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Red Velvet Christmas Cake

Festive Red Velvet Christmas Cake

A show-stopping holiday dessert! This classic, from-scratch red velvet cake is incredibly moist and features a tangy, sweet cream cheese frosting.
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Ingredients
  

  • Cake Layers:
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil or canola oil
  • 1 cup buttermilk room temperature
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon liquid red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 16 oz full-fat cream cheese 2 blocks, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 stick, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, white vinegar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a spatula just until combined and no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix.
  • Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  • To make the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until light and fluffy.
  • Level the cooled cakes with a knife if needed. Place one layer on a serving plate, spread a thick layer of frosting over the top, then place the second layer on top.
  • Frost the top and outside of the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting. Chill until ready to serve.

Notes

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, buttermilk, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature for the best texture and a smooth frosting.
Cool Completely: Do not frost the cake until the layers are completely cool, or the cream cheese frosting will melt.
Storage: Because of the dairy in the frosting, this cake must be stored in the refrigerator. Let slices sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.