Southern Red Velvet Cake

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: Fresh berries for garnish, such as strawberries or raspberries

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and vegetable oil. Beat together until well blended, about 2 minutes.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in the buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until combined.
6. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
11. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
12. Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top.
13. Carefully place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
14. For added decoration, top the cake with fresh berries if desired.

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