Red Velvet Cake

Few desserts stir up Southern nostalgia quite like a rich, velvety slice of Red Velvet Cake. Whether it’s gracing a holiday table, celebrating Juneteenth, or bringing sweetness to Sunday supper, this iconic cake is a staple of Southern kitchens. On a recent episode of Deep South Dining, red velvet came up during a lively conversation about traditional Juneteenth foods—and it left us craving a slice! So we’re sharing a classic Southern Red Velvet Cake recipe that’s full of flavor, history, and heart.:

Southern Red Velvet Cake

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cocoa powder
• 1½ cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tbsp (1 oz) red food coloring
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment paper).
2. Sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder in a large bowl.
3. In another bowl, whisk together oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and smooth the tops.
6. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on wire racks.
7. Make the frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter together until fluffy. Add vanilla and salt, then gradually beat in the powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable.
8. Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.
9. Optional: Crumble a little cake trimmings on top as decoration or add chopped pecans for a Southern touch.

Tip:

Red Velvet Cake tastes even better the next day once the flavors have settled. Store covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.

Enjoy a slice of sweet Southern tradition!