Valentine's Red Velvet Cake: the most romantic cake to make (red, velvety, irresistible)

Red Velvet conquers because it combines:

• deep red color (wow effect assured)
• soft and velvety texture
• elegant contrast between base and cream
• delicate taste, with a hint of cocoa and vanilla
• romantic decorations with raspberries and roses

This is the ideal dessert if you want to make something that looks like something out of an American pastry shop.

For the Red Velvet bases

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour (300 g)
• 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (16 g)
• ½ cup sunflower oil (120 ml)
• 1¼ cups granulated sugar (250 g)
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp baking soda (5 g)
• 1 tsp vinegar (white or wine) (4 g)
• 1 tsp red gel food coloring
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (10 g)
  

Buttermilk (secret softness trick)

• 1 cup milk (250 ml)
• 2 tsp lemon juice (10 ml)

Buttercream (romantic frosting)

• 9 tbsp softened butter (125 g)
• 2½ cups icing sugar (300 g)
• ½ cup cream cheese (125 g)

Final decoration

• Raspberry coulis (and fresh raspberries if you want)
• Flowers

• 3 6 inches/15 cm molds
• food processor or electric whisk
• spatula + cake scraper
• sieve
• lyre for sponge cake
• grid for cooling
• food film
• swivel stand
• 2 cardboard discs 6.5 inches/16 cm

1. Prepare the buttermilk: the secret of Red Velvet.

Mix milk and lemon juice, then let it stand 10 minutes.

In a few minutes you will get a slightly thick buttermilk that will make the cake

• fluffier
• more moist
• really "velvety"

Meanwhile sift flour and cocoa together.

2. Whip the base: it should become light and creamy

Pour into the robot:

• oil
• sugar
• eggs

Beat until the mixture becomes light and frothy.

➡️ This step is critical for a light cake.

3. Alternate flour and buttermilk (stress-free).

Lower the speed and add a little at a time:

• a little flour+cocoa
• a little buttermilk
• then flour again
• then buttermilk

➡️ The result should be a smooth, pink dough.

4. The "velvet" moment: baking soda + vinegar.

In a small bowl mix baking soda and vinegar.

A little magic happens: this is the reaction that makes Red Velvet so soft.

Immediately add it to the mixture along with:

• vanilla
• red food coloring

5. Baking: three dreamy layers

Divide dough into 3 equal parts and pour into buttered molds.

Bake at:

• 350°F/180°C
• 25-30 minutes.

Do the toothpick test.

6. Overnight rest (pastry trick).

Let the bases cool on a wire rack, then wrap them in plastic wrap.

Refrigerate overnight.

The next day they will be:

• more compact
• easy to cut
• perfect for filling

7. Whip up the white dream cream (buttercream frosting).

Sift powdered sugar and whip it with soft butter.

When it becomes light and bulky, add cream cheese.

Beat another 5 minutes.

Refrigerate until it becomes perfect for spreading.

8. Level the disks.

Cut the top off with a lyre to get perfect layers.

9. Build the layer cake

On the rotating stand:

• place a cardboard disk
• a layer of cream
• the first layer of cake

Spread 2 tablespoons of frosting.

Repeat with the second layer.

10. The romantic trick: last layer upside down

Place the third cake "upside down."

That way the surface will be perfectly smooth.

➡️ Make a thin first covering and refrigerate 30 minutes.

11. Smooth and irresistible final covering

Now cover the whole cake with the remaining cream.

➡️ Level well with spatula and scraper until it becomes a cover cake.

You can have fun here:

• raspberry coulis dripping over the edges
• fresh raspberries on top
• edible roses
• sugar hearts
• white chocolate chips

A cake that seems to say "you are special."

1. use food coloring (more intense)
2. prepare the bases the day before
3. let the cake rest in the refrigerator before serving
4. serve it slightly at room temperature

Can I make it without buttermilk?

Yes, but you will lose some of the typical softness.

Will it keep?

Yes, 2-3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Is it suitable for a romantic dinner party?

Absolutely yes: it is one of the most scenic and beloved desserts in the world.

Red Velvet Cake is more than a dessert: it's a romantic gesture, a homemade surprise, a dessert that leaves a lasting impression.

Perfect for Valentine's Day - and for any occasion when you want to say "I love you" with a slice of cake.