Easy Red Velvet Cake
A devil’s food cake mix makes this semi-homemade red velvet cake quick and easy, while buttermilk and a splash of vinegar give it that classic tangy flavor. Topped with smooth cream cheese frosting, it’s perfect for holidays, birthdays, or anytime you want a stunning dessert with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 box cake mix, devil's food, moist style with pudding in the mix
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/3 cups buttermilk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
- 1 ounce bottle liquid red food coloring , or about 1/2 teaspoon of gel
Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons warm water
- chopped pecans, or coconut for topping, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan. Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat it to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch by 13-inch baking pan.
- Prepare the cake batter. In a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, combine the cake mix, baking soda, buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, vinegar, and food coloring. Beat on low speed until well blended. Increase the mixer speed to high and beat for an additional 2 minutes.
- Bake the cake. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until cake springs back when lightly touched with a finger. (For cupcakes, divide the batter into lined muffin tins and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.)
- Cool. Transfer the cake to a rack and let it cool completely.
- Make the frosting. In a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese with the butter until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Sift the confectioners' sugar into the bowl and beat on low speed until blended. Increase the heat to medium and beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Beat in 1 teaspoon of vanilla and add warm water as needed to achieve a soft, spreadable frosting.
- Frost the cake. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cake and sprinkle with chopped pecans or coconut, if desired.
Nutrition
Calories: 414kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 5gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 69mgSodium: 496mgPotassium: 95mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 44gVitamin A: 355IUCalcium: 143mgIron: 1mg
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
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