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Homemade Red Velour Cake recipe photo

Red Velour Cake

This Red Velour Cake is a show-stopping dessert! Moist, tender, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, it's perfect for any celebration.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon red gel food coloring
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 units eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
For the Frosting:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter for frosting
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for frosting
  • 1 cup milk (3% preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
  • 1 teaspoon salt for frosting
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup icing sugar also known as confectioners' sugar or powdered sugar

Equipment

  • Two 9-inch round cake pans
  • Mixing bowls (one large and one medium)
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • Cooling rack
  • Offset spatula (for frosting)

Method
 

Baking Instructions:
  1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the cake bakes evenly.
  2. Step 2: Prepare the Cake Pans. Grease your two 9-inch round cake pans with a little butter or non-stick spray and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
  3. Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. This will ensure that all the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
  4. Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract, red gel food coloring, vinegar, and buttermilk.
  5. Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
  6. Step 6: Bake the Cake. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Step 7: Cool the Cakes. Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove them from the pans and transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  8. Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add the icing sugar, milk, and a pinch of salt, mixing until creamy and well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
  9. Step 9: Frost the Cake. Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Generously spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake. Use an offset spatula for a smooth finish or create decorative swirls as desired.
  10. Step 10: Slice and Serve. After frosting, let your cake sit for about 30 minutes to set. Then, slice into this beautiful Red Velour Cake and serve it to your delighted guests!

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free option.
  • Try using coconut oil instead of unsalted butter for a different flavor profile.