Step 1: Prepare the Cake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
Step 4: Add the Hot Coffee
Slowly stir in the hot coffee. The batter will be thin—this creates an extra-moist cake.
Step 5: Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Buttercream
Beat the butter until creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
Mix in the vanilla, heavy cream, and salt until light and fluffy.
Step 7: Assemble
Spread chocolate frosting between the cake layers.
Frost the top and sides, then decorate with chocolate curls or shavings.
Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This classic red velvet cake is incredibly soft with a subtle cocoa flavor and finished with a rich cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ cups (360ml) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
