Best 10 Old Fashioned Red Velvet Cake From Scratch Recipes

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For those with a sweet tooth and a love for classic desserts, embarking on a culinary adventure to create an old-fashioned red velvet cake from scratch is an experience that promises both nostalgia and delightful indulgence. This timeless cake, characterized by its vibrant red color and velvety texture, has captured the hearts of cake enthusiasts for generations. Join us as we delve into the history, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions necessary to craft this iconic dessert, ensuring a homemade masterpiece that will leave your taste buds dancing and transport you back in time to cherished memories.

Let's cook with our recipes!

THE REAL RED VELVET CAKE



The Real Red Velvet Cake image

Historically, red velvet cake was just chocolate cake tinted red from the acid in cocoa powder, not from food coloring. Nowadays most cocoa powders are alkalized, as in stripped of acid. Look for a non-alkalized one for this old-fashioned recipe. Completing the classic look is a coat of bright white ermine frosting, cooked the old-fashioned way.

Provided by Smart Cookie

Categories     Desserts     Cakes     Red Velvet Cake Recipes

Time 3h25m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 17

cooking spray
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups cake flour
½ cup cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 ½ cups buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 ¾ cups brown sugar
1 ½ sticks unsalted butter, softened
3 eggs, at room temperature
1 cup white sugar
1 cup whole milk
½ cup all-purpose flour, sifted
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (163 degrees C). Line the bottoms of three 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper. Spray the sides with cooking spray.
  • Sift all-purpose flour, cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl.
  • Microwave buttermilk just until warm, about 30 seconds. Stir in vanilla extract.
  • Beat brown sugar and butter together in a bowl until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly before each addition. Blend in the flour mixture and buttermilk in 3 additions until fully combined. Let mixer run on low for 5 minutes. Distribute the cake batter between the prepared cake pans.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center the cakes comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes.
  • Let cool for 15 minutes in the pans. Turn cakes out and let cool completely on a wire rack, at least 30 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  • Meanwhile, whisk sugar, milk, flour, and salt together in a medium saucepan for the frosting. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to simmer, about 10 minutes. Pour into a medium bowl and chill for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Beat butter until smooth, about 5 minutes. Slowly add the milk and flour mixture, 1/4 cup at a time, beating in between each addition and scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  • Level the cake layers before assembling the cake. Scoop about 2/3 cup of frosting onto the first layer and spread into an even layer. Repeat with the second and third cake layers. Frost the outsides of the cake with thin layer of frosting to catch any crumbs and chill for 20 minutes.
  • Finish frosting the cake with remaining frosting. Cut and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 669.3 calories, Carbohydrate 89.1 g, Cholesterol 117 mg, Fat 33.8 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 5.9 g, SaturatedFat 21 g, Sodium 312.4 mg, Sugar 64.8 g

GRANDMA'S RED VELVET CAKE



Grandma's Red Velvet Cake image

It's just not Christmas at our house until this festive cake appears. This is different from other red velvets I've had; the icing is as light as snow. -Kathryn Davison, Charlotte, North Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 50m

Yield 14 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

1/2 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 bottles (1 ounce each) red food coloring
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-1/4 cups cake flour
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
FROSTING:
1/2 cup cold water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 cups butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in food coloring, vinegar and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition., Pour into 2 greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 20-25 minutes. Cool layers 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. , For frosting, combine water and cornstarch in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until thickened and opaque, 2-3 minutes. Cool to room temperature. Beat butter and vanilla until light and fluffy. Beat in cornstarch mixture. Gradually add confectioners' sugar; beat until light and fluffy. Spread between layers and over top and sides of cake.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 595 calories, Fat 34g fat (21g saturated fat), Cholesterol 115mg cholesterol, Sodium 564mg sodium, Carbohydrate 71g carbohydrate (52g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

OLD-FASHIONED RED VELVET CAKE



Old-Fashioned Red Velvet Cake image

Makes 1 (9-inch) cake

Number Of Ingredients 18

1½ cups (340 grams) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups (600 grams) granulated sugar
6 large eggs, room temperature
¾ cup sour cream, room temperature
1 (1-ounce) bottle red food coloring
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3¾ cups (469 grams) all-purpose flour
¾ cup (64 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking soda
1 teaspoon (3 grams) kosher salt
1½ cups whole buttermilk, room temperature
Cream Cheese Frosting (recipe follows)
Garnish: cake crumbs
3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
1 (2-pound) package (910 grams) confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¾ teaspoon (2.25 grams) kosher salt

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 3 (9-inch) round cake pans with baking spray with flour. Line bottom of pans with parchment paper, and spray pans again.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar at medium speed until fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes, stopping to scrape sides of bowl. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add sour cream, food coloring, and vanilla, beating to combine.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture, beating just until combined after each addition. Divide batter among prepared pans (smoothing tops if necessary).
  • Bake until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and let cool completely on wire racks. Spread Cream Cheese Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake. Garnish with cake crumbs, if desired. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed until creamy, 4 to 5 minutes. Gradually add confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until smooth.

OLD-FASHIONED RED VELVET CAKE



Old-Fashioned Red Velvet Cake image

Found this on the internet after obsessing over finding the perfect recipe for a traditional red velvet cake.

Provided by LuvMyBabies

Categories     Dessert

Time 45m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 1/2 cups sifted cake flour
2 tablespoons good quality cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
2 ounces red food coloring
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup melted marshmallows (you may use Fluff marshmallow creme to make it easier)
1 (1 lb) box confectioners' sugar
1 cup chopped pecans

Steps:

  • For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Grease and flour 2 (9-inch) cake pans.
  • In a medium bowl or on a piece of waxed paper, sift together flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
  • In a large bowl, cream together sugar and butter.
  • Beat in eggs one at a time.
  • Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk.
  • Beat in food coloring and vinegar, then add vanilla.
  • Spread the batter evenly in the pans.
  • Bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Turn out onto a rack to cool.
  • Frosting: Blend cream cheese and butter together in a mixing bowl.
  • Add marshmallows and sugar and blend.
  • Fold in nuts.
  • Spread between layers and on top and sides of cooled cake.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 970.4, Fat 44.6, SaturatedFat 21.6, Cholesterol 140, Sodium 745, Carbohydrate 138.2, Fiber 2.5, Sugar 99.7, Protein 9.7

GRANDMA'S RED VELVET CAKE



Grandma's Red Velvet Cake image

Provided by Sunny Anderson

Categories     dessert

Time 1h

Yield 10 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 sticks butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 ounces red food coloring
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
Pinch salt
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
Butter, for pan
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 cup sugar
2 sticks butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar, until light and fluffy. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, make a paste out of the red food coloring, cocoa and salt. Remove bowl from stand mixer and mix in paste by hand to the creamed butter. In a measuring cup, stir eggs with buttermilk and add to batter. Mix in vinegar and vanilla, and then add flour and baking soda. Mix until combined but do not over mix.
  • Butter a sheet pan. Lay parchment on top. Butter the parchment. Pour batter into pan and smooth the top to even the batter out, using an offset spatula. Bake cake until a toothpick comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Remove from oven and cool in pan.
  • Meanwhile, make the frosting: Heat all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Whisk until sauce thickens, about 15 minutes. Let cool slightly before using.
  • Invert cake onto a cutting board and slice into quarters from the longer side. To assemble cake, spread 1 of the quarters with some of the frosting to cover. Sprinkle with a quarter of the pecans. Add another layer of cake and repeat. Continue until last layer is added. Frost the top of that and sprinkle with remaining pecans.

SOUTHERN RED VELVET CAKE



Southern Red Velvet Cake image

Bake a classic Southern Red Velvet Cake recipe from Food Network that's slathered in cream cheese frosting and sprinkled with crushed pecans.

Provided by Food Network

Categories     dessert

Time 1h

Yield about 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

Vegetable oil for the pans
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon fine salt
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 tablespoons red food coloring (1 ounce)
1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting, recipe follows
Crushed pecans, for garnish
1 pound cream cheese, softened
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
2 sticks unsalted butter (1 cup), softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil and flour three 9 by 1 1/2-inch round cake pans.
  • In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In another large bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla.
  • Using a standing mixer, mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined and a smooth batter is formed.
  • Divide the cake batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Place the pans in the oven evenly spaced apart. Bake, rotating the pans halfway through the cooking, until the cake pulls away from the side of the pans, and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean, about 30 minutes.
  • Remove the cakes from the oven and run a knife around the edges to loosen them from the sides of the pans. One at a time, invert the cakes onto a plate and then re-invert them onto a cooling rack, rounded-sides up. Let cool completely.
  • Frost the cake. Place 1 layer, rounded-side down, in the middle of a rotating cake stand. Using a palette knife or offset spatula spread some of the Cream Cheese Frosting over the top of the cake. (Spread enough frosting to make a 1/4 to 1/2-inch layer.) Carefully set another layer on top, rounded-side down, and repeat. Top with the remaining layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Sprinkle the top with the pecans.
  • In a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or with a hand-held electric mixer in a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and butter on low speed until incorporated. Increase the speed to high, and mix until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. (Occasionally turn the mixer off, and scrape the down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.)
  • Reduce the speed of the mixer to low. Add the vanilla, raise the speed to high and mix briefly until fluffy (scrape down the bowl occasionally). Store in the refrigerator until somewhat stiff, before using. May be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days.

RED VELVET CAKE



Red Velvet Cake image

A family favorite--great for the Christmas holiday.

Provided by Eleanor Johnson

Categories     Desserts     Cakes     Holiday Cake Recipes

Time 2h25m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 16

½ cup shortening
1 ½ cups white sugar
2 eggs
2 tablespoons cocoa
4 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
2 ½ cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 cup white sugar
1 cup butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease two 9-inch round pans.
  • Beat shortening and 1 1/2 cups sugar until very light and fluffy. Add eggs and beat well.
  • Make a paste of cocoa and red food coloring; add to creamed mixture. Mix salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and buttermilk together. Add the flour to the batter, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Mix soda and vinegar and gently fold into cake batter. Don't beat or stir the batter after this point.
  • Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven until a tester inserted into the cake comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Cool cakes completely on wire rack.
  • To Make Icing: Cook 5 tablespoons flour and milk over low heat till thick, stirring constantly. Let cool completely! While mixture is cooling, beat 1 cup sugar, butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until light and fluffy. Add cooled flour mixture and beat until frosting is a good spreading consistency. Frost cake layers when completely cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 513.4 calories, Carbohydrate 66.6 g, Cholesterol 74.1 mg, Fat 25.7 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 5.8 g, SaturatedFat 12.6 g, Sodium 502.5 mg, Sugar 43.8 g

OLD FASHIONED SOUTHERN RED VELVET CAKE



Old Fashioned Southern Red Velvet Cake image

My mom grew up with her grandma making this for special occasions. She finally found a recipe just like her grandmother's a few years ago on the internet and was sooo happy to have it back!!! This is from the Southern forum on about. This DOES not have cream cheese in the icing or coconut, if that's what your looking for keep on a looking.

Provided by Jessica K

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/2 cup crisco butter flavor shortening
2 eggs
2 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons cocoa
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup red food coloring
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda, in
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 cup milk
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup flour
3/4 cup shortening
1 teaspoon vanilla

Steps:

  • Cream shortening & sugar. Add eggs. Beat well. Sift flour, salt & cocoa together. Add alternately with buttermilk. Beat after each addition.
  • Make paste of cocoa and food coloring; add to creamed mixture. Add salt, flour and vanilla alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition. Sprinkle soda over vinegar; pour vinegar over batter.
  • Bake 30 minute at 350 degrees in 2 9" greased pans round cake pans.
  • For frosting:.
  • Combine milk and flour and cook until thick (like a white sauce) Stir constantly. Set aside to cool. Cream sugar and shortening until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and cooled cream sauce. Beat until icing becomes stiff. Frost cooled cakes.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 760.6, Fat 35.1, SaturatedFat 9.3, Cholesterol 58.4, Sodium 513.6, Carbohydrate 104.9, Fiber 1.2, Sugar 70.5, Protein 8.1

CLASSIC RED VELVET CAKE



Classic Red Velvet Cake image

This ruby-red cake with it's lovely cream cheese frosting has become my "signature dessert." I can't go to any family function without it. The cake is very moist with a buttery chocolate taste. -Katie Sloan, Charlotte, North Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 45m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

1/2 cup shortening
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 bottle (1 ounce) red food coloring
3 teaspoons white vinegar
1 teaspoon butter flavoring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-1/2 cups cake flour
1/4 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
FROSTING:
12 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup butter, softened
5-2/3 cups confectioners' sugar
4-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the food coloring, vinegar, butter flavoring and vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition. , Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., In a large bowl, combine frosting ingredients; beat until smooth and creamy. Spread between layers and over top and sides of cake.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 583 calories, Fat 24g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 77mg cholesterol, Sodium 468mg sodium, Carbohydrate 87g carbohydrate (61g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

CLASSIC RED VELVET CAKE



Classic Red Velvet Cake image

The "red" makes sense, but what about the "velvet" in Red Velvet Cake's iconic name? Food historians say it was a common description during the Victorian era when the term described cakes that had an especially soft and "velvety" crumb. From the color to the crumb, this homemade Red Velvet Cake is a dessert classic. If you prefer cupcakes over cakes, our Classic Red Velvet Cake recipe works perfectly for that - check out our "Expert Tips" section for guidance.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Dessert

Time 2h

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 1/2 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 tablespoons unsweetened baking cocoa
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 bottle (1 oz) red food color
2 eggs
1/2 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups butter, softened
1 tablespoon vanilla

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Grease bottoms and sides of 3 (8- or 9-inch) round pans with shortening; lightly flour.
  • In large bowl, beat all cake ingredients with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, scraping bowl constantly. Beat 2 minutes on medium speed, scraping bowl occasionally. Pour into pans.
  • Bake 25 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
  • In medium saucepan, mix 1/2 cup flour and 1 1/2 cups milk with whisk until smooth. Cook over medium heat until mixture is very thick, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; cool 10 minutes. In large bowl, beat 1 1/2 cups sugar and the butter with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Gradually add flour mixture by tablespoonfuls; beat on high speed until smooth. Beat in vanilla. Fill and frost cake, using 1 cup frosting between layers. Store covered in refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 800, Carbohydrate 76 g, Cholesterol 100 mg, Fat 10 1/2, Fiber 1 g, Protein 5 g, SaturatedFat 20 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 510 mg, Sugar 52 g, TransFat 1 g

Tips:

  • Use high-quality cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey flavor.
  • Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy to incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a tender and moist cake.
  • Gradually add the eggs one at a time to prevent the batter from curdling.
  • Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake.
  • Bake the cake at a moderate temperature (350°F/175°C) to prevent it from overbaking and drying out.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting it to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • For a creamier frosting, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to whip the butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy.
  • Add a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to the frosting for extra flavor.
  • Decorate the cake with sprinkles, chocolate chips, or fresh berries for a festive touch.

Conclusion:

This classic red velvet cake recipe is a delicious and decadent treat that is perfect for any occasion. With its moist and fluffy texture, rich chocolate flavor, and creamy frosting, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and will help you create a beautiful and delicious red velvet cake that you'll be proud to serve.

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