Baking the Perfect Red Velvet Cookie Cake

Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a classic Red Velvet Cake with cream cheese frosting. This recipe is designed for beginners and experienced bakers alike, ensuring a deliciously moist cake with that signature red velvet flavor and creamy frosting.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring (use more or less depending on the color intensity you desire)
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 pound (about 2 cups) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• Pinch of salt

Equipment:

1. Mixing bowls
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Electric mixer
4. Spatula
5. Sifter or fine mesh strainer
6. Two 9-inch round cake pans
7. Parchment paper
8. Cooking spray or butter for greasing
9. Wire rack
10. Cake leveler or serrated knife
11. Offset spatula or knife
12. Toothpick or cake tester

Instructions:

Preparing the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom of two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and grease the sides with cooking spray or butter.
2. Sift together the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed using an electric mixer until the batter is smooth and completely combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and set them on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Then, remove the cakes from the pans and let them cool completely on the rack.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Beat the cream cheese and butter: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
• Add vanilla and powdered sugar: Beat in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cup by cup, beating until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Add a pinch of salt to taste.

Assembling the Cake:

• Level the cakes: If the cakes have domed on top, use a cake leveler or serrated knife to level them off.
• Place the first layer on a serving plate: Spread a layer of frosting over the first cake layer.
• Add the second layer: Place the second cake layer on top and apply a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake). Chill for about 30 minutes to set the frosting.
• Frost the cake: Apply the final coat of frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Use an offset spatula or knife for a smooth finish.
• Decorate: If desired, use additional frosting to pipe decorations on the cake.
• Serve and enjoy: Your Red Velvet Cake is now ready to be enjoyed! Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

This classic Red Velvet Cake recipe combines the rich flavors of cocoa and vanilla with a vibrant red color, all complemented by the tangy sweetness of cream cheese frosting. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave something deliciously special.

Decorating Your Red Velvet Cookie Cake

Decorating a Red Velvet Cookie Cake can transform it from a simple dessert into a stunning centerpiece for any celebration. Here’s a guide to decorating your cookie cake with elegance and flair.

Ingredients and Tools Needed:

• Cream Cheese Frosting:

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

• Decorations:

  • White chocolate chips or shavings
  • Red velvet cake crumbs or sprinkles
  • Fresh berries (such as raspberries or strawberries)
  • Edible flowers (optional)

• Tools:

  • Offset spatula or butter knife
  • Piping bags
  • Piping tips (star or round for borders)
  • Cake stand or serving platter

Steps for Decorating:

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

   • In a large bowl, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
   • Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until creamy and smooth.
   • Mix in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
   • If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or cream to reach the desired consistency.

2. Frost the Cookie Cake:

   • Place the cooled red velvet cookie cake on your cake stand or serving platter.
   • Using an offset spatula, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the top of the cookie cake. Aim for a smooth, even layer.

3. Decorate the Edges:

   • Fill a piping bag fitted with your chosen tip (star or round) with some of the cream cheese frosting.
   • Pipe a border around the edge of the cookie cake. You can go for simple dots, stars, or rosettes, depending on the tip you’ve chosen.

4. Add Toppings:

   • Sprinkle white chocolate chips or shavings over the top for a bit of crunch and contrast.
   • For a pop of color and texture, add red velvet cake crumbs or red sprinkles.
   • Arrange fresh berries around the edge or in a pattern on top of the cake for a fresh, vibrant look.
   • If using, place a few edible flowers for an elegant finishing touch.

5. Personalize Your Decoration:

   • If celebrating a specific occasion, consider piping a message on the cake with the cream cheese frosting. Use a smaller round tip for more precise lettering.
   • You can also create themed decorations using colored sprinkles or shaped sugar decorations that match the event.

6. Chill Before Serving:

   • Once decorated, chill the cookie cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps set the frosting and makes it easier to slice.

7. Serving:

   • Use a sharp knife to cut into slices. Clean the knife between cuts for neat slices.
   • Serve chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference.

Decorating your Red Velvet Cookie Cake is a creative process that allows for personalization and experimentation. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, holiday, or just craving something sweet, a beautifully decorated cookie cake is sure to impress and delight everyone.

For more detailed instructions and tips on making this delicious Red Velvet Cookie Cake, you can visit the original recipe at Just So Tasty.

FAQs

What makes red velvet cake different?

Red velvet cake is distinct for several reasons. Firstly, its signature bright red color, which traditionally came from a reaction between the cocoa powder and acidic ingredients like buttermilk and vinegar, though now it’s often achieved with food coloring. Secondly, it has a unique flavor profile that combines a mild cocoa taste with a slight acidity from the buttermilk and vinegar, setting it apart from other chocolate cakes. Finally, its texture is smooth and velvety, partly due to the fine crumb achieved by the ingredients and the method of preparation.

What are red velvet cookies made of?

Red velvet cookies incorporate many of the same key ingredients as red velvet cake to mimic its classic flavor and color. These include flour, cocoa powder (usually in smaller amounts than a chocolate cookie), butter or oil, sugar, eggs, red food coloring, and sometimes a touch of vinegar or buttermilk to add the subtle acidity associated with red velvet cakes. They may also include white chocolate chips or cream cheese filling to complement the red velvet flavor.

Why do you put vinegar in red velvet cake?

Vinegar is added to red velvet cake batter for a couple of reasons. It enhances the red color of the cake by reacting with the cocoa powder, which contains anthocyanin, a pH-sensitive compound that changes color with acidic ingredients. Vinegar also reacts with baking soda, a key leavening agent in the cake, to produce carbon dioxide gas. This reaction helps to make the cake light and fluffy with a tender crumb.

Why is red velvet cake so expensive?

Several factors contribute to the higher cost of red velvet cake compared to other cakes. The ingredients like high-quality cocoa powder, buttermilk, and sometimes beet juice or a significant amount of red food coloring can be more expensive than the ingredients for simpler cakes. Additionally, the cream cheese frosting, a common topping for red velvet cakes, requires cream cheese, butter, and vanilla, which are pricier ingredients. The preparation process, which may involve more steps and care to achieve the perfect texture and color, can also add to the cost, especially if the cake is made by a bakery or specialty cake shop.