Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3

In a large bowl, cream 1/2 cup of the butter with the granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the red food coloring.

Step 5

Alternately mix in the flour mixture and the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, until just combined.

Step 6

Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 25-28 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely, about 30 minutes.

Step 8

Meanwhile, beat the cream cheese with the remaining 1/4 cup butter until smooth, then gradually beat in the powdered sugar until fluffy.

Step 9

Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate and spread with a layer of the frosting.

Step 10

Top with the second cake layer and frost the top and sides with the remaining frosting.

Step 11

Chill for 20 minutes to set the frosting before slicing.