Decadent Galentine's Red Velvet Cake

Name: Decadent Galentine's Red Velvet Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 tablespoons cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 1 teaspoon salt; Red gel food coloring; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Golden Crust & Sweet Cravings

I absolutely love baking this Decadent Galentine's Red Velvet Cake, especially when I'm celebrating with my closest friends. The rich flavor of cocoa combined with the tang of buttermilk creates a moist and unforgettable cake. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, it's perfect for any galentine's gathering. This cake not only looks stunning with its vibrant red color, but it also delivers on taste, making it a standout dessert that everyone will adore. Trust me, this recipe will soon become a cherished favorite in your home!

Created by

Sandra

Last updated on 2026-01-05T18:02:30.673Z

When I first decided to bake a red velvet cake, I wanted to create a dessert that would evoke joy and warmth. After trying several recipes, I found that combining buttermilk and vinegar gave the cake its signature tenderness.

One crucial tip I discovered is sifting the dry ingredients; it ensures a lighter cake texture that pairs impeccably with the creamy frosting. Each bite feels like a celebration, and this cake became a favorite for my galentine's parties, bringing smiles all around!

        Why You'll Love This Cake
        Moist texture paired with a rich cream cheese frosting
Vibrant red color that steals the show
Makes any gathering feel extra special

      

Mastering the Red Velvet Texture

Achieving that perfect red velvet texture hinges on proper mixing techniques. When combining wet and dry ingredients, ensure you mix until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the desired light and airy crumb. Keep a close eye on baking time; the cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, approximately 25-30 minutes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).

The use of buttermilk in this cake plays a pivotal role. It not only provides the necessary acidity that reacts with baking soda to create lift but also contributes to the moistness of the cake. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for about 5-10 minutes.

Making Cream Cheese Frosting Fabulously

The cream cheese frosting is crucial for complementing the rich flavors of the red velvet cake. Make sure both your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature; this ensures smooth blending and a fluffy texture. If they are too cold, you’ll end up with lumps in your frosting. Beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy before gradually adding powdered sugar to achieve the perfect consistency.

To prevent your frosting from becoming overly sweet, the pinch of salt is essential. It balances the flavors and enhances the cream cheese’s tanginess. If you prefer a less sweet frosting, consider reducing the amount of powdered sugar slightly or adding a bit more cream cheese for a balanced flavor profile.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delightful cake:

Cake Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
Red gel food coloring

Cream Cheese Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Decadent Galentine's Red Velvet Cake:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat the sugar and vegetable oil together until well combined. Add the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, and vinegar, mixing until smooth.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Add red food coloring until you achieve your desired hue.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Prepare the Frosting

In a bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, and beat until fluffy. Add vanilla and salt, mixing until combined.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top, then place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake.

Decorate and Serve

Garnish with sprinkles if desired. Cut into slices and enjoy your delicious creation with friends!

Be sure to store any leftovers in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding some festive sprinkles or edible glitter to your frosted cake. This will not only enhance its visual appeal but also bring an extra layer of fun to your celebrations!

Storing Your Red Velvet Cake

To keep your Decadent Galentine's Red Velvet Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, it can be refrigerated for up to a week. When refrigerating, place a piece of wax paper between the cake and the lid to prevent it from sticking. This will help maintain the integrity of your frosting and retain the cake's moisture over time.

For longer storage, consider freezing the cake. Wrap individual layers in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, just move it to the refrigerator overnight and allow it to come to room temperature before frosting or serving.

Creative Serving Suggestions

To elevate your cake presentation, consider serving slices with fresh berries on the side, such as raspberries or strawberries, which add a delightful burst of flavor that complements the richness of the red velvet. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dusting of cocoa powder on the plate can also enhance visual appeal, making it a show-stopping dessert for your Galentine's gathering.

Another fun serving twist is to transform this cake into cupcakes! Using the same batter, fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full and bake for 18-20 minutes. Once cooled, frost them with the cream cheese frosting and top with heart-shaped sprinkles for a festive touch. This way, your guests can easily grab a cupcake without needing a fork, making the celebration more casual and fun.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and frosting can be done the next day.

→ What can I use instead of buttermilk?

You can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and vinegar. Just add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.

→ How can I make this cake gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of the regular flour. Ensure the other ingredients are also gluten-free.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake layers. Wrap each layer in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Allow to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.