Dive into the rich and velvety world of this Red Velvet Cake, a classic dessert that never fails to impress. Made with a unique combination of hot coffee, cocoa, and beet powder or red food coloring, this cake offers a deep, vibrant color and an irresistibly moist crumb. Paired with a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting, it's the perfect balance of flavors. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy gathering, this cake is sure to be a showstopper.
Why You'll Love This:
- Deep Red Velvet Flavor: The coffee and cocoa blend creates a rich, complex base.
- Perfect Moisture: Buttermilk and eggs ensure a tender, moist texture.
- Elegant Presentation: A beautiful red hue with a classic cream cheese frosting.
- Natural Color Option: Use beet powder for a natural alternative to food coloring.
- Festive Decoration: Garnished with cranberries, thyme, and a dusting of sugar for a festive touch.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1/4 cup hot coffee
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract or paste
- 1 whole egg + 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 3-4 tbsp beet powder or red gel food coloring
- 1 3/4 cups cake flour (spooned and leveled)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tsp vanilla extract or paste
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 6-inch cake pans.
- Mix together coffee, cocoa powder, and vinegar. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk or beat butter, oil, sugars, vanilla, and eggs until smooth.
- Stir beet powder into buttermilk, then add to the wet ingredients, mixing well.
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt, whisking until mostly incorporated.
- Fold in the coffee mixture until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans, and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool slightly in pans before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat butter, cream cheese, and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
- Frost the cooled cake, and garnish with cranberries, thyme, and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Enjoy this stunning Red Velvet Cake, a decadent treat that combines elegance with rich, comforting flavors! 🍰🌹✨