Classic Red Velvet Cake Recipe

• Prep: 25 min. Bake: 20 min. + cooling
• Yield: 12 Servings

252045

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 bottle (1 ounce) red food coloring
• 3 teaspoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon butter flavoring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-1/2 cups cake flour
• 1/4 cup baking cocoa
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• FROSTING:
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract

Method

• In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the food coloring, vinegar, butter flavoring and vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition.
• Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
• In a large bowl, combine frosting ingredients; beat until smooth and creamy. Spread between layers and over top and sides of cake. Yield: 12 servings.