Red Velvet Layer Cake Recipe

This Red Velvet Layer Cake recipe combines moist cocoa-infused cake layers with rich cream cheese icing for an elegant dessert that looks as stunning as it tastes. Featured on Flour Power with Jessica McGovern, this bakery-style red velvet cake is perfect for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, holiday gatherings, and special celebrations.

The Inspiration

Red velvet cake has long been one of the most iconic celebration desserts in North American baking. Known for its dramatic red color, soft crumb, and subtle cocoa flavor, this classic cake has become synonymous with romance, elegance, and indulgence. Its signature appearance makes it especially popular for Valentine’s Day, weddings, birthdays, and festive occasions where presentation matters just as much as flavor.

On Flour Power, Jessica McGovern celebrates approachable baking recipes that feel impressive without becoming overly complicated. This Red Velvet Layer Cake perfectly reflects that style by transforming a classic dessert into a stunning heart-shaped centerpiece covered in elegant rosette piping.

Ingredients

Cake

• 4 ½ tablespoons (67.5 ml) natural cocoa powder
• 4 ½ tablespoons (67.5 ml) red food colouring
• ¾ cup (180 ml) butter
• ¾ cup (180 ml) shortening
• 2 ¼ cups (540 ml) sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons (7.5 ml) vanilla extract
• 5 eggs
• 3 ¾ cups (900 ml) flour
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) cornstarch
• 1 tablespoons (15 ml) baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoon (7.5 ml) baking soda
• 1 ½ teaspoon (7.5 ml) salt
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) white vinegar
• 1 ½ cups (350 ml) buttermilk

Icing

• 2 cups (470 ml) butter
• 7 cups (1.7 L) icing sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) red food colouring
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) natural cocoa powder

Method

• Let’s get baking!
• Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C).
• In a small bowl, mix together cocoa powder and food colouring.
• In another bowl, cream together butter, shortening, and sugar.
• Add vanilla and eggs to the butter mixture and beat.
• Add cocoa mixture to butter mixture and beat until mixed through.
• In a separate bowl, add flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Whisk flour mixture to aerate and combine.
• Slowly add flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix through.
• In a small bowl, combine vinegar and buttermilk and mix in.
• Slowly add buttermilk mixture to batter and fold in.
• Pour into 2 x 6-inch (15 cm) square and 2 x 6-inch (15 cm) round greased cake tins.
• Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
• Let cool completely.
• Level each cake and discard the tops.

To make the icing

• Whip together butter and icing sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add cream cheese and whip until combined.
• Add vanilla and combine.
• Add food colouring and cocoa powder and whip thoroughly until colour is even.

To assemble

• Place one square cake on a cake board.
• Cut one circle cake in half and place beside two cornering sides of the square cake to form a heart.
• Cover the top of the heart with red icing and build a second layer with the remaining cakes.
• Cover the top and sides of the cake with red icing.
• Smooth the edges using an offset spatula or dough cutter.
• Add remaining red icing to a piping bag with a rose-shaped piping tip (fluted star tip).
• Pipe rosettes of red icing over the entire cake.
• Refrigerate for 1 hour before sharing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve each slice with freshly brewed coffee, espresso, cappuccino, or hot chocolate for a rich and comforting dessert pairing. The slight tanginess of the cream cheese icing also pairs beautifully with sparkling wine, dessert wine, or berry-flavored cocktails for upscale entertaining occasions.

For a refined dessert presentation, garnish each slice with fresh raspberries, chocolate curls, or a dusting of cocoa powder. The fresh fruit adds brightness that complements the richness of the cake while enhancing its visual appeal.

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Layer Cake recipe is the perfect combination of elegance, comfort, and classic bakery flavor. From its moist cocoa-infused layers to its creamy frosting and stunning rosette decoration, every element of this dessert feels indulgent and celebratory.