Decadent Velvet Indulgence Cake
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of our Decadent Velvet Indulgence Cake, a recipe inspired by Divas Can Cook that has won hearts and taste buds alike! This cake boasts an exquisitely light and moist texture, perfectly complemented by a subtle hint of chocolate and a rich, velvety crumb that melts in your mouth. With just a touch of red food coloring, this cake showcases a deep, alluring hue without overwhelming artificial dyes. Pair it with luscious cream cheese frosting for an experience that's not just dessert; it's a celebration! Whether it's a birthday, a special occasion, or just a craving for something divine, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Each slice is a testament to the love and care that goes into your baking, making it a favorite among friends and family!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 cups (sifted)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (n/a)
baking powder
1 teaspoon (n/a)
salt
1 teaspoon (n/a)
unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons (sifted)
granulated sugar
2 cups (n/a)
vegetable oil
1 cup (n/a)
eggs
2 (large, at room temperature)
buttermilk
1 cup (at room temperature)
vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (n/a)
red food coloring
1-2 ounces (gel or liquid)
white distilled vinegar
1 teaspoon (n/a)
plain coffee
1/2 cup (brewed and cooled)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt until evenly blended. Set the mixture aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and vegetable oil, whisking until well incorporated.
4
Add the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the sugar and oil mixture. Mix until the ingredients are smooth and fully combined.
5
Stir in the brewed coffee and white distilled vinegar, ensuring everything is well integrated.
6
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring carefully until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
7
Generously grease and flour two round cake pans using Crisco and flour to prevent sticking.
8
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
9
Bake on the middle rack of the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on your cakes to prevent overbaking, as they will continue to set while cooling.
10
Once baked, let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10-15 minutes until warm to the touch. Then, carefully run a butter knife or offset spatula around the edges to loosen the cakes.
11
Invert the cakes onto a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Velvet Indulgence Cake?
It is a luxurious red velvet cake inspired by Divas Can Cook, known for its light, moist texture and rich, velvety crumb.
What flavor profile does this cake have?
The cake features a subtle hint of chocolate and a mild tang from buttermilk and vinegar, creating a balanced and divine flavor.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
You should preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit or 163 degrees Celsius.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 13 main ingredients including flour, sugar, oil, eggs, buttermilk, and brewed coffee.
Why is brewed coffee used in the batter?
Brewed coffee is added to enhance the flavor of the cocoa powder and add moisture to the cake's crumb.
Should the eggs and buttermilk be at room temperature?
Yes, for the best texture and even mixing, it is recommended that the eggs and buttermilk be at room temperature.
What type of flour is best for this cake?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
How much cocoa powder is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of sifted unsweetened cocoa powder.
Is vegetable oil better than butter for this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of vegetable oil to ensure the cake remains exceptionally moist and has a soft crumb.
What kind of food coloring should I use?
You can use 1 to 2 ounces of either gel or liquid red food coloring to achieve the deep red hue.
Why is white distilled vinegar added to the batter?
Vinegar reacts with the baking soda and buttermilk to help the cake rise and contributes to the traditional red velvet tang.
How should I prepare the cake pans?
Generously grease and flour two round cake pans using Crisco and flour to ensure the cakes do not stick.
How long does the cake need to bake?
Bake the cakes for 30 to 40 minutes on the middle rack of the oven.
How can I tell if the cake is fully baked?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Should I sift the dry ingredients?
Yes, the recipe suggests sifting the flour and cocoa powder to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter.
How many cake pans are needed?
The recipe is designed for two round cake pans.
How long should the cakes cool in the pans?
Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 to 15 minutes until they are warm to the touch.
What is the best way to remove the cakes from the pans?
Run a butter knife or offset spatula around the edges to loosen them before inverting them onto a cooling rack.
What frosting is recommended for this cake?
Luscious cream cheese frosting is the perfect complement to this decadent velvet cake.
Can I frost the cake while it is warm?
No, you must allow the cakes to cool completely before applying frosting to prevent it from melting.
Does the cake have a strong chocolate taste?
No, it has a subtle hint of chocolate rather than a heavy chocolate flavor, which is characteristic of red velvet.
What makes the texture 'velvety'?
The combination of buttermilk, vinegar, and oil creates a fine, soft, and moist crumb that feels like velvet.
Can I overmix the batter?
Yes, you should stir until just combined; overmixing can result in a tougher cake texture.
What is the role of baking soda and baking powder?
Both act as leavening agents to help the cake rise and achieve a light texture.
Is this cake suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely! Its deep red color and rich flavor make it ideal for birthdays, holidays, and celebrations.
What size should the eggs be?
The recipe recommends using 2 large eggs.
Should the coffee be hot when added?
The coffee should be brewed and then cooled before being integrated into the wet ingredients.
Can I use liquid red food coloring?
Yes, the recipe allows for either gel or liquid red food coloring.
Is this a homemade recipe?
Yes, this is a from-scratch recipe designed to show the love and care of home baking.
What should I do if the cake is sticking to the pan?
Ensure you greased with Crisco and floured thoroughly; if it sticks, use a thin spatula to carefully pry the edges after it has cooled slightly.