Red velvet cake is soft, rich and full of flavor. This Paula Deen red velvet cake recipe is easy to follow at home. It gives a moist cake with a light cocoa taste.
The creamy frosting makes it even better. I love how simple this recipe feels. You do not need fancy skills. This Paula Deen red velvet cake recipe is perfect for birthdays or family treats.
My Experience With This Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake
I first tried a red velvet cake inspired by Paula Deen recipes at home. I was a bit nervous at first. Baking cakes can feel tricky. But this one turned out great.
The cake came out very soft. The color was deep red and beautiful. The frosting was creamy and smooth. My family loved it a lot. Since then, I make this cake often. It is now one of my favorite desserts.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Recipe
- Servings: 10 slices
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cake pans (2 round pans)
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Oven
Ingredients You Need for Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Recipe
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups 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:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease your cake pans with butter or oil. Add parchment paper for easy removal. This helps the cake come out clean and smooth.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
Take a large bowl. Add flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and cocoa powder. Mix well using a whisk. Make sure everything is evenly combined without lumps.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, add oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract and vinegar. Mix until smooth. The color should look bright red and even.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Slowly add the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Mix gently with a spatula or mixer. Do not overmix. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
5. Pour into Pans
Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Smooth the top using a spatula. This helps the cake bake evenly and look nice.
6. Bake the Cake
Place pans in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes. Check with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Let the cakes cool completely.
7. Make the Frosting
In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar slowly. Mix well. Add vanilla extract and beat until creamy and fluffy.
8. Frost the Cake
Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread frosting evenly. Add the second layer on top. Cover the whole cake with frosting. Smooth it nicely.
Recipe Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing
- Do not skip vinegar, it helps the texture
- Use gel food color for deeper red shade
- Do not overbake, or cake will dry out
- Chill the cake before cutting for clean slices
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Sugar | 35 g |
Serving Suggestions
This red velvet cake tastes best when served slightly chilled. You can enjoy it with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
It also works great for birthdays and small parties. Add some fresh berries on top for a fresh touch. A scoop of vanilla ice cream also goes very well with it.
Best Sides To Serve With
You can serve this cake with whipped cream or fresh strawberries. A light fruit salad balances the rich flavor.
Some people also enjoy it with chocolate sauce drizzle. A glass of cold milk is always a classic choice.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 4 days. Always cover it well to avoid drying. If you want to eat later, take it out 20 minutes before serving. This helps soften the frosting.
Do not microwave the cake too much. It can melt the frosting. If needed, warm slightly for a few seconds only.

Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups 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:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup butter softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease your cake pans with butter or oil. Add parchment paper for easy removal. This helps the cake come out clean and smooth.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- Take a large bowl. Add flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and cocoa powder. Mix well using a whisk. Make sure everything is evenly combined without lumps.
Mix Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, add oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract and vinegar. Mix until smooth. The color should look bright red and even.
Combine Wet and Dry
- Slowly add the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Mix gently with a spatula or mixer. Do not overmix. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
Pour into Pans
- Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Smooth the top using a spatula. This helps the cake bake evenly and look nice.
Bake the Cake
- Place pans in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes. Check with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Let the cakes cool completely.
Make the Frosting
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar slowly. Mix well. Add vanilla extract and beat until creamy and fluffy.
Frost the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread frosting evenly. Add the second layer on top. Cover the whole cake with frosting. Smooth it nicely.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing
- Do not skip vinegar, it helps the texture
- Use gel food color for deeper red shade
- Do not overbake, or cake will dry out
- Chill the cake before cutting for clean slices
FAQs about Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Recipe
1. Why is vinegar used in red velvet cake?
Vinegar reacts with baking soda. It helps the cake rise better. It also makes the texture soft and light. You will not taste vinegar in the final cake.
2. Can I make this cake without food coloring?
Yes, you can skip the red color. The cake will still taste good. It will look more like a chocolate cake instead of red velvet.
3. Can I use butter instead of oil?
Yes, but oil makes the cake more moist. Butter gives a richer taste. You can try both and see which you prefer more.
4. How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If batter sticks, bake for a few more minutes.
5. Can I freeze red velvet cake?
Yes, you can freeze it without frosting. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before adding frosting and serving.
Conclusion
This homemade red velvet cake is soft, rich and very easy to make. The steps are simple and beginner friendly. The cream cheese frosting adds the perfect creamy touch.
You can make it for any special day or just to enjoy at home. Once you try it, you will want to bake it again. This recipe truly brings comfort and joy in every bite.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.













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