Description
Red Velvet Chocolate Layer Cake is a show-stopping dessert featuring moist layers of red velvet and rich chocolate cake, frosted with silky cream cheese frosting — an indulgent treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- For the Red Velvet Cake Layer:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- For the Chocolate Cake Layer:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¾ cup hot water or coffee
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Make the Red Velvet Cake: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine buttermilk, oil, eggs, vinegar, vanilla, and red food coloring. Mix wet and dry ingredients until smooth. Pour into one of the prepared pans.
- Make the Chocolate Cake: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Stir wet ingredients into the dry, then add hot water or coffee. Mix until smooth. Pour into the second prepared pan.
- Bake both cakes for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely on wire racks.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until creamy and spreadable.
- Assemble the Cake: Place the chocolate cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting. Add the red velvet layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Chill for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner layers.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, use brewed coffee in the chocolate layer instead of water.
- Decorate with chocolate shavings, red velvet crumbs, or fresh berries for an elegant touch.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American