Moistest Red Velvet Cake (Soft For Days!)

Zoha Malik

by Zoha Malik

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Rated 5.00 out of 5

135 Comments
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Finally, a Red Velvet Cake that actually lives up to its name – it feels in your mouth like luxury velvet feels on your skin. It’s the moistest cake you’ll ever have, with a tender, velvety, melt-in-your-mouth crumb that stays soft for days. The secret lies in my simple but game-changing technique: a simmering hot mixture of butter, oil, cocoa powder and water poured directly over the dry ingredients. The cake is made with basic ingredients (no buttermilk!) and slathered in a silky cream cheese frosting. It has a beautiful balanced flavor: slightly tangy with a hint of cocoa and vanilla, and not too sweet. Trust me when I say I’ve never had cake like this.

A slice of very moist and soft red velvet cake with white cream cheese frosting, served on a white plate with a gold fork beside it.

I baked this cake for my son’s three month celebration. It was such a hit! The most critical people said it was a perfect cake, the kids went crazy for it. Absolutely the best red velvet cake I’ve ever made (and had)!

– Wania, ★★★★★

I originally published this recipe in 2024, and although it was already pretty darn great, I’ve now given it an incredible upgrade. I will actually take this recipe to my grave (after passing down to my grandchildren, of course) – and that means a lot coming from someone who’s never fully satisfied! So, if you tried the original version and liked it, wait until you try this one.

My game-changing technique for the moistest texture

Most red velvet cake recipes follow a similar method: cream the fat and sugar, add eggs, alternate wet and dry. It works, but rarely produces anything remarkable.

This recipe takes a completely different, and frankly easier, approach (which, funnily enough, was inspired by my Texas Sheet Cake). A mixture of butter, oil, water, cocoa powder and red food color is brought to a simmer on the stove, then mixed into the dry ingredients. The heat helps break down the starch in flour before the cake even goes into the oven, giving the cake its unusually moist, velvety crumb. In fact, it works so well that you don’t even need buttermilk!

This technique also inspired my Vanilla Velvet Cake, which has the same plush, velvety texture.

A red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting and red crumbs on top. A single slice is being lifted from the cake on a white cake stand.

The best red food color

I have tested different food colors for red velvet, including liquid, gel and powder, and gel food color is the clear winner. Specifically, I recommend this red gel food color by Ann Clark. Combined with Dutch processed cocoa powder, it creates the perfect deep red shade in this cake. It’s also extremely pigmented and you need only a small amount, which means it lasts forever. And if you wanna use it again, try my favorite red velvet chocolate chip cookies!

Step by step photos

The detailed recipe is provided in the recipe card at the bottom of this post, but let’s go over the steps with photos to help you visualize everything:

A glass bowl filled with flour and a metal whisk with a red handle sits on a wooden surface, ready for baking preparation
Whisk together the dry ingredients except the cocoa powder to remove any lumps.
A saucepan on a stove contains butter, cocoa powder, oil and water, being heated together
Add the cocoa powder, butter, oil, water and red food color to a saucepan.
A metal saucepan with deep red mixture is being whisked on a stove, seen from above. The sauce appears smooth, and the whisk is partially submerged, swirling the mixture.
Cook and stir until the butter melts. Once the mixture starts to simmer, cook for 1 more minute.
A glass bowl filled with a red liquids being mixed into dry ingredients for red velvet cake
Add the hot mixture to the dry ingredients and whisk gently until just combined.
A glass bowl with two cracked eggs, cake batter, milk, and other baking ingredients being whisked together, viewed from above on a wood cutting board
Add milk combined with vinegar, eggs and vanilla.
A glass bowl filled with glossy red cake batter is being mixed with a metal whisk. The bowl rests on a dark wooden surface.
Gently fold until you have a smooth batter.
Three round cake pans filled with smooth, bright red batter are placed on a wooden cutting board
Divide the batter evenly between 3 8″ pans. Tap the pans on your counter 5 times to release air bubbles.
Three round cake pans filled with freshly baked red velvet cakes, arranged close together on a wooden surface
Bake for ~18 minutes or until the cakes are done.

Make the cream cheese frosting, and frost the cakes once they have cooled down. Then serve and enjoy!

A note on holes

When you trim off the domes from the cakes, you might notice some holes in them. These are created from the fast reaction of baking soda and vinegar, and are completely normal. Don’t worry and proceed – you won’t be able to tell once the cake is assembled and sliced!

A few more tips before you make it

Here are a few important tips to help you perfect this recipe:

  • Weigh the ingredients, especially the flour, for the best results. I love this inexpensive scale from Amazon
  • Use Dutch Processed cocoa powder. It has a deep chocolate flavor so you get the pay-off without needing too much
  • Never over-mix the cake batter. Always whisk slowly and only until the ingredients are combined and you don’t see unmixed lumps
  • Don’t over-bake the cakes. Check with a toothpick around the 18 minute mark, you want it to have light, moist crumbs on it. Over-baking will cause the cake to become dry and crumbly
  • Let the cakes fully cool down before you handle them. They are quite soft and delicate, and might break if handled warm
  • Use full fat block cream cheese for the frosting – this gives you the best results. I always recommend Philadelphia!
  • Bring the cream cheese and butter to room temperature. This will help them come together quickly and easily while still maintaining a spreadable consistency
A three-layer red velvet cake with white cream cheese frosting sits on a white cake stand, with a large slice missing, revealing the cake's rich and moist red layers and smooth icing.
Print
A slice of very moist and soft red velvet cake with white cream cheese frosting, served on a white plate with a gold fork beside it.

Moistest Red Velvet Cake (Soft For Days!)

by Zoha Malik

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 stars from 35 reviews

Unbelievably moist red velvet cake made with a unique hot batter technique for a melt-in-your-mouth texture and beautiful balanced flavor

Yield:12-14 servings

Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Chilling Time:
40 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 30 mins

Ingredients

Red Velvet Cake:

  • 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour (325g)
  • 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar (330g)
  • 1 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 10 tbsp unsalted butter (140g)
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil (75g)
  • 3/4 cup water (180g)
  • 2 1/2 tbsp Dutch processed cocoa powder (15g)
  • 1 tbsp red gel food color
  • 3/4 cup whole milk (180g)
  • 5 tsp vinegar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste

Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 16 oz cream cheese, room temperature (2 8 oz blocks or 453g)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (2 sticks or 226g)
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (360g)

Instructions

Red Velvet Cake:

  1. Pre-heat oven to 325F (conventional, no fan) and line 3 8″ cake pans with parchment paper and oil/butter
  2. In a large bowl, sift in the flour, and add the sugar, baking soda and salt. Whisk the ingredients together thoroughly and ensure there aren’t any lumps
  3. In a saucepan, add the butter, vegetable oil, water, Dutch processed cocoa powder and red gel food color. Place on the stove on medium low heat, and stir until the butter has melted. Once the mixture starts to simmer, cook and stir it for one more minute
  4. Pour the hot liquid mixture onto the dry ingredients from step 2. Use a hand whisk to slowly and gently mix until the ingredients are just combined and no streaks of flour remain. The mixture might look a little split, don’t worry and don’t over mix
  5. In a glass, mix together the whole milk and vinegar. Add the milk and vinegar mixture, the eggs and vanilla bean paste to the cake batter. Slowly and gently fold until the ingredients are just combined. You should have a smooth red cake batter 
  6. Divide the cake batter evenly between the 3 8″ cake pans. I like using a scale to do this so all cakes bake at the exact same time. Tap the pans on your counter hard 3-5 times to release any large air bubbles
  7. Bake in the pre-heated oven for ~18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cakes comes out with light, moist crumbs on it (no wet batter, but not completely clean either).
  8. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 15 minutes. Then carefully turn them out and let them fully cool down on wire racks

Cream Cheese Frosting:

  1. Add the room temperature butter, cream cheese, vanilla, salt and sifted powdered sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer. Use the paddle attachment to whisk on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture looks smooth, fluffy and spreadable. Scrape the bottom and edges of the bowl once halfway through. Do not over-mix, as that can cause the frosting to become runny
  2. If the frosting is too soft / runny, refrigerate for a few minutes until it reaches a spreadable consistency

Assembly:

  1. Working one cake layer at time, carefully trim off the dome to level them. You may notice some holes in the cakes – don’t worry, this is totally normal!
  2. Place the first layer on your cake stand or turntable. Slather with a generous amount of the cream cheese frosting and spread it evenly. Repeat until all three layers are stacked on top of each other
  3. Cover the cake with a thin layer of the frosting (crumb coat), spreading it as smoothly as possible. Refrigerate for 15 minutes
  4. Add the remaining frosting and decorate the cake however you like. I make crumbs using the trimmed off cake domes and use them to decorate
  5. Serve & enjoy!

Video Tutorial

Notes

  • Cocoa powder: I strongly recommend using Dutch processed cocoa powder for the best flavor in this cake, but you can also use natural unsweetened cocoa powder if needed
  • Scaling this recipe: If you want to make a smaller version of this cake, you can divide all quantities by 2 and make a 3 layered, 6″ cake instead
  • Make ahead and storage: You can prepare this cake ahead of time and keep it covered at room temperature for up to 1 day, or in the fridge for up to 3 days. If serving from the fridge, first let it come to room temperature for 15-30 minutes so the texture is as soft as it can be! Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge

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Comments

  1. Misty Martin

    I was requested to bake a red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting for my granddaughter’s 18th birthday party. In searching for recipes I decided to use this one… And boy am I glad I did! It was a tremendous hit! Everyone complimented the flavors and the textures. It was very moist. My husband even asked me why I had not taken a piece home for later. 😆Thank you for sharing this recipe!

    1. Zoha

      Hi Misty,

      THANK YOU for the kind review! So honored 🙂

  2. Maggie Wallis

    Have you ever made this into a sheet cake? I’m considering trying a half sheet and wondered if you thought the same amount for the three round layers would suffice?

    1. Zoha

      Hi Maggie! You can use a half sheet pan (13×18″) and the cake will be just slightly thinner than my layers shown here. I would also suggest decreasing the baking time by a few minutes.

  3. MARIA

    This Red Velvet cake is a hit!!! This is my second time making it and I received many compliments. Easy recipe to follow.

    Thank you–

    1. Zoha

      YAY!

  4. myles

    beautiful inspiring

    1. Zoha

      Thank you!

  5. Lexi Tiu

    Would it be a problem if I use oil based food coloring?

    1. Zoha

      Hi Lexi! I haven’t ever used that myself so I can’t say. If you have successfully used it in the past, feel free to try!

  6. Yasotha

    This recipe is a keeper. I halved the measurement and baked in 3 x 6″ pans. Turned out perfect. I used my own recipe for the frosting.

  7. KZ

    Heyy I tried this recipe and it was such a hit. The cake was so moist and soft! My fam and friends loved it! Can’t wait to try more recipes from you!!

  8. Tiffanie

    Cake turned out fantastic. Very moist. I had one tell me they aren’t a fan of red velv but that my cake was really good and they enjoyed. My first time making red velvet and this will be my go-to recipe from now on. I did use a different cream cheese recipe but I’m sure the one given is also very delish. Thank you!

    1. Anna

      Can I use 9” pans?

      1. Zoha

        Yes that should be fine! Baking time might be 2-4 minutes shorter

  9. CY

    Made my first ever iced cake for my daughter’s birthday. Thank you for this recipe and the detailed instructions, really appreciate it!

  10. Mk

    hi zoha, greetings from South America !
    I’m trying really hard to be a fan or red velvet cake. but u got me interest base of the fact you used both oil amd butter. but my question is I only have 7inch pans. would they work as u recommend 8inch or do I have to drop the baking tempature,

    1. JF

      Baking temp can stay the same. After 20 mins you can use a toothpick or a knife and stick it in the middle of the cake. If it comes out clean then the cake is done. If it comes out with batter give it another 5 mins and check again.

      1. Zoha

        Yup!

  11. Masooma Rizvi

    Such a thoroughly explained recipe, made it easy to follow and the cake turned out great! So moist and flavorful!

    1. Saleha

      Hi, what type of vinegar is being used here? Thank you

      1. Zoha Malik

        It’s simple white vinegar 🙂

  12. Faiza

    Hey, what type of vinegar do you recommend using for this recipe? Since there are lots of different types, some stronger than others, I was hoping you could clarify! Thank you, I can’t wait to try this recipe!!

  13. Anita

    Hello, Zoha! I’m making your red velvet cake for a wedding next weekend. Does it freeze well with cream cheese frosting for the first year anniversary tradition?

    Thanks!

  14. Mifra

    Hey Zoha loved your recipes
    I have a question can I bake the cake in one single pan and cut into layers? or Since I dont have 3 pans, Can I bake the cake in 2 7inch pans ( In one pans I’ll put less amount of batter compare to another one and after baked, I’ll cut the big part of baked cake into middle for untimely 3 parts of totall cake layers) And I’ll frost the cake with two layers of cream and One final coat. Then I’ll get 2 layers of cream frosting. will this work?

  15. Diya John

    Dear Zoha,
    can i use red velvet essence/flavoring?
    Is this recipe for an 8 inch cake?

  16. edyta

    Hi. I’ve made this cake and it is very lovely. But… My butter cream came very loose. I couldn’t frost the cake. Any idea why?

  17. Asma Amer

    Red velvet is my most fav flavour and I have tried several recipes. However, no one made it so simple and flawless as you. Thanks.

    1. Minz

      Hi zoha! My sis tried this recipe and she said it was amazing and melt in your mouth. However she did mention that she felt the gel food coloring was a bit too much as it seems to leave a stain while eating. Was just wondering, if I were to use the Wilton gel food coloring would the recommended 1 tbspn be too much or just right? TYSM

      1. Zoha Malik

        Hi Minz! I haven’t tried the wilton color – you can always start with 1.5 tsp and slowly mix in more as needed. Just don’t over mix the batter to prevent gluten formation x

    2. Zoha

      Thank you so much – glad you liked it!

      1. Maria

        Hello zoha, can tibe made as a bundt cake?

        1. Zoha Malik

          Hi Maria! This cake is very delicate and might break if baked in a bun during the removal process

  18. Wania Khan

    Hi Zoha! I baked this amazing cake for my son’s three month day celebration 🥰 I halved the recipe since it was for my small extended and non-dessert loving family. It was such a hit! The most critical of them said that it was a perfect cake. The one who doesn’t even eat dessert had 3 helpings! The kids also went crazy for it. Thank you so so much for sharing this! It is absolutely the best red velvet cake I’ve ever made (and had) ❤️

    1. Zoha

      AWWWW you made my day!!! I am so glad you & your family loved this cake as much as I did. And all the love for your son <3

  19. Herum Randhawa

    Hi Zoha!
    I love trying your recipes and I’m sure this must be a great one too. Can’t wait to try it!
    I had one question: if I ever try to hand whisk in sugar and not beat it to the last grain, my sugar remains solid in the final product somehow. Although I use granulated. Would you have any tips to overcome this?

    1. Zoha

      Hi Herum! What kind of sugar are you using? That shouldn’t be the case with granulated / caster sugar which is quite fine.

      1. Helana Rawwad

        Hi Zoha,
        If I want to use a square 11 inch tin how do I adjust the oven temperature and the ingredients please? I’m making my daughter’s graduation cake 🙈. I might make two cakes and stack them for a taller cake. Is that ok too? Never baked red velvet before!

        1. Zoha Malik

          Hi Helana! If you want an 11 inch square cake with a few layers and some height, I would recommend doubling this recipe!

  20. Zubin

    Hey Zoha I had this question for so long. Sone of your cake recipes have 3 eggs and if I want to half that recipe so what to do with eggs? How many eggs should I take then??

    1. Zoha

      You would technically need 1.5 eggs. So you can add 1 egg, break 1 egg in a separate bowl and break it down, then take about half.

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