Red Velvet Cake for Valentine’s Day

Name: Red Velvet Cake for Valentine’s Day
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cocoa powder; 1 ½ cups vegetable oil; 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 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, sifted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1-2 tablespoons milk (if needed)

Highlighted under: Sweet Kitchen

I love making this stunning Red Velvet Cake for Valentine's Day because it brings a touch of elegance to any celebration. The velvety texture combined with the rich cocoa flavor makes each bite unforgettable. It’s a fun, yet straightforward recipe that impresses anyone who tries it. The vibrant color and creamy frosting create a beautiful presentation, making it perfect for surprising someone special. Plus, the hint of buttermilk gives it a unique tang that makes it different from traditional cakes. I can’t wait to share this delightful treat with all of you!

Created by

Jessamine Ford

Last updated on 2026-01-07T14:29:35.026Z

I remember the first time I baked a Red Velvet Cake—it was for my partner on Valentine's Day. I was nervous, but the moment they took a bite and smiled made it all worthwhile. The cake turned out perfectly moist and beautifully vibrant, thanks to the quality ingredients I used. It’s all about the balance of cocoa and buttermilk that gives this cake its unique flavor.

Whenever I make this cake, I ensure it cools completely before frosting. This way, the cream cheese frosting doesn’t melt and makes for a clean, beautiful finish. A sprinkle of cocoa powder on top adds that final touch of elegance. It’s a little trick I picked up along the way!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Luxurious red velvet paired with creamy frosting
Perfectly moist and fluffy texture
An impressive centerpiece for any romantic occasion

      

Mastering the Red Velvet Texture

The key to achieving the signature moistness of Red Velvet Cake lies in the proper mixing technique. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, aim for a gentle fold rather than vigorous mixing. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, resulting in a denser cake. Remember, we want a fluffy texture that melts in your mouth, so mix until just combined and avoid any dry flour pockets.

Cocoa powder adds depth to the flavor, but it's important not to overpower the red hue. Use Dutch-process cocoa instead of natural cocoa if you prefer a milder taste. This adjustment can shift the acidity balance, enhancing the tanginess contributed by the buttermilk and vinegar, and making the red color more vibrant.

Perfecting the Cream Cheese Frosting

For a truly luscious cream cheese frosting, both your cream cheese and butter should be softened to room temperature, which allows for smoother incorporation. A handy tip is to cut the butter into small cubes and let it sit out for about 30 minutes, speeding up the softening process. When beating the two together, aim for a fluffy consistency—mixing for 2-3 minutes should do the trick.

If you find your frosting is too thick, adding milk can help achieve the desired spreadability. Start with one tablespoon and mix well before adding more; it’s important to maintain the thick consistency that's great for layering and decorating. Adding a pinch of salt can also balance the sweetness beautifully, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Decoration Ideas and Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Red Velvet Cake's appearance, consider adding decorative touches on top of your frosting. Fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, not only provide a pop of color but also add a refreshing contrast to the rich cream cheese frosting. Alternatively, you could sprinkle some chocolate shavings or edible glitter for a festive flair.

This cake is best served at room temperature, so plan to take it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes prior to serving. If you have leftovers, store your cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months, ensuring you have a sweet treat to enjoy later!

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 ½ cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
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, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk (if needed)

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pans

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar until smooth.

Combine and Mix

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool the Cakes

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time.

Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake, place the second cake on top, and frost the top and sides as desired.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice and serve your beautiful Red Velvet Cake. Enjoy the deliciousness with family and friends!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract to your batter. Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Substitutions for Special Diets

If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Many blends contain xanthan gum, which helps replicate the structure usually provided by gluten. Be sure to check the package instructions as some blends may require specific measurements or additional ingredients to achieve the best texture.

For a dairy-free version, you can replace buttermilk with almond milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the acidity. Coconut cream is an excellent alternative for the cream cheese frosting if you opt for a vegan option; just whip it until fluffy and add powdered sugar to achieve the desired sweetness.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

A common problem when baking cakes is doming, which occurs when the center rises higher than the edges. To prevent this, ensure your oven temperature is accurate—using an oven thermometer can help. Also, avoid opening the oven door frequently while baking, as this can introduce cool air, affecting the rise.

If your cake layers are too dry, it may be due to overbaking. Always check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time. Remember, the toothpick test should yield a few moist crumbs—not clean. If you find your cake turns out a bit dry, brushing the layers with simple syrup can help add moisture before frosting.

Scaling the Recipe

This Red Velvet Cake recipe can easily be scaled for larger gatherings. To convert into a tiered cake, simply double the ingredients and bake in extra layer pans. Be sure to adjust the baking time, as larger cakes may take longer to cook through. A good rule of thumb is adding 5-10 minutes for each additional layer.

If you prefer cupcakes instead, this recipe yields approximately 24 standard-size cupcakes. Fill the liners only 2/3 full to allow for rising, and bake for 18-22 minutes. You can also decorate each cupcake with a swirl of cream cheese frosting for individual servings at your Valentine’s celebration.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar as a substitute for white vinegar.

→ What can I do if my cake sinks in the middle?

This can happen if the oven temperature is too low or if the cake is underbaked. Always ensure your oven is preheated and baked fully.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake layers individually, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 3 months. Just frost when ready to serve.

→ What makes red velvet cake different from chocolate cake?

Red velvet cake is traditionally made with a hint of cocoa and a larger amount of buttermilk, giving it a unique texture and flavor compared to standard chocolate cake.