Name: Red Velvet Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup water; ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 large eggs; ½ cup buttermilk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) red food coloring; 2 (8-ounce) packages plain cream cheese, at room temperature; ¼ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 10 cups powdered sugar; ¼ cup buttermilk; Couple pinches of salt

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 7 reviews

If you’ve ever wanted to impress friends and family with a cake that looks stunning and tastes absolutely divine, the Red Velvet Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is your go-to indulgence. This cake brings together that deep, rich red color that captivates the eye and a moist, tender crumb bursting with subtle cocoa flavor. Topped with luxuriously smooth cream cheese frosting, each bite feels like a celebration. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a timeless classic, this recipe delivers a moist, flavorful cake and a frosting that perfectly balances sweetness with a touch of tang. It’s truly a gem to have in your baking repertoire!

Ingredients You'll Need

A two-layer red velvet cake with deep red sponge layers separated by a smooth white cream cheese frosting layer in the middle, topped with a thick, even layer of the same white frosting that has soft swirling patterns. One slice is being taken out with a metal cake server, showing the cake's moist texture and a few crumbs left on the white plate beneath. The whole cake sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface, with soft light highlighting the creamy frosting and rich red cake inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Making this Red Velvet Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is easier than you might think because the ingredients are straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role. From the cocoa powder that adds that hint of chocolate to the buttermilk which keeps the cake tender, every element contributes to the perfect texture, taste, and iconic vibrant red hue.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives your cake its structure and crumb.
1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake, balancing the cocoa’s slight bitterness.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise beautifully and become light.
¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness.
1 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to every bite.
1 cup water: Keeps the batter smooth and light.
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides that signature subtle chocolate depth.
2 large eggs: Binds ingredients and adds moisture and richness.
½ cup buttermilk: Makes the cake tender and gives a slight tanginess.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings warmth and enhances the other flavors.
2 tablespoons (1 ounce) red food coloring: The key to the cake’s iconic vibrant red color.
Two 8-ounce packages plain cream cheese (room temperature): Essential for that creamy frosting with a perfect tangy balance.
¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Adds richness and buttery flavor to the frosting.
10 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect texture.
¼ cup buttermilk: Ensures the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
Couple pinches of salt: Balances the frosting’s sweetness and intensifies flavors.

How to Make Red Velvet Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pans

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by greasing them with nonstick spray and lining the bottoms with parchment paper. This ensures your cakes will come out easily without sticking or tearing—a small step that makes a big difference.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and kosher salt. Sifting is optional but highly recommended; it prevents lumps and incorporates air, helping your cake develop a luxuriously light texture.

Step 3: Create the Cocoa Butter Mixture

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the unsalted butter, water, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring constantly to melt everything evenly and infuse the cocoa flavor throughout the batter. This step guarantees a smooth and rich cake base.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Remove your cocoa butter mixture from heat and let it cool for about five minutes. Then, stir in the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until everything is fully incorporated. This step is key for that vibrant color and the perfect balance of flavors.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with your sifted dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing as that can make your cake dense; you want the batter to be smooth but still airy and luscious.

Step 6: Bake Your Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared pans and bake for 23 to 30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean. Let the cakes cool completely in the pans before moving on to frosting.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together the cream cheese, room temperature butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Then, gradually add powdered sugar, buttermilk, and pinches of salt. Continue beating until you have a silky, spreadable frosting that’s perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy.

Step 8: Assemble and Frost Your Cake

Level the cooled cakes by trimming the tops, reserving any scraps for decoration if you like. Spread a generous layer of frosting on one cake layer, then carefully place the second layer on top. Finish by frosting the sides and top, getting creative with your decorating or keeping it classic and smooth—either way, you’ll have a showstopping centerpiece.

How to Serve Red Velvet Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A two-layered red velvet cake sits on a white plate with a slice being lifted by a cake server. Each layer of the cake is deep red with a smooth, thick white cream cheese frosting between the layers and covering the top and sides. The frosting on top has soft swirls giving it a creamy texture. The white marbled surface holds scattered red cake crumbs, a small white bowl filled with more red crumbs, and a few forks placed on a white and red-striped cloth. In the background, a glass bottle of milk and a glass of milk add to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance the beauty and texture of your Red Velvet Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe by sprinkling it with cake crumbs from your trimmed scraps, fresh berries for a pop of color and freshness, or even a light dusting of cocoa powder or edible glitter for a festive touch. These small additions make serving feel special.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs brilliantly with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of lightly whipped cream, or a cup of robust coffee or hot tea. These accompaniments help balance the richness of the cake and create a well-rounded dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests even more? Try slicing your cake into smaller portions and stacking them on pretty dessert plates with a drizzle of raspberry sauce or chocolate ganache. Or serve neat squares topped with a single fresh raspberry for an elegant bite-size treat. Presentation is your secret weapon for impressive dessert moments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, store your Red Velvet Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe tightly covered in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and moist. Use an airtight cake dome or wrap it gently with plastic wrap to prevent drying out or picking up any fridge odors. The cake will stay delicious for up to 5 days when stored properly.

Freezing

If you want to make this cake in advance or keep leftovers longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, freezing for up to 3 months. Frost when fully thawed. Alternatively, you can freeze a fully frosted cake in a cake container, but it’s best to do so tightly wrapped to protect the frosting.

Reheating

Generally, this cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer, take slices out of the fridge and let them sit for about 20 to 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can alter the texture of the frosting and cake.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While you can substitute regular milk, the buttermilk is essential for that tender crumb and subtle tang that balances the sweetness and enhances the cake’s texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix ½ cup milk with ½ tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes to mimic buttermilk.

How do I get the perfect red color without overusing food coloring?

Using gel or paste food coloring instead of liquid helps achieve a vibrant red without adding too much extra moisture. The recommended 2 tablespoons should give you a rich hue without affecting the batter consistency.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but keep in mind the texture might slightly differ. Additionally, be sure to check that your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free certified to avoid cross-contamination.

What’s the best way to level the cakes?

A serrated knife or cake leveler works wonders. Trim off the domed tops to create a flat surface so layers stack evenly, making your finished cake look neat and professional.

Is it possible to tint the cream cheese frosting red for a sweeter presentation?

Absolutely! Adding a small amount of red food coloring or a few drops of natural beet juice to your frosting can tint it pink or red. Just add gradually until you reach your desired shade, and mix well for even color.

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is truly a crown jewel for any baker’s collection. It balances classic flavors with eye-catching color and a frosting that’s delightfully tangy and creamy. I can’t wait for you to make it, share it, and watch the delighted smiles it brings to your table. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to showstopper for every celebration and cozy night in.