Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ¼ cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- In another bowl, combine the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing well after each addition.
- Once the frosting is fluffy and even, it’s ready for assembly.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
- Top with the second cake layer and apply a thin crumb coat of frosting. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Finish with a smooth layer of frosting around the entire cake, then decorate as desired.
Notes
- For a more vibrant red color, add extra food coloring or gel-based colorants.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 420 Kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg