1. Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- In a large bowl, whisk together oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla until well blended.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until smooth and well combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla together until smooth.
- Add the sugar gradually, beating on low speed until combined, then on high speed until frosting is smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread frosting over the first layer, then top with the second layer.
- Spread frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
- If desired, press chopped pecans around the sides of the cake for decoration.
SERVING AND STORAGE:
- Serving: Serve the cake at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
- Storage: Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting. It will keep for up to 5 days.
TIPS FOR PERFECTION:
- Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Smooth Frosting: To achieve a smooth frosting, make sure both the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing.
- Coloring: Adjust the amount of red food coloring based on the depth of color desired. Gel food coloring can provide a more intense color without adding too much liquid to the batter.
Enjoy your Southern Homemade Red Velvet Cake, a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious, perfect for special occasions or as a treat to brighten any day.