Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
A decadent red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting graces a white plate. A slice has been cut, placed nearby with a cake server, reminiscent of the elegance Michelle Obama might appreciate at a gathering.

Michelle Obama’s Decadent Red Velvet Cake

A blonde woman in a white suit smiling at a table.Sarah Thompson
Michelle Obama enjoys a classic red velvet cake as an indulgent treat. This recipe includes rich cocoa flavor, a touch of red coloring, and is topped with tangy cream cheese frosting.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Meal Type Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 1025 kcal
Difficulty Medium
Ingredient Cost $11
Shopping Cost$32

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Two 9-inch round cake pans
  • Cooling rack
  • Spatula

Ingredients
 
 

For the Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
  • 1 cup buttermilk room temperature
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tbsp red food coloring
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 16 oz cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Prepare the Oven and Pans:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
    2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp cocoa powder

Combine the Wet Ingredients:

  • In a separate bowl, beat together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
    1 1/2 cups vegetable oil, 1 cup buttermilk, 2 large eggs, 1 tbsp red food coloring, 1 tsp white vinegar, 2 tsp vanilla extract

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

  • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Do not overmix.

Pour and Bake:

  • Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
    16 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 4 cups powdered sugar, 2 tsp vanilla extract

Frost the Cake:

  • Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on the top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Serve:

  • Slice and enjoy this rich, decadent red velvet cake!

Notes

Cake Texture: For a truly moist cake, use room temperature ingredients.
Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, combine 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar, and let sit for 5 minutes.
Storage: Keep the cake refrigerated for up to 5 days due to the cream cheese frosting.

Nutrition

Calories: 1025kcalCarbohydrates: 111gProtein: 8gFat: 62gSaturated Fat: 21gPolyunsaturated Fat: 21gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 112mgSodium: 534mgPotassium: 152mgFiber: 1gSugar: 85gVitamin A: 1005IUCalcium: 88mgIron: 2mg
Keyword American cake, Classic Dessert, cream cheese frosting, Michelle Obama, red velvet cake

Ingredient Costs: Cost of Recipe by Ingredient Measurements

Shopping Costs: Cost of Recipe with Brand New Ingredient Purchases

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!