This is the best red velvet cake you’ll ever have. This easy recipe makes an unbelievably moist, fluffy, and flavorful cake that’s perfectly red. Layered with fluffy cream cheese frosting, every bite will melt in your mouth!

This is my absolute favorite red velvet cake recipe! This classic, old-fashioned 2-layer red velvet cake is so moist and delicious, it will melt in your mouth! And it’s frosted with the ultimate rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. One bite and you’ll be in cake heaven.

Red velvet cake is a classic American cake made with buttermilk and a touch of cocoa powder. However, the amount of cocoa powder is so slight that it really just gives a hint of flavor. The cake is moist, rich, and bursting with vanilla flavor. It’s layered with velvety-smooth cream cheese frosting that complements the fluffy cake layers perfectly.

All-purpose flour or cake flour? Although cake flour is usually used for classic red velvet recipes to make it light, I wanted to stick to all-purpose flour in my recipe so that everyone can make it. I use a combination of all purpose flour and cornstarch, so the cake turns out tender and delicious. However, you can substitute 3 cups of cake flour for both the all-purpose flour and cornstarch if you prefer to use it instead.

Red food coloring: The food coloring is what makes red velvet cake red. If you don’t use it, the cake will have a dark reddish-brown color (but will still taste equally delicious, so feel free to omit if you don’t want to use it).

Cocoa powder: I use 2 tablespoons in my recipe, which is just right to get the color and flavor that I look for. Some recipes use 3 tablespoons or more for a bit more chocolatey flavor, but in this case, I like to stick to the classic. Both Dutch-process or natural cocoa powder work here.

Oil or butter? The first cakes I tried were only with butter, because, well, I love butter. But once I started using oil (after I saw that Southern recipes use only oil, and I got curious), I realized my cake was less dry. To enjoy both worlds I use some butter for flavor, and oil for the fluffiest texture and extra moist cake.

Vinegar: I use apple cider vinegar, but any white vinegar would work, like the ones you use for a salad dressing.

I use a classic cream cheese frosting for this red velvet cake.

Start by making the cake and while it bakes, you can make the cream cheese frosting.

9-inch cake pans – these high quality cake pans help my layer cakes bake beautifully. Some of you asked me on Instagram how come my cakes are so flat. There are a few tricks for it, and you can read about it in this helpful guide, but I’ll be honest that I don’t bother with this. I get good results with these cake pans, and if the cakes have a dome, I slice it off with a sharp knife. It’s less trouble, and no one will notice.

Red food coloring – I always prefer using gel than liquid. I’ve tried many and this one has the best vibrant red color.

This perfectly moist red velvet cake is the ultimate celebration cake. Layered with creamy, satiny-smooth cream cheese frosting, each bite tastes like a dream!

In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cornstarch, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.