Best 5 Southern Buttermilk Red Velvet Cake Recipes

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Indulge in the decadence of Southern Buttermilk Red Velvet Cake, a classic dessert elevated with the richness of buttermilk and vibrant red color. This delightful cake boasts a moist and velvety crumb, perfectly balanced with a tangy cream cheese frosting. Experience the symphony of flavors in every bite, from the subtle tang of buttermilk to the luscious sweetness of the cake and the creamy smoothness of the frosting. With our carefully curated collection of recipes, you'll discover variations of this timeless Southern favorite, including a gluten-free option for those with dietary restrictions. Embark on a culinary journey with us as we explore the secrets behind this iconic cake and create unforgettable moments with loved ones.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

SOUTHERN RED VELVET CAKE



Southern Red Velvet Cake image

Bake a classic Southern Red Velvet Cake recipe from Food Network that's slathered in cream cheese frosting and sprinkled with crushed pecans.

Provided by Food Network

Categories     dessert

Time 1h

Yield about 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

Vegetable oil for the pans
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon fine salt
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 tablespoons red food coloring (1 ounce)
1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting, recipe follows
Crushed pecans, for garnish
1 pound cream cheese, softened
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
2 sticks unsalted butter (1 cup), softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil and flour three 9 by 1 1/2-inch round cake pans.
  • In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In another large bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla.
  • Using a standing mixer, mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined and a smooth batter is formed.
  • Divide the cake batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Place the pans in the oven evenly spaced apart. Bake, rotating the pans halfway through the cooking, until the cake pulls away from the side of the pans, and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean, about 30 minutes.
  • Remove the cakes from the oven and run a knife around the edges to loosen them from the sides of the pans. One at a time, invert the cakes onto a plate and then re-invert them onto a cooling rack, rounded-sides up. Let cool completely.
  • Frost the cake. Place 1 layer, rounded-side down, in the middle of a rotating cake stand. Using a palette knife or offset spatula spread some of the Cream Cheese Frosting over the top of the cake. (Spread enough frosting to make a 1/4 to 1/2-inch layer.) Carefully set another layer on top, rounded-side down, and repeat. Top with the remaining layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Sprinkle the top with the pecans.
  • In a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or with a hand-held electric mixer in a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and butter on low speed until incorporated. Increase the speed to high, and mix until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. (Occasionally turn the mixer off, and scrape the down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.)
  • Reduce the speed of the mixer to low. Add the vanilla, raise the speed to high and mix briefly until fluffy (scrape down the bowl occasionally). Store in the refrigerator until somewhat stiff, before using. May be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days.

SOUTHERN BUTTERMILK RED VELVET CAKE



Southern Buttermilk Red Velvet Cake image

Don't be afraid of the deep red color-there is more than a hint of chocolate flavor in this fun and very tasty cake to serve anytime, but especially at Valentine's Day and Christmas. I have also made it into cupcakes for the kiddies to take to school and share. The frosting is buttery and not-too sweet. This is a traditional cake from Chicago to the deep south. Back East you will even find cake mixes for an easy version of "Red Velvet Cake". I tried several versions of this cake and favored this adaptation of Gale Gand's from her "Just a Bite" cookbook

Provided by SharleneW

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h

Yield 1 3 layer, 8-inch cake, 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 cup butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1/4 cup red food coloring
2 tablespoons cocoa
2 1/2 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
  • Cream together butter and sugar with electric mixer until fluffy.
  • Add the eggs, one at a time and beat well after each.
  • Make a paste with the food coloring and cocoa.
  • (It takes a few minutes to get the chocolate to absorb liquid--be patient and keep stirring).
  • Add this paste to the butter/sugar mixture.
  • Sift together the flour, salt and baking soda.
  • Add it to the sugar/butter mixture alternately with the buttermilk, mixing well between additions.
  • (Begin and end with dry ingredients).
  • After last addition of flour mixture, stir in vanilla and vinegar.
  • Beat for another minute and then divide into 3 prepared pans.
  • Bake for about 35 minutes, or until done.
  • Cool for 10 minutes and then remove from pan to wire rack to cool completely.
  • To make icing: Mix flour and milk in small pan and cook over low heat until it is thick (stirring often--constantly near end).
  • This will take about 10 minute.
  • Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
  • Meanwhile, cream together the butter, sugar and vanilla.
  • Beat until it is very light and fluffy, about 10 minutes.
  • When the flour mixture is cooled, add it to the butter mixture and beat until just mixed.
  • Assemble the cake with a thin layer of icing between the layers and cover the top and sides of cake.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 553.4, Fat 32.7, SaturatedFat 20.3, Cholesterol 116, Sodium 480.2, Carbohydrate 60.8, Fiber 0.7, Sugar 35.9, Protein 5.3

SOUTHERN RED VELVET CAKE



Southern Red Velvet Cake image

This is a delicious red velvet cake recipe that was taught to me by my grandmother. Made with a light and buttery frosting instead of the usual cream cheese. It's a little time consuming but totally worth the effort!

Provided by FTWRTHDAVIS

Categories     Desserts     Cakes     Holiday Cake Recipes

Time 2h45m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 20

½ cup shortening
1 ½ cups white sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon butter flavored extract
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
½ ounce red food coloring
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
½ cup butter
1 cup white sugar
½ cup shortening
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons butter flavored extract

Steps:

  • Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 10 inch round pans.
  • Cream 1/2 cup of shortening, 1 1/2 cups of white sugar, eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of butter flavored extract in a large bowl. Make a paste of cocoa and food coloring in a small bowl and add to shortening mixture. Pour in 2 1/2 cups flour alternately with the buttermilk, mixing until just incorporated. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt, baking soda, and vinegar in a small bowl, and while fizzing fold into the batter; mixing just enough to evenly combine. Pour the batter into prepared pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.
  • To make frosting: Cook 3 tablespoons of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and milk in a skillet over low heat, stirring constantly, until thick. Let cool completely. Cream butter, 1 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup shortening in a separate bowl. Stir in 2 teaspoons each of vanilla extract and butter flavored extract. Then add flour mixture to bowl and cream together. Frost cooled cake.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 390.3 calories, Carbohydrate 49.4 g, Cholesterol 40.3 mg, Fat 19.9 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 4.2 g, SaturatedFat 7.3 g, Sodium 369.1 mg, Sugar 32.9 g

SOUTHERN RED VELVET CAKE



Southern Red Velvet Cake image

Categories     Cake     Side     Bake

Yield makes one 3-layer 9-inch cake

Number Of Ingredients 19

Nonstick vegetable cooking spray, for pans
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, plus more for dusting
5 cups cake flour (not self-rising)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
3 cups sugar
3 cups canola oil
4 large eggs
4 tablespoons red food coloring (one 2-ounce bottle)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups well shaken buttermilk
1 tablespoon baking soda
5 teaspoons distilled white vinegar
1 recipe Cream Cheese Frosting (recipe follows)
Cream Cheese Frosting
Three 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
5 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
(makes enough to frost a 3 layer 9 inch cake)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously spray three 9 × 2-inch round cake pans with nonstick cooking spray, and line with parchment paper. Spray the lining; dust with cocoa, tapping out any excess. Set aside. Whisk together the flour, salt, and cocoa in a medium bowl; set aside.
  • Mix the sugar and oil at medium speed in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until combined. Add the eggs, one at a time; mixwell after each addition. Mix in the food coloring and vanilla. Add the flour mixture in three batches, alternating with the buttermilk, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of bowl as needed.
  • Stir together the baking soda and vinegar in a small non-reactive bowl. Add the baking-soda mixture to the batter, and mix at medium speed for 10 seconds. Divide the batter equally among the pans. Tap the pans on the counter to remove bubbles. Bake until a cake tester inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool the pans on a rack for 5 minutes. Invert the cakes onto wire racks to cool completely.
  • To assemble, place one layer top-side down on a cake stand. Using an offset spatula, spread with a 1/4-inch-thick layer of frosting. Repeat with the remaining layers. To frost the top and sides of the cake, work from the center toward and over the edge, making sure to coat evenly. The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  • Cream Cheese Frosting
  • In a standing electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or with a hand held electric mixer in a large bowl, mix the cream cheese and butter at low speed until incorporated. Add the sugar and vanilla. Increase the speed to high, and mix until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.
  • Store in the refrigerator before using, until it is somewhat stiff, about 15 minutes. The frosting may be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days.

SOUTHERN RED VELVET CAKE



Southern Red Velvet Cake image

Make and share this Southern Red Velvet Cake recipe from Food.com.

Provided by barefootmommawv

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

vegetable oil, for the pans
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 tablespoons red food coloring (1oz)
1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 lb cream cheese, softened
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 cup)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
crushed pecans (optional)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil and flour 3 (9 by 1 1/2-inch round) cake pans.
  • In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In another large bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla.
  • Using a standing mixer, mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined and a smooth batter is formed.
  • Divide the cake batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Place the pans in the oven evenly spaced apart. Bake, rotating the pans halfway through the cooking, until the cake pulls away from the side of the pans, and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean, about 30 minutes.
  • Remove the cakes from the oven and run a knife around the edges to loosen them from the sides of the pans. One at a time, invert the cakes onto a plate and then re-invert them onto a cooling rack, rounded-sides up. Let cool completely.
  • Frost the cake. Place 1 layer, rounded-side down, in the middle of a rotating cake stand. Using a palette knife or offset spatula spread some of the cream cheese frosting over the top of the cake. (Spread enough frosting to make a 1/4 to 1/2-inch layer.) Carefully set another layer on top, rounded-side down, and repeat. Top with the remaining layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Sprinkle the top with the pecans.
  • Cream Cheese Frosting: In a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or with a hand-held electric mixer in a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and butter on low speed until incorporated. Increase the speed to high, and mix until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. (Occasionally turn the mixer off, and scrape the down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.)
  • Reduce the speed of the mixer to low. Add the vanilla, raise the speed to high and mix briefly until fluffy (scrape down the bowl occasionally). Store in the refrigerator until somewhat stiff, before using. May be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days.
  • Yield: enough to frost a 3 layer (9-inch) cake.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1751.4, Fat 113.6, SaturatedFat 42, Cholesterol 228.3, Sodium 914.5, Carbohydrate 175.1, Fiber 1.5, Sugar 132.9, Protein 13.7

Tips:

  • Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start baking. This will help the cake batter come together smoothly and evenly.
  • Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in a tough, dry cake.
  • Be careful not to overbake the cake. A toothpick inserted into the center of the cake should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting it. This will help the frosting set properly.
  • If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
  • Red velvet cake is typically served with cream cheese frosting, but you can use any type of frosting you like.

Conclusion:

Southern buttermilk red velvet cake is a classic Southern dessert that is perfect for any occasion. It is moist, flavorful, and has a beautiful red color. With a few simple tips, you can easily make this delicious cake at home. So next time you are looking for a special dessert, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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