Red Velvet Cake

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp red food coloring
• 18 oz cream cheese frosting

Instructions

Follow each step in order. The directions below are written so a beginner can understand what to do, what to look for, and when to move on to the next step.

1. Step 1.Heat the oven to 350°F, grease two 9-inch cake pans, line them with parchment, and dust lightly with flour.
2. Step 2.Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt so the small amount of cocoa is evenly spread through the batter.
3. Step 3.In a second bowl, whisk sugar, oil, eggs, buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla, and red coloring until smooth and vivid.
4. Step 4.Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two additions, folding gently until no dry pockets remain.
5. Step 5.Divide the batter evenly between pans and tap once or twice to release only large air pockets without deflating the batter.
6. Step 6.Bake for 28 to 32 minutes until the centers spring back and a toothpick comes out with a few moist red crumbs.
7. Step 7.Cool the layers fully, then level domed tops if needed and save a few crumbs for decorating the finished cake.
8. Step 8.Fill and frost with cream cheese frosting, add reserved crumbs if desired, and chill briefly before slicing cleanly.