Print

Perfect Red Velvet Flag Cake Recipe with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting Tutorial

red velvet flag cake recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A moist and light red velvet flag cake with vibrant layers and a perfectly balanced cream cheese frosting. This recipe is approachable, festive, and ideal for celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons (15 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups (350 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel or liquid)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 8 oz (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. In a small bowl, mix red food coloring and white vinegar.
  6. With mixer on low, alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture in three additions, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
  7. Gently fold in the red food coloring and vinegar mixture until batter is evenly colored.
  8. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
  9. Bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Rotate pans halfway through baking.
  10. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto cooling racks to cool completely.
  11. For frosting, beat cream cheese and softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low speed. Stir in vanilla extract and pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
  12. Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting evenly.
  13. Top with second cake layer and apply a thin crumb coat of frosting. Chill for 15 minutes.
  14. Add a final thick layer of frosting and use an offset spatula to create smooth stripes for the flag effect.
  15. Optional: Pipe or spread stars with leftover frosting tinted with blue gel food coloring or use edible star decorations.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best texture. Do not overmix batter to avoid dense cake. Gel food coloring is recommended for vibrant color without altering texture. Chill cake layers before frosting to prevent melting. For gluten-free or vegan versions, substitute ingredients as noted in variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet cake, flag cake, cream cheese frosting, layered cake, patriotic dessert, easy red velvet, celebration cake

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/perfect-red-velvet-flag-cake-recipe-with-easy-cream-cheese-frosting-tutorial/