Bloody Red Velvet Cake (Print-Friendly Version)

This striking bloody red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting is a showstopper for Halloween or any festive gathering. Moist texture and bold color make it memorable—definitely one to keep handy.

# Ingredients You’ll Need:

→ Cake Batter

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
05 - 1 teaspoon salt
06 - 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
07 - 1 cup buttermilk
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 2 tablespoons red food coloring
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 - 1 teaspoon white vinegar

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

12 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
13 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
14 - 4 cups powdered sugar
15 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until fully blended.
04 - Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth and evenly combined. Avoid overmixing.
05 - Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
06 - Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
07 - In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and spreadable.
08 - Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top. Add the second layer and cover the cake entirely with remaining frosting.
09 - If preparing for Halloween or special presentation, decorate as preferred before serving.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - A small squeeze of fresh lemon juice in the frosting enhances the tang and balances sweetness without overpowering the creamy texture.