Description
This red velvet sheet cake is the ultimate dessert for any celebration—vibrant, moist, and slathered in fluffy cream cheese frosting. It’s a quick dessert perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. With its iconic red crumb and tangy-sweet flavor profile, this easy recipe stands out in the world of cake recipes. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, indulgent treats, or festive food ideas, this cake fits all categories. A great go-to for any baker seeking a show-stopping, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 cup buttermilk room temperature
1 ½ tablespoons red gel food coloring
8 oz cream cheese softened
½ cup unsalted butter softened
3 cups powdered sugar sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Red velvet cake crumbs or red sprinkles for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), grease and line a 9×13-inch sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add oil and beat until combined.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring until smooth.
5. Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
7. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla and salt. Mix until fluffy.
8. Once the cake is fully cooled, frost evenly. Garnish with red crumbs or sprinkles if desired.
Notes
Use gel food coloring for a rich red tone without thinning the batter.
Let the cake chill slightly before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Always cool cake completely before frosting to avoid melting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: red velvet sheet cake, easy dessert, cream cheese frosting, sheet cake, party cake, birthday cake, easy cake recipe, food ideas