Sour Cream Red Velvet Cake (Printable)

Moist red velvet cake with sour cream, layered and frosted with creamy classic cream cheese topping.

# Ingredient List:

→ Cake

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
06 - 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
07 - 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
08 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
09 - 2 tablespoons red food coloring
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 - 1 teaspoon white vinegar
12 - 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

13 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
14 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
15 - 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
16 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
17 - Pinch of salt

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
02 - In a large bowl, sift together flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk oil, sour cream, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and buttermilk until smooth and fully combined.
04 - Gradually add wet ingredients to dry mixture, gently stirring until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
05 - Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
06 - Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to wire racks until completely cool.
07 - Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, whipping until fluffy.
08 - Layer one cake with frosting, top with second cake, and coat top and sides with remaining frosting.
09 - Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure neat portions.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Uses sour cream for unbeatable moisture
  • Flexible presentation for layer cake or cupcakes
  • Rich flavor from real cocoa
  • Classic cream cheese frosting
02 -
  • High in calcium thanks to sour cream and cream cheese
  • Freezes beautifully for make ahead occasions
  • Ideal for celebrations due to impressive layering
03 -
  • Always use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and taller cake
  • Sift your powdered sugar for frosting so it stays lump free and airy
  • For the best shade of red use gel food coloring instead of liquid which keeps the crumb moist

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