Rich Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Paula Deen’s red velvet cake dances between decadence and Southern charm, turning simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

This crimson-kissed confection whispers tales of family gatherings and sweet memories.

Beneath its vibrant scarlet exterior lies a symphony of rich chocolate and subtle tang that captivates every palate.

Silky layers promise a melt-in-your-mouth experience that transcends ordinary desserts.

Luscious cream cheese frosting adorns each slice like a creamy crown, elevating the cake’s luxurious texture.

Generations of bakers have cherished this recipe, passing down its delectable secrets.

Bring this Southern classic to life and watch as it transforms your kitchen into a realm of pure deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 564 kcal

Servings: 11

What Makes Paula Deen’s Red Velvet Cake So Special

• Eggs: Select fresh, room-temperature eggs for smoother blending.
• Sugar: Choose fine granulated sugar for even sweetness distribution.
• Cocoa Powder: Opt for high-quality, unsweetened cocoa for rich chocolate depth.
• Red Food Coloring: Use gel-based coloring for vibrant, intense red hue.
• Butter: Select unsalted butter for precise flavor control.

• Cake Flour: Look for soft wheat flour with low protein content for tender crumb.
• Salt: Use fine table salt for balanced flavor enhancement.

• Buttermilk, Vanilla Extract: Select full-fat buttermilk and pure vanilla extract for authentic flavor.
• Baking Soda, Vinegar: Ensure fresh baking soda for optimal rising power.
• White Vinegar: Choose clear, distilled vinegar for clean chemical reaction.

Must-Have Tools for Baking Paula’s Red Velvet Cake

• Mixing Bowls: Large and small sizes for separating and combining ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for smoothly blending eggs, sugar, and creating creamy textures.
• Electric Mixer (optional): Helps achieve smooth, consistent batter quickly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for perfect cake results.
• Sifter: Crucial for light, lump-free flour and dry ingredient mixing.
• 8-inch Round Cake Pans (3): Needed for creating even cake layers.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Toothpicks: Perfect for checking cake doneness.
• Grater or Small Bowl: For mixing baking soda and vinegar.
• Spatula: Helps fold ingredients and scrape batter evenly.

How to Make Paula Deen’s Signature Red Velvet Cake

• Create Cake Base

Whip eggs and sugar into a dreamy, velvety blend. Mix cocoa powder with vibrant red food coloring to create a rich, dramatic sauce. Melt butter and fold into the egg mixture, stirring until the batter turns smooth and glossy.

• Combine Ingredients

Gently sift flour and salt together, creating a light and airy powder. Slowly incorporate flour into the cake base, alternating with buttermilk. Pour in vanilla extract, blending until the mixture becomes silky and consistent.

• Prepare Cake Layers

Activate the baking magic by mixing baking soda with vinegar, creating a fizzy reaction. Carefully fold this bubbly mixture into the batter, ensuring even distribution. Generously coat cake pans with grease and flour to prevent sticking.

• Bake and Cool

Pour batter into three round pans, spreading evenly. Slide into a preheated oven and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cakes rest briefly in pans, then transfer to a cooling rack. Allow layers to reach room temperature before decorating or assembling.

Tips & Flavor Ideas for Red Velvet Cake

Transform the classic recipe with creative twists that elevate your baking game.

Replace traditional cake flour with gluten-free options like almond or coconut flour for a healthier, dietary-friendly version that doesn’t compromise taste.

Intensify the cake’s richness by adding a splash of strong coffee or dark chocolate extract to deepen the cocoa undertones and create a more complex flavor profile.

Experiment with cream cheese frosting by incorporating unexpected ingredients like orange zest, lavender extract, or a hint of bourbon for a gourmet touch that surprises and delights taste buds.

Garnish cake layers with crushed pecans, dark chocolate shavings, or edible rose petals to add texture and visual appeal that transforms a simple dessert into an Instagram-worthy masterpiece.

Serving Up Slices of Paula’s Red Velvet Cake

• Slice and Serve Elegantly: Present each cake layer on a beautiful dessert plate, cut into neat wedges that showcase the rich red color and moist texture.
• Pair with Classic Beverages: Complement the red velvet cake with a hot cup of coffee, creamy latte, or chilled milk to enhance the dessert's indulgent flavor profile.
• Garnish with Flair: Top each slice with a light dusting of cocoa powder, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, or a few fresh berries to add visual appeal and extra taste dimension.
• Create Stunning Presentation: Drizzle a thin line of chocolate sauce around the plate or add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the cake slice for a luxurious and Instagram-worthy dessert experience.

Smart Storage for Paula Deen’s Red Velvet Delight

• Maximize Freshness: Store cooled red velvet cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for extended preservation.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Individually wrap cake layers in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze flat for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before assembling.
• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Keep frosted cake covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore optimal texture and flavor.
• Portion and Preserve: Cut remaining cake into individual slices, wrap separately in plastic wrap, and store in freezer-safe containers. Grab a slice whenever a sweet craving hits, with freshness guaranteed for up to 1 month.

Tantalizing Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Paula Deen’s red velvet cake delivers Southern charm with rich cocoa and cream cheese frosting. Bakers find this classic dessert irresistible, promising a delightful slice of comfort you’ll savor to the last crumb.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3 sticks butter (2 for cake, 1 softened for icing)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup melted marshmallows
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 2 ½ cups cake flour
• 1 (8 oz) (226 grams) package cream cheese
• 1 (16 oz) (454 grams) box confectioner’s sugar
• 2 tbsps cocoa
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 2 oz (56 grams) red food coloring

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and ready three 8-inch cake pans with a light grease and flour coating.
2. Batter Creation: Whisk eggs and sugar in a large mixing bowl until achieving a pale, airy texture, then seamlessly blend in softened butter to create a smooth base.
3. Flavor Development: Craft a vivid cocoa mixture by thoroughly combining cocoa powder and red food coloring, then gently fold into the egg-butter mixture to ensure uniform color and distribution.
4. Dry Ingredient Integration: Sift cake flour and salt together, then progressively incorporate into the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk to maintain the batter’s delicate consistency.
5. Chemical Activation: Activate baking soda and white vinegar mixture, quickly folding into the batter to enhance rising potential and create a tender crumb. Add vanilla extract for depth of flavor.
6. Baking Process: Evenly distribute batter across prepared pans, then slide into preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, verifying doneness with a clean toothpick test.
7. Cooling Stage: Rest cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack, allowing complete cooling before applying frosting and assembling layers.

Notes

• Check Cocoa Quality: Use high-quality cocoa powder for a rich, deep chocolate flavor that elevates the entire cake’s taste profile.
• Master Mixing Technique: Whisk eggs and sugar thoroughly until light and fluffy to create a smooth, airy base that ensures a tender cake texture.
• Vinegar-Baking Soda Trick: The chemical reaction between vinegar and baking soda helps create a softer, more delicate crumb with enhanced rising properties.
• Temperature Matters: Allow ingredients like eggs, butter, and buttermilk to reach room temperature before mixing to guarantee perfect ingredient integration and smoother batter consistency.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 564
• Sugar: 56 g
• Sodium: 425 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg