Ina Garten Red Velvet Cake Recipe

If you love classic desserts, this Ina Garten Red Velvet Cake Recipe is perfect. It is soft, moist and rich in flavor. The bright red color makes it beautiful and festive.

This cake is great for birthdays, holidays or special occasions. The Ina Garten Red Velvet Cake Recipe is easy to follow and produces bakery-quality results at home. You will also learn the Ingredients for Ina Garten Red Velvet Cake and How to make it step by step.

My Experience With This Ina Garten Red Velvet Cake Recipe

I first tried this Ina Garten Red Velvet Cake Recipe for a family gathering. I wanted a cake that looked impressive but was simple to bake.

The recipe was easy to follow. The cake turned out soft, moist, and perfectly red. The cream cheese frosting was smooth and sweet. Everyone loved it and asked for seconds.

Now, I often bake this Ina Garten Red Velvet Cake Recipe for holidays and celebrations. It’s my go-to red velvet cake because it’s reliable, beautiful and delicious.

Recipe Card info

• Recipe Name: Ina Garten Red Velvet Cake Recipe
• Servings: 12
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 30-35 mins
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 mins
• Course: Dessert / Cake
• Cuisine: American
• Calories: 450 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• 2 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack
• Spatula
• Parchment paper

Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Red Velvet Cake

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

For Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 16 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Pans

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round pans and line with parchment paper. This ensures the cake does not stick.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder and salt. Stir until well combined for a smooth batter.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract and vinegar until smooth and even.

4. Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until fully combined. Do not overmix, or the cake will be dense.

5. Divide and Bake

Pour batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely on a cooling rack.

6. Make Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until fluffy and creamy for easy spreading.

7. Assemble Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting evenly. Place second layer on top and frost the top and sides. Decorate as desired.

Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Red Velvet Cake

• Use room-temperature eggs and cream cheese for smoother batter and frosting.
• Sift flour and cocoa powder to avoid lumps.
• Use gel food coloring for deeper red without changing batter texture.
• Chill cake layers slightly for easier frosting application.
• Frost evenly using a spatula for professional appearance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing batter can make cake dense.
• Baking at incorrect temperature can cause sinking or uneven layers.
• Using cold cream cheese makes frosting lumpy.
• Not measuring flour correctly can affect texture.
• Skipping parchment paper may cause sticking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of this Ina Garten Red Velvet Cake with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. It pairs perfectly with fresh berries or whipped cream. Ideal for parties, birthdays or casual desserts.

Variations You Can Try

• Add chocolate chips for extra texture inside the cake.
• Use white chocolate frosting instead of cream cheese for a sweet twist.
• Make mini cupcakes using the same batter.
• Add a layer of raspberry jam between cakes for tangy flavor.
• Sprinkle cake crumbs on top for decoration.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze cake layers without frosting for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting.
• Avoid microwaving frosting directly; serve cold or room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450 kcal
Protein	5 g
Carbohydrates	60 g
Fat	22 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	40 g

Health Benefits

Although this is a dessert, red velvet cake provides some calcium and protein from cream cheese. Using high-quality ingredients ensures better taste and fewer additives. Baking at home also avoids preservatives.

FAQs about Ina Garten Red Velvet Cake

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, bake the layers a day before and refrigerate. Frost the next day for best results.

2. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Adjust baking time slightly.

3. How do I get bright red color naturally?

You can use beet juice instead of food coloring. It gives a natural red color without chemicals.

4. Can I use a different frosting?

Yes, buttercream or whipped cream frosting works. Cream cheese frosting is traditional and pairs best with red velvet flavor.

5. Is this cake suitable for kids?

Yes, children love the sweet flavor and bright red color. It is safe and fun for all ages.

Final Thoughts

This Ina Garten Red Velvet Cake Recipe is beautiful, moist and delicious. You now know How to make Ina Garten Red Velvet Cake. The Ingredients for Ina Garten Red Velvet Cake are simple and easy to find.

Bake this cake for birthdays, holidays or special occasions and impress your family and friends with a homemade dessert that tastes like it came from a bakery.