Red Velvet cake is a classic in southern cuisine and here is a delicious and incredibly easy recipe that you’ll want to make over and over again!

Red velvet cake is a Southern classic that I crave around Christmas or Valentine’s Day — that deep crimson color with tangy cream cheese frosting? Pure magic!

But I didn’t grow up with red velvet cake. I learned about it 30 years ago when I met my husband, Trent. It was his favorite dessert, and when I tasted his momma’s version, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

This version is semi-homemade, starts with a boxed mix, and tastes anything but basic. It’s rich, moist, and incredibly easy — even if you’re not much of a baker.

What Makes This Red Velvet Cake Different?

This isn’t just another “add red food coloring to cake mix” recipe. Here’s what makes it special:

• Real cocoa powder adds depth and a true red velvet flavor
• Buttermilk and vinegar create a tender crumb and authentic Southern texture
• Cream cheese frosting made from scratch takes it over the top
• Learned from my Southern mother-in-law and made with love 💕

This cake has become a holiday staple in our home – and now, I’m thrilled to share it with you!

Semi Homemade Red Velvet Cake Ingredients

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For the Cake:

• 1 box Butter Cake Mix – (we love Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker)
• 2 Tbsp Cocoa Powder
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 cup Buttermilk (or substitute – see below)
• 2 Tbsp Red Food Dye
• 1/2 cup Butter, softened
• 3 Large Eggs
• 1 Tbsp Vinegar
• 1 tsp Baking Soda

Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, combine:

• 1 cup milk (minus 1 Tablespoon)
• 1 Tablespoon White Vinegar

Let it sit for a few minutes until it curdles.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup Butter, softened (unsalted preferred)
• 3-4 cups Powdered Sugar
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 cup Chopped Nuts – Classic recipes call for nuts, but this is optional. You can use your favorite nut, but we prefer pecans.

To make this recipe, you’ll need either an electric mixer or stand mixer.

How to Make this Easy Red Velvet Cake

1. Prep – Preheat your oven to 350. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans or one sheet pan. Set out eggs, and butter and cream cheese to soften.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients – In a medium bowl, mix the cake mix and cocoa powder.
3. Add Wet Ingredients – Add buttermilk, vanilla, and red food coloring. Mix on low speed, then medium until smooth – don’t overmix.
4. Add Butter and Eggs – Next add the softened butter and eggs. Mix together on a medium speed until the butter is fully incorporated.
5. Add Baking Soda and Vinegar – In a small bowl, combine baking soda and vinegar (watch it fizz!). Add this to the batter and mix on high for 4 minutes.
6. Bake – Divide the cake batter evenly into your prepared 9-inch pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool – Let cakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and place on wire racks to cool fully.

Use the cake baking time to start on the Cream Cheese Frosting.

How to Make Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

This tangy cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully for the perfect red velvet flavor!

This cream cheese icing is absolutely delicious and would work for lots of other recipes.

1. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese – Use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment.
2. Add Vanilla – Mix until incorporated.
3. Add Powdered Sugar – Slowly, 1 cup at a time, until you reach your desired sweetness and consistency.
4. Fold in the Nuts – Optional

TIP: If frosting a layer cake, apply a crumb coat (thin layer of frosting) and chill before finishing.

TIPS & VARIATIONS

• This is a tender crumb cake, so be gentle when icing the cake.
• If you are stacking the cakes, you can add a thin layer of icing without the nuts as an option between each cake layer.
• We like to store our leftover cake in the refrigerator. That rich consistency takes wonderful chilled.
• You could add some shaved white chocolate to the top or sides for an added flair.
• Turn it into cupcakes for a fun twist – just adjust the bake time to about 18-20 minutes.

This is by far the best cake I have ever made – moist, rich, and so simple! And it’s a continual staple in our home, especially during the holiday season.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday, birthday, or just because, this recipe will make you look like a pro (even if you used a box mix!)

Tried it? Share it!

Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below. I’d love to know if you try this delicious dessert and what you and your family think!

Tag us on Instagram or Pinterest so I can see your delicious red velvet creations.

Happy Baking, y’all!

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