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

perfect red velvet flag cake - featured image

A visually striking red velvet flag cake with velvety smooth layers and creamy homemade cream cheese frosting, perfect for celebrations and impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil (can substitute light olive oil)
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel color preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until smooth.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid over-mixing.
  5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto cooling racks and cool completely before frosting.
  7. Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
  8. Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread about ¾ cup frosting evenly on top. Add second layer and press gently. Apply a thin crumb coat over entire cake and chill for 20 minutes.
  9. Spread a smooth layer of frosting over the cake. Using a piping bag with medium round tip, pipe horizontal stripes to mimic flag stripes, alternating thick and thin lines. Chill for 10 minutes to set.
  10. Optionally, pipe small stars or dots in one corner for an authentic flag look. Refrigerate until serving.

Notes

Chill the cake between frosting steps to keep lines crisp and prevent colors from blurring. Use gel food coloring for vibrant red color. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts for clean slices. If frosting is too soft, chill before piping; if too stiff, add a teaspoon of milk or cream.

Nutrition

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