Grandma's Velvet Indulgence Cake with Creamy Cheese Frosting
This exquisite Red Velvet Cake is a treasured family recipe passed down through generations. Inspired by both my mother and grandmother's baking traditions, I've lovingly adapted their techniques to create a light, moist cake that is as delightful to eat as it is to behold. The vibrant red hue combined with the rich cocoa flavor evokes sweet childhood memories of family gatherings where laughter and love filled the air. Topped with a decadent, smooth cream cheese frosting and a touch of pecans, this cake is perfect for celebrations, birthdays, or simply to share with loved ones. Each slice is a slice of nostalgia and warmth, making it a true centerpiece for any occasion.
12
Servings
317
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggs
3 large (room temperature)
Granulated Sugar
2 cups (none)
Butter Flavor Crisco
1 teaspoon (none)
Red Food Coloring
2 ounces (none)
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
2 tablespoons (none)
Unsalted Butter
1 cup (softened)
Cake Flour
2 1/2 cups (sifted (3 times))
Salt
1 1/4 teaspoons (none)
Buttermilk
1 cup (made with lemon juice and milk or store-bought)
Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon (combined with vinegar)
White Vinegar
1 1/4 tablespoons (none)
Unsalted Butter
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) (softened)
Pecans
1 cup (chopped)
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Confectioners' Sugar
1 lb (sifted (2 times))
Clear Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch cake pans by spraying them with Pam Baking Spray or greasing and flouring them, then set the pans aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat together the room-temperature eggs, Butter Flavor Crisco, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3
Slowly incorporate the red food coloring and unsweetened cocoa powder, mixing until fully blended. Add the softened unsalted butter and continue to mix until smooth and creamy.
4
In a separate bowl, sift the cake flour and salt together three times to aerate the flour. Gradually add this flour mixture to the creamed mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and finishing with the flour. Mix well after each addition.
5
In a small bowl, combine the baking soda and white vinegar, allowing it to bubble as the baking soda dissolves. Carefully add this to the batter, mixing just until combined.
6
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cakes spring back when gently touched. Allow the layers to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
7
While the cake layers are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the softened unsalted butter, cream cheese, and clear vanilla extract until well combined and smooth. Gradually incorporate the sifted confectioners' sugar, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud, until the frosting is uniform in texture. If desired, gently fold in the chopped pecans for added crunch.
8
Once the cakes are entirely cooled, frost the top of one layer and place the second layer on top. Spread frosting over the top and sides of the cake, creating a smooth and even coating. Decorate with additional chopped pecans or sprinkles if desired.
Nutrition Information
16g
Fat
44g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grandma's Velvet Indulgence Cake?
It is an exquisite Red Velvet Cake passed down through generations, known for its light, moist texture and vibrant red hue.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size cake pans should I use?
The recipe calls for two 9-inch cake pans.
How do I prepare the cake pans?
Spray them with Pam Baking Spray or grease and flour them before adding the batter.
How many eggs are required for the batter?
You will need 3 large eggs at room temperature.
What type of shortening is used in the cake?
One teaspoon of Butter Flavor Crisco is used to add flavor and texture.
How much red food coloring is needed?
The recipe uses 2 ounces of red food coloring to achieve its signature look.
What kind of cocoa powder is required?
Use 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder.
How much butter is used in the cake batter?
One cup of softened unsalted butter is added to the cake mixture.
Why must the cake flour be sifted three times?
Sifting the flour multiple times aerates it, ensuring the cake remains light and delicate.
How much buttermilk is used?
The recipe requires 1 cup of buttermilk, either store-bought or made with lemon juice and milk.
What is the role of vinegar and baking soda?
They are combined to create a bubbling reaction that helps the cake rise and contributes to the texture.
How long should the cake layers bake?
The cakes should bake for about 20 minutes.
How do I know when the cakes are done?
The layers are finished when they spring back when gently touched.
How long should the cakes cool in the pans?
Allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
What type of frosting is recommended?
A creamy cheese frosting made with butter, cream cheese, and confectioners' sugar.
How much cream cheese is in the frosting?
The frosting uses 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.
Why is clear vanilla extract specified?
Clear vanilla extract is used to keep the cream cheese frosting perfectly white.
How much confectioners' sugar is needed for the frosting?
One pound of sifted confectioners' sugar is used.
Are there nuts in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe include 1 cup of chopped pecans, which can be folded into the frosting or used as decoration.
How many calories are in a single slice?
There are approximately 317 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 16 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
One slice contains 44 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content per slice?
Each serving provides 3 grams of protein.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 16 ingredients in total across the cake and the frosting.
Can I use regular granulated sugar?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 cups of granulated sugar.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely, it is described as a centerpiece for celebrations, birthdays, and family gatherings.
What is the salt measurement for the cake?
The recipe uses 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt.
How much butter is required for the frosting alone?
The frosting requires 3/4 cup (or 1 1/2 sticks) of softened unsalted butter.