Description
Luscious red velvet cake meets brown butter pecan frosting in a Southern-inspired dessert that whispers classic comfort. Rich crimson layers paired with nutty, caramelized frosting create a delectable harmony you’ll savor with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 2 large eggs
Leavening and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Sweetening and Topping Ingredients:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup toasted pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and thoroughly coat two 9-inch cake pans with butter or non-stick spray.
- Sift the dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform powder-like mixture.
- Whisk the wet ingredients in a separate bowl, ensuring complete integration of food coloring and liquid components.
- Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth, consistent batter forms without overmixing.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared cake pans, spreading to create level surfaces.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and cake springs back when lightly touched.
- Remove from oven and allow cakes to cool completely on wire racks, which prevents moisture accumulation.
- For frosting, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma.
- Allow browned butter to cool to room temperature, preventing potential separation of frosting ingredients.
- Cream the cream cheese until silky smooth, then incorporate cooled browned butter and vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in powdered sugar until frosting reaches desired consistency and sweetness.
- Fold chopped pecans into the frosting, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Once cakes are completely cool, apply frosting between layers, over the top, and along the sides.
- Garnish with additional chopped pecans for visual appeal and added crunch.
Notes
- Customize Color Intensity carefully control the amount of red food coloring to achieve your desired vibrant red hue without affecting the cake’s flavor.
- Enhance Moisture levels by adding a simple syrup soak to the cake layers before frosting, which prevents dryness and intensifies the cake’s richness.
- Toast Pecans beforehand to unlock deeper, nuttier flavors that will complement the brown butter frosting and add extra depth to the overall dessert profile.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation substitute regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, ensuring you maintain the cake’s tender texture while accommodating dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 422 kcal
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1.2 g
- Protein: 4.5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg