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–+ servings

Easy Red Velvet Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Rose
This easy red velvet sheet cake features a soft, moist crumb with subtle cocoa flavor and is topped with classic tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, potlucks, or any occasion when you need a reliable, crowd-pleasing dessert.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • 9×13-inch sheet pan
  • mixing bowls
  • electric mixer
  • whisk
  • offset spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 170 g unsalted butter, softened
  • 300 g granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 120 ml vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 300 g cake flour
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 240 ml buttermilk
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 1 tbsp red food coloring (gel preferred)
  • 225 g full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 115 g unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 360 g powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch sheet pan.
  • Beat the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
  • Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the oil and vanilla extract.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Add dry ingredients to the batter in stages, alternating with buttermilk, mixing just until combined.
  • Stir in the vinegar and red food coloring until evenly incorporated.
  • Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 40–50 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
  • Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream as needed. Spread over cooled cake.

Notes

Bake at 325°F for best moisture. Cool completely before frosting to prevent sliding. Gel food coloring gives the best red color without thinning the batter. Cake tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 5gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 310mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 38gVitamin A: 420IUCalcium: 80mgIron: 1.6mg
Keyword cream cheese frosting, easy red velvet cake, red velvet sheet cake, sheet cake dessert
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