If you have ever craved the rich, velvety goodness of a bakery style red velvet cake but didn’t want to splurge at the store, you are in for a treat. In this post, you will learn how to make a bakery style red velvet cake at home with simple ingredients and expert tips. This easy-to-follow recipe will help you create a moist and fluffy red velvet cake at home that tastes just as indulgent as one from a professional bakery. Plus, we will top it off with the best red velvet cake recipe with cream cheese frosting for that authentic touch. Let’s get started and bake like a pro.
How to Make a Bakery Style Red Velvet Cake at Home
Did you know that red velvet cake wasn’t always red? Initially, it got its reddish hue from the reaction between cocoa powder and acidic ingredients like buttermilk. The vibrant red color we see today comes from food coloring. Another fun fact—traditional red velvet cake was made with beet juice instead of artificial dye. Using the right techniques and ingredients, you can recreate this iconic cake at home with the same moist, fluffy texture and rich flavor as a bakery version.
Ingredients You Will Need
To create a homemade bakery style red velvet cake, you will need the following ingredients:
✅ For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel or liquid)
✅ For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Pro Tip: Using buttermilk and vinegar helps achieve the signature tangy flavor and moist texture of a bakery-style red velvet cake.
How to Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat the Oven:
To prepare the cake batter, first set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them and lining them with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
Whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt and baking soda in a large bowl. Sifting the dry ingredients helps create a light and fluffy texture.
Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly add the red food coloring and white vinegar. Mix until you get a vibrant red color.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Slowly blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently. Use a hand mixer on low speed or a whisk to combine. Take care not to overmix, as it may result in a dense cake.
How to Bake the Cake
- Divide the Batter: Evenly portion the batter between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the pans in the oven and bake the cake for 30–35 minutes. Place a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
- Cool Completely: Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
✅ Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese:
In a bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. This takes about 2–3 minutes.
✅ Add Sugar and Vanilla:
Gradually add the powdered sugar (1 cup at a time) and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Mix in a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness, and your cream cheese frosting is now ready to use.
How to Assemble the Cake
Level the Cake Layers: Use a serrated knife to trim the domed tops of the cake layers for an even, flat surface. This ensures a neat and professional-looking cake.
Apply the Frosting:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread a thick, even layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.
- Stack the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides evenly.
Smooth and Decorate: Use a cake scraper or an offset spatula to smooth the frosting. For a bakery-style finish, add decorative swirls or rosettes using a piping bag.
Some Decoration Ideas
Make your bakery style red velvet cake at home look even more appealing with these decoration tips:
- Red Velvet Crumbs: Crumble some cake trimmings and sprinkle them over the top or sides. This creates a classic bakery look.
- Chocolate Shavings: Add chocolate curls or shavings for a sophisticated touch.
- Fresh Berries: Decorate with strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a colorful, elegant finish.
Tips for the Perfect Red Velvet Cake
To ensure your moist and fluffy red velvet cake at home turns out perfectly:
- Use Gel Food Coloring: It creates a rich, vibrant red color without thinning the batter.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing leads to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This creates a smoother batter and better consistency.
- Chill the Cake Before Slicing: For clean, sharp slices, refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes before serving.
Serving and Storing Tips
✅ Serving:
- Serve your red velvet cake chilled or at room temperature.
- Pair it with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for the ultimate dessert experience.
✅ Storing:
- Keep leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–5 days.
- Individual slices can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Now you know how to make a bakery style red velvet cake at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. With its moist and fluffy texture, rich red color, and luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake will impress your family and friends. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this homemade bakery style red velvet cake is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
Try this recipe today and enjoy a professional-quality cake right from your kitchen!
