The Best Red Velvet Snack Cake Recipe

Introduction

This red velvet snack cake is moist, tender, and perfectly balanced with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Easy to make and ideal for sharing, it’s a delightful treat that suits any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon red liquid food coloring
• 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch square baking pan.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Step 3: In a separate large bowl, whisk oil, buttermilk, egg, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla until well combined.
4. Step 4: Add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined without overmixing.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. Step 6: Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: Cool the cake completely in the pan on a wire rack.
8. Step 8: Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla, and mix until fluffy.
9. Step 9: Spread frosting over cooled cake, creating decorative swirls if desired.
10. Step 10: Slice into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and a smoother batter.
• Substitute buttermilk with milk and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar if needed.
• For a deeper red color, add an extra half teaspoon of red food coloring.
• Try adding a teaspoon of instant coffee to enhance the cocoa flavor.

Storage

Store the cake covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Reheat individual slices briefly in the microwave if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, but the texture may vary slightly.

Can I use cream cheese frosting from a store-bought mix?

Yes, store-bought cream cheese frosting works well and saves time, though homemade frosting provides a fresher taste and customizable sweetness.

The Best Red Velvet Snack Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 73 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings 1x

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Description

This Best Red Velvet Snack Cake is a deliciously moist and tender dessert perfect for any occasion. Made with classic red velvet ingredients and topped with a creamy, fluffy cream cheese frosting, this cake is easy to prepare and baked to perfection in just 45 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon red liquid food coloring
• 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch square baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to combine evenly.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, egg, red liquid food coloring, white vinegar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix to ensure a tender texture.
5. Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place in the oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
7. Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla extract, and mix until the frosting is fluffy and well combined.
8. Frost the Cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake surface, creating decorative swirls if desired using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
9. Serve: Slice the cake into squares and serve to enjoy this moist and flavorful red velvet snack cake.

Notes

• For best results, ensure the buttermilk and egg are at room temperature before mixing.
• Do not overmix the batter, as this can make the cake dense.
• The red food coloring can be adjusted depending on the desired intensity of color.
• Make sure the cake is completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
• This cake is best enjoyed within 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Red Velvet, Snack Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting, Dessert, Easy Cake Recipe, Party Cake