The Southern Lady: Red Velvet Cake

Looking for the best Red Velvet Cake recipe? This iconic Southern dessert is known for its vibrant red color, tender crumb, and rich cream cheese frosting. In this post, we’ll explore the fascinating history of Red Velvet Cake, my personal connection to it, and share a tried-and-true homemade recipe that’s perfect for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions.

The History of Red Velvet Cake

The story of Red Velvet Cake begins in the Victorian era, when “velvet cakes” were popular for their soft, tender texture. The combination of cocoa powder, baking soda, and buttermilk created a natural reddish-brown hue in the cake.

Red Velvet became truly famous in the 1940s, thanks to the Adams Extract Company. During World War II, shortages of cocoa and butter led the company to market a Red Velvet Cake kit, complete with red food coloring and a recipe card. This helped the cake spread in popularity across the United States—especially in the American South, where it became a staple dessert by the 1950s and 60s.

My Red Velvet Cake Story

When I moved to the South in 1999, I had never tried Red Velvet Cake before. Its reputation intrigued me—and it was everywhere! The first time I tasted it, I was hooked.

Around that time, I was a huge fan of the Food Network, especially chef Paula Deen. Watching her make a Red Velvet Cake inspired me to try it myself. With a southern husband and a growing catering business, I knew this classic dessert had to be part of my menu.

It quickly became one of my best-selling cakes. Every Thanksgiving, I closed my kitchen for the first three days leading up to the holiday just to fill orders. To me, Red Velvet Cake represents home, comfort, and celebration. Whether for weddings, holidays, or family gatherings, it always makes the moment special.

Homemade Red Velvet Cake Recipe

This easy Red Velvet Cake recipe makes two 8-inch layers, perfect for a celebration. It can also be used for cupcakes or a bundt cake.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 ½ cups vegetable oil

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp vinegar

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 tbsp red food coloring

  
  

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ cups sugar

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 heaping tbsp cocoa powder

  
  

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients until smooth.

3. In another bowl, sift together the dry ingredients.

4. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, ¼ cup at a time, mixing until combined.

5. Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans.

6. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Let cakes cool completely—at least 2 hours—before frosting.

This recipe also makes about 22 cupcakes or one bundt cake.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

• 1 (32 oz) bag confectioners’ sugar

• 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

• 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

  
  

Instructions

1. Beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth.

2. Slowly add the confectioners’ sugar, alternating with the heavy cream.

3. Mix until fluffy, then add vanilla extract.

4. Frost cake layers generously and garnish with chopped pecans if desired.

   
   

Why Red Velvet Cake is So Special

Moist, vibrant, and with a hint of chocolate flavor, Red Velvet Cake is more than just dessert—it’s a tradition. It brings warmth and joy to family gatherings, holidays, and celebrations big or small. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s a timeless favorite in the South and beyond. If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a like for more content!