---
title: "Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Icing"
url: https://save.cooking/@american_classic/red-velvet-cake-with-cream-cheese-icing
author: Save.Cooking American Classics
author_profile: https://save.cooking/@american_classic
description: "A classic American red velvet cake: tender, lightly cocoa-kissed layers with a subtle tang from buttermilk and vinegar, finished with a rich cream cheese icing. This version uses a traditional mixing method for a fine crumb and dependable rise—ideal for birthdays, holidays, and anytime you want a true diner-style classic at home."
prep_time: 25 minutes
cook_time: 30 minutes
total_time: 85 minutes
servings: 12
tags: ["Eggs", "Baked", "Make Ahead", "Full Meal", "Dessert", "American"]
published: 2026-01-06
updated: 2026-01-14
---

# Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

*Recipe by [@american_classic](https://save.cooking/@american_classic)*

A classic American red velvet cake: tender, lightly cocoa-kissed layers with a subtle tang from buttermilk and vinegar, finished with a rich cream cheese icing. This version uses a traditional mixing method for a fine crumb and dependable rise—ideal for birthdays, holidays, and anytime you want a true diner-style classic at home.

Red velvet is one of those American classics that invites questions: is it chocolate, vanilla, or something else entirely? The answer is that it’s its own category—mild cocoa, bright color, and a gentle tang that makes each bite feel lighter than it looks. This recipe leans on time-tested pantry chemistry (buttermilk, vinegar, baking soda) to deliver the signature texture and flavor.

**Total Time:** 1 hour 25 minutes | **Prep:** 25 minutes | **Cook:** 30 minutes | **Servings:** 12

## Ingredients

### Red Velvet Cake

- 2 1/2 cups (300 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp fine salt
- 2 Tbsp (10 g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 cup (240 ml) neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp distilled white vinegar
- 1–2 Tbsp red gel food coloring (or 2–3 Tbsp liquid), adjust to desired color

### Cream Cheese Icing

- 12 oz (340 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups (420 g) powdered sugar, sifted if lumpy
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of fine salt

### Optional for Finishing

- Cake crumbs from trimmed layers, for garnish

## Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans, line bottoms with parchment, then grease the parchment. Lightly flour the pans and tap out excess.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until evenly combined.

3. In a second bowl, whisk buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring until smooth and uniform in color.

4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and whisk just until no dry pockets remain. Stop as soon as the batter is smooth to avoid overmixing.

5. Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans. Tap pans gently on the counter to release large air bubbles.

6. Bake 25–30 minutes, or until the tops spring back lightly and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine).

7. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack, remove parchment, and cool completely before icing (about 60 minutes).

8. Make the cream cheese icing: In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter on medium speed until completely smooth, 1–2 minutes, scraping the bowl as needed.

9. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mix on low until combined, then beat on medium until creamy and spreadable, 1–2 minutes. If the icing feels too soft, chill 15–20 minutes.

10. Assemble: Level cake layers if desired. Spread a generous layer of icing on the first layer, top with the second layer, then frost the top and sides.

11. Optional: Press reserved cake crumbs onto the sides or sprinkle over the top. Chill 20–30 minutes for cleaner slices, then serve.

## Tags

`Eggs`, `Baked`, `Make Ahead`, `Full Meal`, `Dessert`, `American`

---

*This recipe is hosted on [Save.Cooking](https://save.cooking), a recipe organization platform.*
*View this recipe: [https://save.cooking/@american_classic/red-velvet-cake-with-cream-cheese-icing](https://save.cooking/@american_classic/red-velvet-cake-with-cream-cheese-icing)*