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A close up shot of a red cake showing the fine velvet crumb and white frosting.

Red Cake

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5 from 8 reviews

  • Author: Jordan Owen Buxton
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 mins
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This sophisticated red cake uses a precision oil-based emulsion and acidic buttermilk to create an exceptionally tender, fine-grained velvet crumb. Topped with a silky whipped cream cheese frosting, it offers a perfect balance of structural integrity and melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pound cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 cup crushed pecans, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and sift the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder into a large bowl at least twice to ensure aeration and even distribution.
  2. In a separate vessel, whisk together the vegetable oil, room-temperature buttermilk, large eggs, red food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract until a smooth emulsion forms.
  3. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
  4. Divide the batter evenly among three 9-inch round cake pans that have been lightly oiled and floured, using a digital scale for exact distribution.
  5. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through, until the cake begins to pull away from the sides and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Remove pans from the oven and rest for 10 minutes before inverting the cakes onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Prepare the frosting by beating the softened cream cheese, butter, and sifted confectioners’ sugar on low speed, then whipping on high for 5 minutes until light and aerated.
  8. Assemble by spreading frosting between layers, applying a thin crumb coat, and chilling for 20 minutes before finishing with the remaining frosting and a garnish of crushed pecans.

Notes

For the cleanest aesthetic and best structural stability, ensure your cream cheese and butter are perfectly softened but not oily before whipping. If the cake layers develop a slight dome during baking, cooling them upside down on the wire rack will help flatten them naturally for easier stacking and a more professional finish without the need for trimming.

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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Find it online: https://meltcake.com/red-cake/