My Very Special Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Alright, so instead of cocoa powder, I used a packet of hot cocoa mix, and I swapped buttermilk for whole milk. The cake? Absolute perfection. Let’s bake!

What You’ll Need

Dry Ingredients:

2½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cups granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 packet of hot cocoa mix

Wet Ingredients:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup whole milk

1 tablespoon white vinegar

2 teaspoons red food coloring

For the Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

3-4 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

How to Make It

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and hot cocoa mix. Set aside.

3. Cream the Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy.

4. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Mix the Color Mixture: In a separate small bowl, stir together the whole milk, vinegar, and red food coloring. This helps the color distribute evenly in the batter.

6. Alternate Dry & Color Mixture: Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk mixture (flour, milk mix, flour, milk mix, flour). Mix until just combined don’t overdo it!

7. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Make the Frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the vanilla and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy.

9. Assemble & Frost: Spread frosting between the cake layers and all over the outside.

10. Slice & Enjoy: Cut yourself a piece, serve it up, and enjoy every bite with a warm cup of coffee!

That hot cocoa mix? A total win. Try it out and let me know what you think!