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Pink Velvet Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

pink velvet layer cake recipe - featured image

A soft, tender pink velvet layer cake paired with tangy, luscious homemade cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a delightful treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (312 grams) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 ¾ cups (350 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, room temperature (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel or liquid)
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
  3. Cream butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Mix in vanilla extract and red food coloring.
  6. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined.
  7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans, smooth tops, and tap pans to release air bubbles.
  8. Bake for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  10. For frosting, beat cream cheese and ½ cup softened butter until smooth and creamy (2-3 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy.
  11. Add heavy cream and lemon juice, adjusting for desired consistency.
  12. Assemble cake by placing one layer on a serving plate, spreading frosting evenly on top, then placing second layer and frosting top and sides.
  13. Chill cake in fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use gel food coloring for a brighter pink with less liquid. Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for best texture. Chill cake before serving to set frosting. Can substitute dairy-free and gluten-free ingredients as noted.

Nutrition

Keywords: pink velvet cake, cream cheese frosting, layer cake, homemade cake, birthday cake, easy cake recipe