.
Can I make this recipe as cupcakes?
Yes! Just divide the batter evenly among lined cupcake tins (about two-thirds full) and bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes. You’ll get about two dozen irresistible Southern Red Velvet Cake cupcakes, perfect for parties or gifting.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll fall in love with this Southern Red Velvet Cake just as much as I have. There’s something magical about sharing a slice with friends or family, and it truly brings warmth and celebration to any table. Happy baking—you’re in for a real treat!
Print
Southern Red Velvet Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the rich, moist layers of this classic Southern Red Velvet Cake topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat anytime!
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the buttermilk, oil, eggs, vinegar, vanilla, and red food coloring until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Bake the cakes: Divide the batter between pans, bake for 28–32 minutes. Cool in pans, then on wire racks.
- Make frosting: Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beat until fluffy.
- Frost the cakes: Frost the cooled cakes and decorate as desired.
Notes
- For a more intense red color, you can add up to 1 additional tablespoon of food coloring.
- The cake layers can be made a day ahead and wrapped tightly for easy assembly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 39g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
