Description
This easy red velvet snack cake is a soft, moist dessert with a hint of cocoa and a rich cream cheese frosting that makes every bite feel special. It is perfect for holiday baking, easy dessert ideas, party treats, potluck desserts, and homemade cake recipes when you want a simple one-pan dessert that still looks bakery worthy.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon white vinegar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon milk, if needed
2 tablespoons red velvet cake crumbs for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease or line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 28 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
8. Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
9. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until fluffy, adding milk if needed for a spreadable frosting.
10. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and sprinkle with red velvet crumbs before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use room temperature eggs, buttermilk, cream cheese, and butter for the smoothest batter and frosting.
Do not overmix the batter, or the cake can turn dense instead of tender.
Chill the frosted cake for 20 minutes before slicing if you want clean, sharp squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 41g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg