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Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Can you think of anything more classic and iconic than red velvet cake? There’s something both so happy but also elegant about that vibrant slice of cake crowned in a fluffy cloud of cream cheese frosting. This Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is sure to become a new favorite in your home.

Gluten Free Red Velvet Cake with Dairy Free Frosting

When it comes to reinventing a classic, especially a dessert so beloved, and making it both Gluten Free and Dairy Free, it always takes multiple tries and tweaks. I am excited to share this recipe with you.

Texture and Taste

Tender, moist, decadent, and rich…each of these words perfectly describe Gluten Free Red Velvet Cake with Dairy Free Frosting. There’s something about sinking your fork into that first bite and just feeling how soft it is as the crumbs cling to the prongs. You know you’re in for a bite of pure bliss.

Part of what makes this cake so unique is its color. Yes, part of that is thanks to the addition of red food coloring, but it’s also due to the chemical reaction between vinegar and cocoa powder. Not only does the vinegar draw out the natural red from the cocoa, it also lends to that tender moist bite.

While some recipes call for buttermilk for that balance of tang and acid, I am using Dairy Free sour cream in this cake. Not only does it provide flavor, it helps give this cake the most incredible texture.

When it comes to red velvet cake the frosting is just as important as the cake itself. We’re sticking with the classic cream cheese frosting but updating it making it Dairy Free. Creamy, silky, and a little tangy, it’s the perfect accent to the sweet cake.

Baking Up Your Red Velvet Cake with Dairy Free Frosting

Skip the box mix because this cake is just as easy. Crack a couple eggs, mix up a little batter, and you will be waiting in anticipation to frost this crimson confection.

  • Make sure your Dairy Free butter is at room temperature. This is true for both the cake itself and the frosting. In addition have your Dairy Free cream cheese at room temperature when mixing your frosting. This will allow everything to come together easily and smoothly, keeping it lump free.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by spraying them with nonstick baking spray.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and granulated sugar. Beat on high speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture is fluffy.
  • Add the red food coloring, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, milk, and espresso powder (if using). Mix well until thoroughly combined.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix until just incorporated.
  •  Pour in the hot brewed coffee and mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
  • Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans.
  •    Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of each cake; if it comes out clean, the cakes are ready.
  •   Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pans prior to removing and frosting to your liking.

Are you looking for more classic recipe updates? Make sure to check out my recipe for Gluten and Dairy Free Chocolate Bumpy Cake. Now let’s bake a Gluten Free Red Velvet Cake with Dairy Free Frosting!

Gluten Free Red Velvet Cake with Dairy Free Frosting

Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Classic red velvet cake gets a update with cream cheese frosting.
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Cooling Time: 2 hours
Servings: 8

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • 2 8" round cake pans

Ingredients

Red Velvet Cake

  • 2 1/2 cups 1.1 gluten free flour
  • 3 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp espresso powder
  • 1 cup fresh brewed coffee
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 tbsp red food coloring

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 16 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup butter, room temperature
  • 5 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Red Velvet Cake

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by spraying them with nonstick baking spray.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and granulated sugar. Beat on high speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture is fluffy. Add the red food coloring, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, milk, and espresso powder. Mix well until thoroughly combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix until just incorporated. Pour in the hot brewed coffee and mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
  • Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of each cake; if it comes out clean, the cakes are ready.   Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pans.
  • Once the cakes have cooled, carefully remove them from the pans. Proceed to assemble and frost the cakes according to your preference.

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Add all of the ingredient to a mixing bowl. Mix until creamy and smooth.
  • To assemble the cake, add a layer of frosting to the top of the first cake. Stack the second cake on top and add the remaining frosting on top. Smooth over the top and down the sides.
  • Slice and enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Mention @TheSaltyCooker or tag #thesaltycooker!

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