Red Velvet Cake

Serves: 8

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• To make the cake
  • 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup of cornstarch
  • ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ tablespoon of baking soda
  • ¾ teaspoon of baking powder
  • ¾ teaspoon of salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup of buttermilk
  • ½ cup of warm water
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon distilled white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• To make the frosting
  • 8 ounces of softened cream cheese
  • ½ cup of softened butter
  • ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 2 cups of powdered sugar, added gradually
• Other ingredients/supplies:
  • Canola oil spray
  • 9 x 9-inch baking pan

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cornstarch, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until all dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
3. Add to the dry mixture: eggs, buttermilk, water, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring. Mix using a whisk or hand mixer until and smooth batter is formed, about 5 minutes.
4. Pour batter into a square 9 x 9-inch greased pan.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, touch the center of the cake and if it springs back, the cake is done.
6. Cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes and then remove from the pan and place on the rack to finish cooling.
7. To make the frosting, in a large bowl, add: cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract. Mix together using a hand mixer and gradually add the powdered sugar while still mixing. Mix until the frosting is smooth, about 5 minutes.
8. Frost the cake once cooled.