Spiced Red Velvet Cake

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 12
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This Spiced Red Velvet Cake is a delightful twist on the classic, infusing warm spices into a beloved treat. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion, it brings a cozy twist to your dessert table. Let's dive into how to make this delectable cake!

Ingredients for Spiced Red Velvet Cake

All-purpose flour forms the base of your cake, providing structure. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while baking soda helps the cake rise. The spices, cinnamon and nutmeg, add warmth and depth, making this cake stand out. Salt enhances all the flavors.

Buttermilk tenderizes the crumb, and eggs provide richness and structure. Vegetable oil ensures a moist cake, and vanilla extract adds a hint of classic flavor. Apple cider vinegar interacts with the baking soda for a light texture. Red food coloring gives the cake its signature hue, while unsweetened cocoa powder adds a touch of chocolatey goodness. Ground ginger adds an unexpected yet delightful spice.

For the frosting, butter and cream cheese create a creamy base, and powdered sugar sweetens and thickens it to the perfect consistency.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and frosting.
  • If you don't have buttermilk, make your own by adding a tablespoon of vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.
  • For a more vibrant color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid.
  • Chill the cake before frosting for a neater finish.

Serving Suggestions

This spiced red velvet cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few candied ginger pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead. Wrap them tightly and store at room temperature. Frosting should be made fresh for best results.
What if I don't have apple cider vinegar?
White vinegar or lemon juice can be used as a substitute in equal amounts.
Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, you can use any neutral oil like canola or sunflower oil.

Spiced Red Velvet Cake Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans well to make sure your cakes release easily later. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures everything is well-mixed and free of lumps.

In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, oil, vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring until smooth. This mixture will add all the moisture and flavor to your cake.

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring with a gentle hand until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Add the cocoa powder and ground ginger, and mix until just incorporated.

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops to ensure even baking. Pop them in the oven for 25-30 minutes. You'll know they're done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This helps them firm up a bit, making them easier to handle.

For the frosting, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar, beating until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Once the cakes are completely cool, spread the frosting between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake. Serve and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A unique spin on the traditional red velvet with added spices.
  • Moist and tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
  • Rich, creamy frosting that perfectly complements the cake.
  • Simple ingredients that pack a flavorful punch.
  • Perfect for impressing guests at any gathering.

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/2 cup softened butter
16 ounces cream cheese
4 cups powdered sugar

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, oil, vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring.
4. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until combined.
5. Add the cocoa powder and ground ginger, mixing well.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
9. For the frosting, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until creamy.
10. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and fluffy.
11. Once cakes are cooled, spread the frosting between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake.

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