Bloody Red Velvet Cake: How to Bake 1 Perfect

A Hauntingly Delicious Classic: Your Guide to the Perfect Bloody Red Velvet Cake

Why You’ll Love This Bloody Red Velvet Cake Recipe

This Bloody Red Velvet Cake is a Halloween dream. It’s moist, rich, and has a striking blood-red color that will impress. The recipe is straightforward, and the cream cheese frosting is simply divine. It’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a spooky treat at home. Get ready to bake a cake that looks as good as it tastes.

How to Make Bloody Red Velvet Cake

Gathering Your Ghoulishly Good Ingredients

Ingredients of Bloody Red Velvet Cake:

  • Dry Ingredients:
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Wet Ingredients:
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel or liquid, gel recommended for vibrant color)
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • The Crimson Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4-5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (optional, for thinning)
  • A few drops of red food coloring (optional, for crimson frosting)

Conjuring Your Culinary Masterpiece: Step-by-Step Instructions

Directions of Bloody Red Velvet Cake:

  1. Preparing the Cake Batter:
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, oil, red food coloring, and vinegar.
  5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed with an electric mixer until just combined. Do not overmix.
Whole bloody red velvet cake with dripping red ganache
Prepare for a terrifyingly tasty treat with this Bloody Red Velvet Cake.
  1. Baking to Perfection:
  2. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  3. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  4. Cool the cakes in the pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
  5. Remove the cakes from the pans and let them cool completely on the wire rack before frosting.
  1. Crafting the Silky Crimson Cream Cheese Frosting:
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
  3. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until fully incorporated and fluffy.
  4. Stir in the vanilla extract. If you want crimson frosting, add a few drops of red food coloring and mix until the desired shade is reached.
  5. If the frosting is too thick, add milk or heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
  1. Assembling Your Bloody Red Velvet Cake:
  2. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate.
  3. Spread about one-third of the frosting evenly over the top of the first layer.
  4. Carefully place the second cake layer on top.
  5. Spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake, making it as smooth or as spooky as you like.

How to Serve Bloody Red Velvet Cake

Serve your Bloody Red Velvet Cake chilled or at room temperature. It makes a show-stopping centerpiece for any gathering.

How to Store Bloody Red Velvet Cake

Store leftover Bloody Red Velvet Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Tips for a Terrifyingly Tasty Bloody Red Velvet Cake

Achieving the Deep Red Hue

Use gel food coloring for the best and most vibrant red color. Liquid food coloring can make the batter too thin and result in a less intense hue.

Avoiding a Dry Cake

Do not overmix the batter; mix until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, leading to a dry cake. Also, do not overbake; keep an eye on the clock and use the wooden skewer test.

Frosting Finesse

Ensure your cream cheese and butter are truly softened for a smooth, lump-free frosting. Sift your powdered sugar to prevent lumps.

Dare to Deviate: Bloody Red Velvet Cake Variations

Cupcake Chaos

Turn this recipe into cupcakes! Reduce baking time to 18-22 minutes.

Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

Bake small dollops of batter on a baking sheet to make whoopie pie halves. Fill with the cream cheese frosting.

Gluten-Free Ghoulishness

Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bloody Red Velvet Cake

What makes this Bloody Red Velvet Cake “bloody”?

The “bloody” aspect comes from the generous amount of red food coloring used in the cake, giving it a deep crimson color. While it’s just a playful name, it often suggests a slightly darker, richer red than a traditional red velvet cake.

Can I make the Bloody Red Velvet Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cake layers ahead of time. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for up to 2 weeks. You can also make the frosting a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bring the frosting to room temperature and re-whip it before assembling the cake.

What’s the secret to a perfectly moist Bloody Red Velvet Cake?

The key to a moist Red Velvet Cake is the buttermilk, oil, and not overmixing the batter. Buttermilk adds tenderness and moisture, while oil keeps the cake soft. Overmixing makes the cake tough and dry. Also, avoid overbaking.

Are there any substitutions I can make for the buttermilk in this Bloody Red Velvet Cake recipe?

Yes, if you do not have buttermilk, you can make a homemade substitute. Add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then fill the rest of the cup with dairy milk until it reaches the 1-cup line. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles.

How do I store leftover Bloody Red Velvet Cake?

Store leftover Bloody Red Velvet Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the frosting firm and the cake fresh. It will last for about 3-4 days.

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Lifting a slice of Bloody Red Velvet Cake

Bloody Red Velvet Cake

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A devilishly delicious, moist, and vibrant Classic Bloody Red Velvet Cake, perfect for Halloween, Valentine’s Day, or any occasion needing a dramatic flair. The subtle cocoa and rich buttermilk create a tender crumb, cloaked in a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cocoa powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup buttermilk

½ cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons red food coloring (liquid or gel)

1 teaspoon white vinegar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened

½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened

4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

12 tablespoons milk or cream (if needed)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.

3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, red food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract.

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with an electric mixer on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.

5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then invert them onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

7. For the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

8. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.

9. If the frosting is too thick, add milk or cream one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

10. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and then frost the top and sides of the entire cake. Decorate as desired to enhance the “Bloody Red Velvet Cake” theme.

Notes

For an even more dramatic Bloody Red Velvet Cake effect, consider using a darker red food coloring or a combination of red and a touch of black. You can also drizzle a raspberry sauce on top for a “bloody” finish. Ensure all ingredients, especially the cream cheese and butter, are at room temperature for the smoothest frosting. Don’t overmix the cake batter, as this can lead to a tough cake.

  • Author: Eva
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 65g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 68g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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