Red Velvet Cake

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Ingredients:

1. 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2. 1 1/2 cups sugar

3. 1 teaspoon baking soda

4. 1 teaspoon fine salt

5. 1 teaspoon cocoa powder

6. 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

7. 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature

8. 2 large eggs, at room temperature

9. 2 tablespoons red food coloring (adjust to get your desired color)

10. 1 teaspoon white vinegar

11. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. 1 pound cream cheese, softened

2. 2 sticks butter, softened

3. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4. 4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.

3. Combine wet ingredients: In another large bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla.

4. Combine wet and dry mixtures: Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined and a smooth batter is formed.

5. Divide the batter: Carefully pour the batter into the prepared pans, dividing evenly.

6. Bake: Place in the oven and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean, about 30 minutes.

7. Cool the cakes: Remove from the oven and cool on a cooling rack, then remove the cakes from the pans.

8. Prepare the frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla together until smooth. Add the sugar and beat until fluffy.

9. Frost the cake: Place one layer of cake on a cake plate. Spread the frosting over the layer, then add the second layer. Spread frosting over the top and sides of the cake.

10. Serve and enjoy!