### How to Make Red Velvet Cake

Red velvet cake is a classic dessert, known for its vibrant color, soft texture, and subtle cocoa flavor. Topped with cream cheese frosting, it’s a showstopper for any occasion. Here's a simple recipe to make it at home!

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Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1-2 tablespoons red food coloring (adjust to desired color)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions:

Making the Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

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

3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   In a large bowl, beat the butter, oil, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

4. Add Wet Ingredients:
   Mix in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring.

5. Combine:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

6. Bake:
   Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until smooth.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.

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Assemble the Cake:

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top.
2. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
3. Decorate as desired with cake crumbs, sprinkles, or fresh fruit.

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Tips:

• No buttermilk? Make a substitute by mixing 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
• For a richer flavor, use gel-based food coloring instead of liquid.
• Chill the cake for 30 minutes before slicing to achieve clean cuts.

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