How to make it
8 steps. Take it one step at a time.
Preheat your oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
Whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar
In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla until well combined.
Add the dry ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
35 minCool the cakes in the pans
Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10 minTo make the frosting
To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy.
Frost the top of one cake layer
Frost the top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
A little kitchen wisdom
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest batter and frosting. The vinegar and buttermilk reaction is key to the traditional texture.
