Semi Homemade Red Velvet Cake

An interesting tasting cake, a soft flavor of chocolate with a deep red color cake.

Perfect for those who don't want a great tasting cake without taking all the time to make it.

If you like easy you came to the right spot, this is it.

Sometimes when you're in a hurry you need a quick fix, this will certainly not disappoint you.

For those of you that dislike using cake mixes, then try my homemade scratch version below.

I enjoyed the frosting how it complimented this cake and flavors.

I love semi-homemade this one is a perfect blend of flavors!

Scroll down to the printable recipe card for the cake mix version, or use my all made from scratch recipe for Homemade Red Velvet Cake.

Red velvet cake made with a cake mix and semi homemade with cream cheese frosting

You Can Really Feel Confident

This is the perfect dessert when you hate to bake or just plain in a hurry.

These ingredients will doctor up your cake to make it taste just like a cake made in a bakery.

It's super moist because of the buttermilk!

This is the best way to make a boxed cake mix taste homemade!

It's convenient less expensive using a few staple pantry ingredients to “doctor up” the mix.

The results will be a perfectly moist, red velvet cake that tastes like it came from a bakery.

We love red velvet cookies, cupcakes, pancakes, and this cake is wonderful if you're a fan!

What is Red Velvet Cake?

Red Velvet is completely different than a chocolate cake, contrary to some belief.

In the 1800's they actually used natural dye to make the color of this cake

They also used almond flour, cocoa, vinegar, buttermilk, and coffee and a chemical reaction to those ingredients enhances the color of the cake naturally.

Totally different cakes between chocolate and red velvet and they do not taste similar in flavor.

Years later when the food and drug passed red food dye to sell, the cakes in bakeries started using red dye.

Today, the cakes that are made still rely on using red food dye.

Not a fan of boxed cakes?

Below you can also find totally made from scratch red velvet cake!

I like to use the semi-homemade version when I am in a hurry and need to bring something to a party.

I make the homemade version when it's a special occasion like a birthday or anniversaries.

Florida Red Velvet Made From Scratch Recipe

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon fine salt

1 teaspoon of cocoa powder

1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature

2 large eggs, at room temperature

2 tablespoons red food coloring (1 ounce)

1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

flour and grease pans

Cream Cheese Frosting, recipe follows

Crushed pecans, for garnish

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Prepare 3 - 9 by 1 1/2-inch round cake pans by greasing and adding flour to them so the cake won't stick or line with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.

In another large bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla.

Using a mixer, mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined and smooth.

Pour into the prepared cake pans.

Bake for 30 minutes and use a toothpick method in the center of the cakes to see if it comes out clean.

Remove the cakes from the oven and invert on to wire racks to cool. Let cool completely.

Frost and garnish with the pecans desired.

Frosting

16 ounces of cream cheese, softened

4 cups sifted powdered sugar

2 sticks unsalted butter (1 cup), softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add the cream cheese, sugar, and butter to a mixing bowl and beat on low speed using a hand mixer beat for 5 minutes.

Frost cooled cakes, keep cake refrigerated.

For Making The Boxed Style Here Are The Ingredients Needed

scroll down to the recipe card for exact measurements

German Chocolate Cake Mix
eggs
buttermilk
canola oil
red food coloring
unsweetened cocoa powder
Frosting list:
whipping cream
softened cream cheese
powdered sugar
milk

Pin for later

More Cake Mix Recipes To Try:

Banana Cake Mix Cake

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Carrot Cake that tastes like scratch!

Spice Cake Bars

Cake Mix Tips

You can use any brand German Chocolate cake mix to make this semi-homemade cake.

The buttermilk makes this cake moist and delicious, just make sure you don't overbake the cakes and use a timer.

If you don't have time to make this yummy frosting recipe, try a can of cream cheese frosting, not as good but will do in a pinch.