Southern Red Velvet Sheet Cake is a dessert that exudes charm and decadence, making it a favorite at both casual gatherings and celebrations. This cake features a rich, velvety texture with a subtle cocoa flavor and a vibrant red hue that instantly captures attention. Topped with creamy and tangy cream cheese frosting, each bite is a delightful experience that leaves your taste buds craving more. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a potluck, or simply to satisfy a sweet tooth, this cake is sure to impress everyone!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Servings: 12-15
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 300
- Protein: 3g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 44g per serving
- Fat: 14g per serving
- Fiber: 1g per serving
- Sugar: 28g per serving
- Sodium: 320mg per serving
Why Make This Southern Red Velvet Sheet Cake
Southern Red Velvet Sheet Cake is not just about looks; it packs a punch with its flavors and textures. The cake is incredibly moist due to the buttermilk and oil, while the addition of vinegar adds a pleasant tang that balances the sweetness perfectly. It’s simple to prepare, allowing even novice bakers to whip up this show-stopping dessert without hassle. Plus, the sheet cake format makes it easy to slice and serve, ideal for large gatherings.
How to Make Southern Red Velvet Sheet Cake
Making this delightful Red Velvet Sheet Cake is straightforward and fun. Let’s break down the steps as follows:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- Cream cheese frosting (for topping)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a sheet pan to ensure that the cake releases easily after baking.
Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step is critical to ensuring that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the cake.
Step 3: Mixing the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar. The vibrant red color will develop as you incorporate the food coloring into the wet mixture.
Step 4: Combining Ingredients
Carefully combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a dense cake.
Step 5: Baking
Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cooling the Cake
Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting it with cream cheese frosting. This cooling period is essential for achieving a smooth frosting finish.
How to Serve Southern Red Velvet Sheet Cake
Slice the cake into squares and serve on a decorative plate. A dusting of cocoa powder or additional sprinkles can enhance its presentation. This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a delightful dessert for any occasion.
How to Store Southern Red Velvet Sheet Cake
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil to maintain its moisture.
Expert Tips for Perfect Southern Red Velvet Sheet Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for optimal mixing and a moist cake.
- Quality Food Coloring: Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant hue that doesn’t alter the batter’s consistency as much as liquid coloring.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool entirely before frosting; this prevents the frosting from melting into the cake.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Cake: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a delicious twist on the classic flavor.
- Red Velvet Cupcakes: Use the same batter to make cupcakes; adjust baking time to about 18-20 minutes.
- Layered Cake: Double the recipe and bake in two round pans for a beautiful layered cake.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use butter instead of oil?
Yes, you can substitute melted butter for oil but note that the cake may have a slightly different texture. -
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
You can create a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes. -
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup for cup. -
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead and refrigerate it, well-wrapped, until you are ready to frost and serve. -
How do I know when the cake is done?
A toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center should come out clean. If it has wet batter on it, bake for a few more minutes.
Conclusion
This Southern Red Velvet Sheet Cake is a crowd-pleaser that beautifully combines eye-catching presentation with incredible taste. Its moist texture, delightful flavors, and lovely cream cheese frosting make it a recipe worth trying. Whether you share it at a family gathering or enjoy it during a cozy night at home, this cake will undoubtedly become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the process of creating this delicious dessert!
Print
Southern Red Velvet Sheet Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A charming and decadent sheet cake with rich, velvety texture and tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- Cream cheese frosting (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a sheet pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for optimal mixing and a moist cake. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
