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Perfect Red Velvet Flag Cake Recipe Easy Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting Tutorial

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A visually stunning red velvet flag cake layered with smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting. This easy recipe delivers a moist, cocoa-spiced cake perfect for celebrations or cozy baking sessions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (312 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel-based recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
  • 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In another bowl, whisk sugar and vegetable oil until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract and vinegar.
  4. Mix in red food coloring until batter is bright red. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently but completely.
  5. Divide batter evenly between pans. Tap pans to release air bubbles. Bake 30-35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Start checking at 28 minutes.
  6. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto cooling racks. Cool completely before frosting.
  7. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed. Stir in vanilla extract and salt. Adjust sweetness if needed.
  8. Level cake layers if domed. Place one layer on serving plate and spread about ½ cup frosting evenly on top.
  9. Add second layer and frost entire cake with a thin crumb coat. Chill for 15 minutes.
  10. Use remaining frosting to pipe or spread stripes to mimic the American flag. For stars section, use a small square of cake or frosting tinted with blue food coloring.

Notes

Use gel-based red food coloring for vibrant color. Ensure cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting. Chill frosting if too soft while decorating. Level cake layers for a clean flag effect. For gluten-free, swap flour with gluten-free blend. For vegan, use flax eggs, dairy-free cream cheese, and plant-based butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet cake, cream cheese frosting, flag cake, patriotic dessert, easy cake recipe, homemade frosting, celebration cake

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/perfect-red-velvet-flag-cake-recipe-easy-homemade-cream-cheese-frosting-tutorial/