Classic Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

Ingredients

Cake

1. 2 1/2c. cake flour

2. 1/4c. unsweetened cocoa powder                          

3. 2 c. sugar

4. 1 1/2c. oil

5. 2 eggs

6. 1 tsp. salt

7. 1c. buttermilk

8. 1 T. white vinegar

9. 2oz. red food coloring

10. 1 1/2t. baking soda

11. 1 t. vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting

1. 8 oz package cream cheese, room temperature

2. 3/4c.. unsalted butter, room temperature

3. 1/2c. vegetable shortening

4. 1 1/2 t. pure vanilla extract

5. 8c. powdered sugar, sifted

6. 1/2c. milk

Directions

for the cake:

Preheat oven to 375˚F. Spray baking pan(s) with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. In a medium mixing bowl, sift together flour, salt and cocoa powder and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine oil and sugar (beat with electric mixer for approximately 2 minutes or until well combined.) Next mix the eggs in one at a time. Add vanilla extract and red food coloring until well blended. Slowly add flour mixture to wet ingredients alternating with the buttermilk. In a separate bowl combine vinegar and baking soda then add mixture to the rest of ingredients. Mix all ingredients until well blended for a few seconds, making sure to scrape down sides of the bowl. Pour batter into prepared baking pan(s), bake for 30-35 or until a toothpick can be inserted into center of cake and is removed clean. Let cake rest in baking pan(s) for 10 minutes, then remove onto wire cooling rack. Cool completely before frosting.

for the frosting:

In a mixing bowl, combine room temperature cream cheese, butter, and shortening together until well blended. Add in vanilla extract. Mix in powdered sugar until all ingredients are well blended. Slowly add milk into the mixture, little bits at a time. Frosting should be smooth and creamy in texture. If frosting is too thin add more powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Likewise, if frosting is too stiff add in milk one tablespoon at a time. Frost cake using an offset spatula. Decorate and garnish as desired. 

This weekend my little sister graduated with her master's degree in social work. So proud of her! This special cake was created by me to celebrate her achievements. Congratulations Merry!