American · serves 2

Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Cocoa, vinegar and buttermilk. The colour is the least interesting part.

65 min A proper cook Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 300g plain flour
  • 300g sugar
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 300ml milk
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 180ml sunflower oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp red food colouring
  • Frosting: 230g cream cheese, 115g butter, 400g icing sugar, 1 tsp vanilla

Method

  1. Milk and vinegar, 5 minutes.
  2. Sift flour, sugar, cocoa, soda and salt.
  3. Soured milk, oil, vanilla and colouring in. Mix just until smooth — this batter toughens fast.
  4. Two lined 20cm tins. 180°C for 30 minutes.
  5. Cool completely. Any warmth at all melts cream cheese frosting into a puddle.
  6. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, add icing sugar gradually, then vanilla. Chill 20 minutes if it's loose.
  7. Sandwich and cover. Crumble a cake trimming over the top.

Questions people ask about Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

How long does Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting take?

About 65 minutes from starting to sitting down, and it is a proper cook. A good part of that is unattended, so you can get on with something else once it is going.

What can I use instead of maida in Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Use plain atta for a denser, nuttier result, or a 50/50 mix if you want to keep some lift.

Can I make Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting ahead of time?

You can prepare it a few hours ahead and reheat gently. It keeps two days in the fridge, though it is best on the day.

Is Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting vegetarian?

Yes, it is vegetarian. It is not vegan as written because it contains dairy; swap the dairy for a plant alternative and the rest of the method is unchanged.

Do I need an oven for Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Yes, this one needs an oven. If you do not have one, look at the no-oven filter on the baking page: eleven of the bakes here are built for a cooker, a pan or the fridge.

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