Name: Southern Red Velvet Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 2½ cups all-purpose flour; 1½ cups granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cocoa powder; 1½ cups vegetable oil; 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature); 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons red food coloring; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 8 oz cream cheese (softened); ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; pinch of salt

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Velvety, rich, and topped with a dreamy layer of cream cheese frosting, this Southern Red Velvet Cake is pure celebration on a plate. A true classic of Southern baking, it boasts a tender crumb with a signature scarlet hue, the perfect balance of subtle cocoa and tangy buttermilk, all finished off with a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth frosting. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to brighten someone’s day, this cake never fails to spark joy. If you’ve been searching for that one cake recipe to make everyone swoon, this is it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Southern Red Velvet Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in a Southern Red Velvet Cake plays a starring role in its taste, texture, or gorgeous color. Simple, everyday items come together to create pure baking magic, so start with quality ingredients for the best results.

All-purpose flour: Gives the cake its structure while keeping the crumb soft and tender.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and adds moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Baking soda: Ensures the cake rises and stays fluffy.
Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the flavors.
Cocoa powder: Provides a hint of chocolate and deepens the iconic red color.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender, never greasy.
Buttermilk (room temperature): The not-so-secret ingredient for tanginess and a fine crumb—room temp ensures better mixing.
Large eggs: Bind the batter together and add richness.
Red food coloring: Gives this showstopper its classic, vibrant appearance—gel coloring yields the boldest red.
Vanilla extract: Lends cozy, warm flavor to every bite.
White vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda and cocoa for extra tenderness and iconic flavor.
Cream cheese (softened): For that irresistible tang and creamy texture in your frosting.
Unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich, buttery flavor and fluffy texture to the frosting.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting until it’s perfectly spreadable.
Pinch of salt: A little salt in the frosting balances out the sweetness.

How to Make Southern Red Velvet Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Cake Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure an easy release. Taking the time to properly prepare your pans means your beautiful Southern Red Velvet Cake layers will come out effortlessly, with no sticking or crumbling.

Step 2: Sift the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Sifting is a small extra step that eliminates clumps and aerates the mixture, making for a lighter, more even crumb. Don’t skip it—your cake will thank you!

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar. This combination is what gives Southern Red Velvet Cake its unparalleled flavor and signature color. Whisk until smooth and the color is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Combine and Mix

Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently just until everything is combined—overmixing can lead to a denser cake. The batter should look silky and vibrantly red, full of promise!

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The heavenly aroma filling your kitchen is just the beginning. Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cakes cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. It’s the ultimate crown for your Southern Red Velvet Cake!

Step 7: Assemble and Frost

Once your cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting over one cake round, top with the second layer, and finish by frosting the top and sides. If you want to get fancy, use an offset spatula for smooth sides or create swoops for a more rustic look.

How to Serve Southern Red Velvet Cake

Garnishes

For a classic finish, sprinkle cake crumbs (made from trimmed edges) over the top or pipe extra dollops of cream cheese frosting as charming borders. You can also add white chocolate curls, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar. These touches make your Southern Red Velvet Cake a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Side Dishes

A simple pot of freshly brewed coffee or a tall glass of cold milk pairs perfectly, balancing the cake’s richness. For more indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. These sides complement every bite, making dessert feel truly special.

Creative Ways to Present

Try making layered mini cakes with biscuit cutters for a modern twist, or serve slices with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra decadence. You can also transform Southern Red Velvet Cake into adorable cupcakes or cake pops—perfect for parties, picnics, or gifting friends and family a bite-sized delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Southern Red Velvet Cake slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. The cake stays amazingly moist, and sometimes the flavor gets even better after a day or two!

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cake layers, tightly wrapped in plastic and foil, for up to two months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before frosting. If you’ve already frosted your cake, freeze slices individually on a tray, then wrap and store them for grab-and-go treats.

Reheating

Though Southern Red Velvet Cake is at its best served at room temperature, you can zap a slice in the microwave for 5–10 seconds to mimic that just-baked warmth. Not too hot, though—you want the frosting to stay lush, not melt away!

FAQs

Can I use natural cocoa powder instead of Dutch process?

Yes, natural cocoa powder is perfect for this recipe and enhances the classic flavor of Southern Red Velvet Cake. It also works with the baking soda and vinegar to create the signature tender texture and slight tang.

Why is vinegar added to the batter?

Vinegar is a key ingredient in Southern Red Velvet Cake. It reacts with the baking soda and cocoa powder, giving the cake its delicate crumb and unique flavor that keeps people coming back for more.

Is gel food coloring better for this cake?

Gel food coloring gives the most vibrant, intense red color with less risk of altering the cake’s texture. Liquid coloring also works if that’s what you have but can sometimes make the batter a bit thinner.

Can I make the Southern Red Velvet Cake as cupcakes?

Absolutely! Simply divide the batter among cupcake liners (about two-thirds full) and bake at the same temperature for 18–22 minutes. The cream cheese frosting is delicious swirled on top of each cupcake.

What makes this cake distinctly “Southern”?

Southern Red Velvet Cake is rooted in Southern baking traditions, especially its use of buttermilk, tangy cream cheese frosting, and bold red color. These features make it a cherished staple at Southern celebrations and family gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Sharing a homemade Southern Red Velvet Cake is an act of pure love—and honestly, it’s just so fun to make as well as eat! Whether for a birthday or simply to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen too. Bake it, slice it, and let the compliments roll in!

Southern Red Velvet Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich and velvety goodness of this classic Southern Red Velvet Cake with its signature deep red color and luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for special occasions or any time you crave a decadent treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

2½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1½ cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese (softened)
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
In a large bowl, whisk together oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar until well blended. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until smooth.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on a wire rack.
To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until smooth and fluffy.
Frost the completely cooled cake layers and decorate as desired.