Making authentic Southern red velvet cake is an art form. That’s why I’ve nailed the perfect recipe so you can stop searching the web for the “right one”. Mine gets its moist texture from oil while also adding a ton of flavor even without butter. My cocoa amount is on point without turning this into a chocolate cake. Real red velvet fans know the difference. And finally my cream cheese frosting is tangy, creamy and stiff enough to hold up. For real, my red velvet cake recipe is the best out there plus I have a red velvet cupcake recipe if you want the smaller package! Get into it!
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.


Add flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt and mix on low speed in your stand mixer.

Slowly add the oil and buttermilk.

Increase the speed to medium-low and add the eggs 1 at a time, combining well after each addition and scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.

Slowly add the coffee, vanilla extract, vinegar, and food coloring. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and mix the batter until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Evenly pour the batter into prepared pans with a nonstick method.

Bake in a 325°F preheated oven for 20 to 27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a layer comes out clean. Do not overbake.

Add butter and cream cheese to the bowl of your mixer and beat on high speed until it begins to thicken and fluff. Next, slow down mixer and carefully add in confectioner’s sugar. Once all sugar has incorporated, turn mixer back to high to continue whipping.

Add salt and vanilla extract and continue whipping until it is smooth.

Spread just the top of one layer (chilled) with 1/3 of the frosting. Add the second layer and spread with another 1/3 of the frosting.

Add the final layer, bottom-side up, and top with the remaining frosting. Only frost the sides if you wish. Serve at room temperature.
Y'all if you are looking for an authentic Southern red velvet cake, you have come to the right place. This baby is a showstopper! It's got moist tender layers with a hint of cocoa in the mix. They are the perfect foundation for a creamy cream cheese frosting that's tangy and the perfect contrast to the flavors in the cake. You will want to lick the spoon (no judgement here!) For real, this is the best red velvet cake recipe out there! Get into it!