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Perfect Red Velvet Flag Cake with Easy Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting

red velvet flag cake - featured image
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A moist and vibrant red velvet cake layered and frosted with luscious cream cheese frosting, perfect for patriotic celebrations or any festive occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (7g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
  • 1 ½ cups (360ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil (Crisco recommended)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) red food coloring (gel-based preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) white vinegar
  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 2–3 tablespoons (30-45ml) heavy cream (for frosting consistency)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
  2. Sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
  3. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until smooth.
  4. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide batter evenly among the three pans (about 1 lb or 450g per pan). Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  7. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla extract. Add heavy cream to reach desired spreadable consistency and beat until fluffy.
  8. Slice cake layers horizontally if desired for thinner stripes. Arrange layers alternating cake and frosting to create the flag pattern. Use reserved cake or blueberries for the blue field of stars.
  9. Apply a thin crumb coat over the entire cake and chill for 15 minutes.
  10. Add a final thick layer of frosting, smoothing edges with an offset spatula. Chill again to set before serving.

Notes

Use gel food coloring for vibrant red without adding extra liquid. Chill frosting if too soft. Let cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting. Sifting dry ingredients improves cake lightness. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend. For vegan, use flax eggs and plant-based cream cheese and butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet cake, cream cheese frosting, flag cake, patriotic dessert, Fourth of July cake, easy red velvet, homemade frosting

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/perfect-red-velvet-flag-cake-recipe-easy-homemade-cream-cheese-frosting-tutorial/