Red Velvet Cake is a classic dessert known for its vibrant red color, soft texture, and rich flavor. Paired with a creamy berry frosting, this cake becomes even more decadent and visually stunning.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a delicious treat, this red velvet cake with berry frosting will surely impress your guests.
Below, we’ll walk you through the recipe, step-by-step, and share tips for perfecting your bake.
Ingredients for the Red Velvet Cake:
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
For the Berry Frosting:
- 1 ½ cups fresh mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Red Velvet Cake:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cake Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easier cake removal. This ensures the cake will come out smoothly and maintain its shape.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat together the sugar and vegetable oil using an electric mixer until smooth and combined. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and vinegar.
4. Add Food Coloring: Mix in the red food coloring until the batter reaches your desired shade of red. The coloring will give the cake its signature vibrant look.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
6. Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Berry Frosting:
1. Prepare the Berry Puree: In a small saucepan, heat the fresh mixed berries over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release their juices (about 5-7 minutes). Use a fine mesh strainer to remove the seeds, leaving just the smooth berry puree. Let it cool to room temperature.
2. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This will add a light, airy texture to the frosting.
3. Make the Frosting: In another large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add in the berry puree and vanilla extract. Gently fold in the whipped cream to create a fluffy, smooth frosting.
Assembling the Red Velvet Cake:
1. Frosting the Layers: Once your cakes have completely cooled, place one layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread a generous amount of the berry frosting on top, smoothing it out evenly.
Place the second layer of cake on top and apply a thin crumb coat (a light layer of frosting that will seal in the crumbs). Chill the cake for about 30 minutes to set the crumb coat.
After the crumb coat has set, apply the rest of the berry frosting, covering the entire cake in a smooth, even layer. If desired, use a spatula to create decorative swirls or patterns.
2. Garnish with Fresh Berries: For an extra burst of color and flavor, decorate the top of the cake with fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. This adds a beautiful touch and enhances the fruity flavor of the frosting.
Tips for the Perfect Red Velvet Cake with Berry Frosting:
1. Use Buttermilk for a Tender Cake: Buttermilk is key in creating a tender and moist red velvet cake. It reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise and gives it a slight tang that complements the richness of the frosting.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing the batter too much can cause the cake to become dense. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
3. Adjust the Red Food Coloring: If you prefer a lighter red hue, you can reduce the amount of food coloring. Alternatively, use gel food coloring for a more intense color that won’t affect the cake’s texture.
4. Chill the Frosting: Chilling the berry frosting for about 10-15 minutes before applying it to the cake can make it easier to work with and prevent it from being too soft.
5. Make It Ahead of Time: Red velvet cake often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. You can bake the cake layers and prepare the frosting a day in advance, then assemble the cake when you’re ready to serve.
Conclusion:
This Red Velvet Cake with Berry Frosting is a beautiful and delicious dessert that combines the rich, velvety texture of red velvet cake with the fresh, fruity taste of berry frosting.
Whether it’s for a special celebration or a weekend treat, this cake will definitely be a showstopper at your next event.
With these detailed steps and tips, you can easily create a cake that’s both stunning and incredibly tasty.