Name: Red Velvet Layer Cake
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 16 slices
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 0.25 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder; 0.75 tsp baking soda; 0.5 tsp salt; 8 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1.333 cups granulated sugar; 2 eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 0.5 cup buttermilk; 0.5 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt; 0.5 cup neutral oil; 2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar; 1 tsp red food gel; 24 tablespoons unsalted butter; 18 ounces cream cheese; 4.5 cups powdered sugar

My red velvet layer cake consists of two sponges with a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth texture, subtle cocoa flavor, and eye-catching bright red color all enrobed in a tangy cream cheese frosting. This iconic cake is perfect for celebrating Valentine's Day or any other special occasion!

Dessert

1 h 30 m

American

Sloane’s Table

March 11, 2026

Atsloanestable.com

From the Cook

1/5

Red Velvet Layer Cake

Sloane’s Table Verified

Atsloanestable.com

Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Red Velvet Layer Cake

Red Velvet Cake Layers

2 cups all-purpose flour

¼ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder

¾ tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

8 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 ⅓ cups granulated sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

½ cup buttermilk

½ cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt

½ cup neutral oil

2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar

1 tsp red food gel

Cream Cheese Frosting

24 tablespoons unsalted butter

18 ounces cream cheese

4 ½ cups powdered sugar

Instructions

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Red Velvet Cake Layers

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Grease and line two 9" cake pans with parchment paper.

Soak two cake strips in ice water.

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

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla until well combined.

Add half of the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until mostly combined. Then, mix in the buttermilk, yogurt, oil, vinegar, and red food gel, followed by the remaining dry ingredients.

In a separate small bowl, add the egg whites and use an electric hand mixer to beat until soft peaks form.

Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the whipped egg whites into the cake batter until fully combined.

Divide the cake batter between the prepared cake pans. Wrap the cake strips around the outsides of the pans.

Bake the cakes for about 30-35 minutes or until the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Immediately turn the cakes out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cool, wrap the cakes in plastic wrap and freeze until ready to decorate. (Frozen cake layers will be much easier to frost!)

Cream Cheese Frosting

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and cream cheese on high speed until smooth. Slowly add the sifted powdered sugar and mix on low speed until fully combined. Once all of the powdered sugar is added, continue beating on low speed until no more lumps or pockets of air remain and the frosting is smooth.

Assemble

Secure the first cake layer on the cake stand with a small amount of frosting on the bottom. Using an offset spatula, spread on an even layer of frosting, then place the second cake layer on top.

Spread an even layer of frosting along the top and outside of the cake, then place in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes.

Take the cake out of the fridge and spread a thicker layer of frosting on the cake. Use the remaining frosting to pipe along the top and bottom of the cake, if desired.

Allow the cake to sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Bite Tutorial

Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Acidic Balance for Velvety Texture 🎯
The combination of buttermilk, Greek yogurt, and vinegar creates the signature tender crumb—don't skip any acid component or your cake will lose its distinctive melt-in-mouth quality.
Dutch-Process Cocoa Matters 🍫
Use authentic Dutch-process cocoa powder rather than natural cocoa; it provides the subtle chocolate depth without overpowering the red velvet flavor profile.
Red Gel Over Liquid Food Coloring 🔴
Red gel coloring prevents excess liquid from thinning your batter and ensures a more vibrant, consistent red color throughout both cake layers.
Room Temperature Ingredients Equal Perfect Crumb 🌡️
Bring all ingredients—especially eggs, buttermilk, and Greek yogurt—to room temperature before mixing for proper emulsification and a uniformly tender, velvety sponge.
Cream Cheese Frosting Temperature Control ❄️
Chill your cream cheese frosting to 60-65°F before frosting the warm cake layers; this prevents melting while allowing smooth spreading and creating defined, professional-looking layers.