Original red velvet cake 

how to make box red velvet cake better 

By onica merry.   Published: 26 January 2025

Red velvet cake is a rich, moist dessert with a subtle cocoa flavor, vibrant red color, and a smooth cream cheese frosting. It's a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.

Red velvet cake is a rich, moist dessert that stands out with its vibrant red color and delicate, velvety texture. Made with a combination of flour, cocoa powder, buttermilk, and a touch of vinegar, the cake has a subtle chocolate flavor that is perfectly complemented by the tanginess of cream cheese frosting. The smooth, white frosting contrasts beautifully with the deep red cake layers, creating a visually stunning treat. Often enjoyed on special occasions, red velvet cake offers a perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and a hint of cocoa, making it a beloved favorite among cake enthusiasts. 

How can I enhance the flavour of my red velvet cake?

To enhance the flavor of your red velvet cake, you can try the following tips:

1. Use Buttermilk: Instead of regular milk, use buttermilk. It adds richness and a slight tang that complements the cocoa and the cream cheese frosting.

2. Add a Touch of Vanilla: A bit of vanilla extract can deepen the overall flavor profile without overpowering the cake.

3. Cocoa Powder Quality: Opt for high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder. It can make a big difference in the taste, adding a more pronounced chocolate flavor.

4. Boost the Acidity: Red velvet cake traditionally has a slight tanginess. If you feel it’s lacking, you can increase the acidity with a bit more buttermilk or a touch of vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar works well).

5. Add a Pinch of Salt: A little salt enhances the other flavors and balances out the sweetness.

6. Dark Brown Sugar: Using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar or granulated sugar can give a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

7. Extra Butter or Oil: Adding a bit more butter or a neutral oil like vegetable oil can improve the cake’s texture, making it moister and richer in flavor.

8. Cream Cheese Frosting: Ensure your frosting has a good balance of tanginess, creaminess, and sweetness. You can experiment by adding a touch of lemon zest or a splash of vanilla to the frosting for extra depth.

What filling goes well with red velvet cake? 

Red velvet cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of fillings that complement its rich flavor and vibrant color. Some popular options include:

1. Cream Cheese Filling – A classic pairing, its tangy sweetness balances the richness of the cake.

2. Buttercream – Smooth and sweet, you can make it with vanilla, chocolate, or even a hint of almond for variety.

3. Chocolate Ganache – The deep, rich flavor of chocolate is a great contrast to the mild cocoa notes in the red velvet.

4. Mascarpone – Adds a creamy, slightly tangy filling that pairs beautifully with the cake’s subtle cocoa flavor.

5. Whipped Cream – Light and airy, whipped cream can give a soft texture that complements the moistness of the cake.

6. Fruit Fillings – Like raspberry or strawberry, adding a bit of tartness and a fruity contrast to the rich cake.

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)

• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

• 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tbsp red food coloring (or 1 oz liquid food coloring)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp white vinegar

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. Prepare the cake batter:

• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.

• In another bowl, mix together oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar.

• Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Don't overmix!

3. Bake the cakes:

• Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.

• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

• Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

4. Make the cream cheese frosting:

• Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.

• Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue beating until fluffy.

• Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then beat until smooth.

5. Assemble the cake:

• Once the cakes have cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate.

• Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting over the top.

• Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.

6. Serve and enjoy!

• Slice and enjoy your homemade red velvet cake!