Decadent Galentine's Red Velvet Cake

Name: Decadent Galentine's Red Velvet Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 slices
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 1 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 tablespoon red food coloring; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cocoa powder; 1 tablespoon white vinegar; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Celebration Holiday Recipes

I absolutely love celebrating Galentine's Day, and what better way to indulge than with a stunning red velvet cake? The rich color and moist texture always get everyone talking, and the cream cheese frosting adds the perfect tangy sweetness. This cake brings a sense of joy and festivity to any gathering, elevating simple moments into something truly special. Baking this cake has become a tradition in my home—I can't wait to share it with my friends again this year!

Created by

Luca

Last updated on 2026-01-05T21:18:29.886Z

When I first attempted this Galentine's Red Velvet Cake, I wanted it to embody the spirit of friendship and fun. I played around with the traditional recipe, adding a hint of cocoa and a touch of vanilla to enhance the flavor profile. The result was a cake that not only looked gorgeous but also tasted incredible!

What truly sets this cake apart is the cream cheese frosting. I learned that letting the butter and cream cheese come to room temperature makes for easier blending and a smoother texture. Be sure to pipe some decorative swirls on top for a delightful finish!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Luxurious creamy frosting that complements the cake's texture
Exquisite balance of cocoa and vanilla flavor
Perfect centerpiece for your Galentine's celebration

      

The Art of Red Velvet

Red velvet cake is not just about striking color; the balance of flavors is crucial in achieving that signature taste. The cocoa powder used in this cake complements the vanilla and adds a subtle depth. If you want to enhance the chocolate notes even further, consider using Dutch-processed cocoa, which has a richer flavor due to its alkalization process. Just remember that this will slightly alter the cake's color, making it darker.

The buttermilk plays a vital role in achieving the cake's moist texture. Its acidity helps tenderize the flour, leading to a cake that’s light and fluffy. If you find yourself without buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with enough milk to make 1 cup. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using to mimic that tangy taste.

Mastering the Frosting

When preparing the cream cheese frosting, ensure both your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature; this will help you achieve that smooth, creamy consistency without lumps. Start by mixing the cream cheese and butter for about 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy, then gradually add the powdered sugar. This method prevents the sugar from flying everywhere and ensures it combines evenly. It’s essential to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate everything thoroughly.

To elevate your frosting, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a hint of almond extract for a unique flavor twist. If you want a more festive touch, fold in some crushed raspberries or chocolate shavings after whipping the frosting. Just remember, additional ingredients may alter the stability, so use them sparingly to maintain the desired texture.

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 tablespoon white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results!

Instructions

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix dry ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.

Combine wet ingredients

In another bowl, mix the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine all ingredients

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Stir in the vinegar carefully.

Bake the cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool the cakes

Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the frosting

While the cakes cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Frost the cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake.

Decorate and serve

Decorate the top with extra frosting swirls if desired, then slice, share, and enjoy your Galentine's Day treat!

Don't forget to save a slice for yourself!

Pro Tips

Using room temperature ingredients helps the cake rise beautifully. Also, be careful not to over-mix the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake.

Baking Tips

When you're ready to bake, ensure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C); this temperature is crucial for even baking. If your cakes are not cooking through, it might be due to incorrect temperature calibration. An oven thermometer can help check accuracy. Additionally, the cakes are done when they bounce back slightly when pressed in the center and a toothpick comes out clean with a few moist crumbs attached.

If you live at a higher elevation, consider adjusting the recipe by slightly increasing the flour and reducing the sugar to prevent a too-crumbly texture. This minor tweak can make a significant difference in your cake's rise and moistness.

Storage and Make-Ahead

This red velvet cake is perfect for make-ahead planning! Once baked and fully cooled, you can wrap each layer in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the layers by placing them in an airtight container; they can last up to three months. Just remember to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before frosting to maintain texture.

Once frosted, the cake should be stored in the fridge due to the cream cheese frosting. It's best enjoyed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness, but it can last up to a week. If you’re serving at a gathering, remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly for the best flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of frosting?

Absolutely! You can try chocolate ganache or a simple buttercream if you prefer.

→ How can I make this cake ahead of time?

You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic wrap.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, allowing it to sit for a few minutes before using.

→ Is there a gluten-free option for this cake?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.