Pink Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Delightful Dessert for Every Occasion

Name: Pink Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 43 min
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature); 2 large eggs (room temperature); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder; Pink liquid food coloring (to desired color intensity)

There’s something undeniably magical about a freshly baked cake, and when it comes to creating a showstopper that blends both beauty and flavor, a Pink Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect choice. Coupled with the creamy, tangy sweetness of the cream cheese frosting, this dessert is guaranteed to impress at any occasion—be it a birthday, anniversary, or a sweet treat for any day of the week.

This post will take you step by step through creating this stunning dessert. By the end, you’ll have all the tips, tricks, and inspiration you need to master the art of Pink Velvet Cake. Let’s dive in and get baking!

Why You’ll Love Pink Velvet Cake

This cake is more than just visually appealing. It offers the perfect balance of subtle sweetness, richness, and tanginess, thanks to the buttermilk and cream cheese frosting. Think of it as a playful variation of red velvet cake, with a vibrant pink color that catches the eye. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this recipe will bring joy to your kitchen!

Ingredients of Pink Velvet Cake

Before starting, let’s gather everything needed for this delightful cake. Here’s a list:

Dry Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 🍚
1 teaspoon baking powder 🍰
1/2 teaspoon baking soda 🍞
1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature 🥛
2 large eggs, room temperature 🥚
2 teaspoons vanilla extract 🍦
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 🍎
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder 🍫
Pink liquid food coloring (to achieve the desired color intensity) 🌸

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened 🧀
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
4 cups confectioners’ sugar 🍬
2 teaspoons vanilla extract 🍦
Pinch of salt 🧂

Necessary Tools for Pink Velvet Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make your Pink Velvet Cake:

Two 9-inch round cake pans 🍰
Mixing bowls 🥣
A whisk or electric mixer (for smooth batter) 🎛
Rubber spatula 🏺
Toothpick (to test for doneness) 🌿
Wire rack (for cooling the cakes) 🔧

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your two 9-inch round cake pans and line them with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

Then, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Add Wet Ingredients

After that, add the softened butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Then, use an electric mixer or a whisk to blend everything together until the mixture is smooth.

4. Cocoa and Vinegar for Color and Texture

Now, add the apple cider vinegar and cocoa powder. This will give the cake its beautiful pink color once you add the food coloring.

5. Add the Pink Food Coloring

Slowly add pink liquid food coloring, mixing in between, until you reach your desired shade of pink.

6. Divide the Batter and Bake

Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans. After that, bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Furthermore, keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven.

7. Cool the Cakes

Finally, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Mix the Frosting

In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the frosting becomes thick and creamy.

2. Add Flavoring

Moreover, stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Then, continue to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Furthermore, if you’re interested in making your own natural pink frosting, check out this guide on Cool Mom Eats for three creative ways to achieve the perfect hue without artificial coloring.

Frost and Decorate the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting over the top. Moreover, add the second layer and frost the top and sides of the cake. Feel free to get creative with decorations—whether it’s smooth frosting or a more textured look, it’s all up to you!

Pro Tips for Success of Pink Velvet Cake

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for smoother blending and better texture.
Avoid Overmixing: Moreover, overmixing can make the cake dense. Stir until everything is just combined.
Test for Doneness: Additionally, insert a toothpick into the center of the cakes; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
Cool Completely: Also, always let the cakes cool fully before frosting to avoid the frosting melting off.

Serving Suggestions

This Pink Velvet Cake is perfect on its own, but it pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or fresh berries. Moreover, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, try drizzling some caramel sauce on top. In addition, serve with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.

Storing and Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to three days, or in the fridge for up to a week. Moreover, to enjoy it again, bring it to room temperature or microwave for a few seconds to refresh.

Nutritional Information

Each slice of this Pink Velvet Cake (including frosting) contains approximately:

Calories: 350
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Sugar: 32g
Protein: 3g

FAQ

Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cakes in advance and store them in an airtight container. Frost just before serving.
Can I freeze this cake? Absolutely! Wrap the unfrosted layers in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.
What if I don’t have buttermilk? Substitute buttermilk with regular milk and a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice.
Can I make this a layered cake? Yes, you can bake the cake in multiple pans and adjust the baking time accordingly.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the frosting? Reduce the powdered sugar for a less sweet frosting or add a bit more salt to balance the sweetness.

Conclusion

This beautiful and delicious Pink Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting will undoubtedly become a favorite. First, with its vibrant pink color, moist texture, and sweet, tangy frosting, it’s perfect for any occasion. Additionally, whether you’re celebrating a special event or just indulging in a sweet treat, this cake will surely leave a lasting impression. Moreover, its delightful flavors and stunning appearance make it a true showstopper that’s bound to impress your guests.

Additionally, if you’re looking for another fun and colorful drink to complement your dessert, try making a Malibu Barbie Pink Sunrise Cocktail for a vibrant and refreshing treat.