Description
This Pink Velvet Dream Cake is a moist and tender treat with a delicate cocoa flavor and vibrant red color. Perfectly layered with rich cream cheese frosting, this cake is ideal for celebrations or any time you want a beautiful and delicious dessert. Made with simple ingredients and baked to perfection, it offers a delightful twist on the classic red velvet cake.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
- cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure the cakes don’t stick and come out easily after baking.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. This helps to combine the ingredients evenly and makes the batter smooth.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine vegetable oil, room temperature buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, white vinegar, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until the batter is smooth and free from lumps. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Divide and Bake: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one layer generously with cream cheese frosting. Place the second cake layer on top, then frost the entire cake, including the sides, for a smooth and beautiful finish.
Notes
- Make sure the eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for the best texture and to help combine ingredients smoothly.
- Red food coloring is essential for the signature pink velvet color; use gel food coloring for a more vibrant hue and less liquid.
- Use high-quality cream cheese frosting for a rich and tangy complement to the sweet cake.
- Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting or sliding off.
- The vinegar reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise and create a tender crumb.
- For even baking, rotate the cake pans halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots.
