Ultimate Red Velvet Cake

 The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake is a sumptuous cake that boasts an intensely moist, buttery texture with a hint of cocoa, beautifully complemented by a tangy, creamy cream cheese frosting. Originating from the Southern United States, this cake is famous for its vibrant red colour and velvety smooth texture, making it a favourite for special occasions and celebrations.

Preparation Time and Servings: 

• Serves 4

• Prep time: 45 minutes

• Cook time: 25-30 minutes

Ingredients List:

• Cake:

• 1/2 cup hot coffee or boiling water

• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp fine sea salt

• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup fresh vegetable oil

• 113g unsalted butter, melted

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 large egg yolk, room temperature

• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 3 tsp red gel food colouring

• 1 tsp distilled white vinegar
  

• Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 454g cream cheese, room temperature

• 227g unsalted butter, room temperature

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line and grease three 8-inch cake pans.

2. Dissolve cocoa powder in hot coffee; let stand. Whisk dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon.

3. Combine sugar, oil, and butter. Mix in eggs, then buttermilk, vanilla, food colouring, and vinegar. Integrate coffee mixture and dry ingredients until smooth.

4. Divide batter among pans, bake 25-30 minutes until set. Cool in pans, then on wire racks.

5. For frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla, then powdered sugar gradually until fluffy.

6. Assemble cake with frosting between layers and on top. Refrigerate until serving.
   

Suggested Side Dishes: Vanilla bean ice cream or fresh berries complement the rich flavours of the red velvet cake perfectly.

Equipment Needed: 

• 3x 8-inch cake pans

• mixing bowls

• electric mixer

• wire cooling racks

Common Mistakes/Points of Care: 

• Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and buttermilk, are at room temperature to achieve a uniform batter.

• Avoid over-mixing the batter to keep the cake tender.

Nutritional Values: Rich in calories due to sugar and butter content; contains dairy and gluten.