Ingredients

  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  3. In another bowl, combine vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, food coloring, and vinegar. Mix until smooth.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture.
  5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Once baked, let the layers cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. For the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a bowl until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until combined, then add vanilla and heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.
  8. Once the cake layers are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top.
  9. Place the second layer on top of the first, repeat with frosting, then top with the last layer. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
  10. To decorate, you can use sprinkles, fresh berries, or shaved chocolate on the top of the cake, if desired.

💡 Chef's Notes

To make the cake visually striking, consider adding red and white cake flags on top, or place fresh roses around the base for an elegant finish.

Recipe by Sarah - Recipe Creator & Food Blogger