Mary Berry Red Velvet Cake Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

If you’re looking for a red velvet cake recipe that perfectly balances rich flavor and a stunning look, Mary Berry’s red velvet cake recipe is definitely one you should try!

Known for her classic approach to baking, Mary Berry’s recipe results in a moist, tender cake with just the right hint of cocoa and a lovely creamy frosting that brings it all together. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, so even if you’re a beginner, you’ll feel confident tackling it. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a treat to enjoy with friends and family, this recipe never fails to impress!

Mary Berry Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To create Mary Berry’s Red Velvet Cake, you’ll need a selection of high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a significant role in the cake’s rich, moist texture and vibrant color. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Self-Raising Flour (Plain flour with baking powder)

   Self-raising flour is the key to achieving the perfect rise. The baking powder in the flour helps the cake to be light and fluffy, creating an airy texture that balances the richness of the other ingredients.

2. Caster Sugar

   Caster sugar is finer than granulated sugar, which means it dissolves quickly and evenly in the batter. It helps to sweeten the cake without leaving any gritty texture.

3. Cocoa Powder

   The cocoa powder is responsible for the cake’s slight chocolate flavor and contributes to its overall depth. In red velvet cakes, the amount is relatively small, so it doesn’t overpower the cake’s flavor but adds richness and warmth.

4. Butter

   Unsalted butter is essential for adding a smooth, creamy texture to the cake. It imparts flavor and helps create that soft, moist crumb. Be sure the butter is at room temperature for the best mixing results.

5. Vegetable Oil

   Vegetable oil helps keep the cake moist. Unlike butter, it doesn’t solidify when cooled, which ensures the cake remains tender and soft for longer periods.

6. Buttermilk

   Buttermilk is crucial for achieving the tangy note that red velvet cake is known for. The acidity of buttermilk helps to activate the baking soda and provides a slight sourness that balances the sweetness of the cake.

7. Eggs

   Eggs help bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cake. They also contribute to the cake’s moisture and its ability to hold its shape when sliced.

8. Red Food Coloring

   The signature red color of a velvet cake wouldn’t be possible without red food coloring. Use a high-quality gel or liquid food coloring for the best color payoff. Depending on how vivid you want the red hue, adjust the amount of coloring you use.

9. Vanilla Extract

   A splash of vanilla extract adds subtle sweetness and enhances the cake’s flavor profile. It complements the tangy buttermilk and cocoa elements beautifully.

10. Baking Soda

    Baking soda is what gives red velvet its signature soft and airy texture. It reacts with the buttermilk to create lift and a slight rise in the batter.

11. Salt

    A pinch of salt balances the flavors in the cake, ensuring the sweetness doesn’t overwhelm the taste. It also highlights the richness of the other ingredients.

12. Cream Cheese

    For the frosting, cream cheese is the classic choice. It’s rich and tangy, with a smooth texture that pairs perfectly with the cake’s subtle sweetness.

13. Icing Sugar

    The icing sugar in the frosting ensures the cream cheese frosting is sweet and fluffy. Sifting it before use ensures there are no lumps in your frosting.

14. Vanilla Extract (for frosting)

    Just like in the cake, vanilla extract is used in the frosting to create a depth of flavor that ties the whole dessert together.

Equipment Needed

To make Mary Berry’s Red Velvet Cake, it’s important to have the right tools on hand. While the ingredients are crucial, using the right equipment ensures your cake turns out perfectly baked and frosted:

1. Mixing Bowls

   You’ll need at least two large mixing bowls: one for the wet ingredients and one for the dry ingredients. This helps to keep your components organized and allows for efficient mixing.

2. Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand)

   Using an electric mixer will make the process easier and faster, especially when creaming the butter and sugar, and later incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. The electric mixer ensures even mixing, which results in a uniform cake batter.

3. Sieve

   Sifting dry ingredients like flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda is essential to avoid lumps and to ensure even distribution in the batter. A fine mesh sieve is perfect for this task.

4. Measuring Cups and Spoons

   Precision in baking is key, so using proper measuring cups and spoons will guarantee the correct amounts of each ingredient.

5. Cake Pans

   Two 8-inch round cake pans work best for creating a beautifully layered red velvet cake. Make sure to grease and line the pans to prevent the cake from sticking.

6. Cooling Rack

   After baking, place the cakes on a cooling rack to allow them to cool completely before frosting. This ensures the frosting doesn’t melt or slide off due to residual heat.

7. Spatula and Palette Knife

   A silicone spatula is perfect for folding ingredients together without deflating the batter. A palette knife will help you spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the cake.

8. Piping Bag (Optional)

   If you prefer to pipe the frosting onto the cake for decorative purposes, a piping bag fitted with a star or round nozzle will allow you to create beautiful patterns or borders.

How To Make Mary Berry’s Red Velvet Cake

1. Preheat the Oven

   Start by preheating your oven to 170°C (fan oven) or 180°C (conventional oven). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients

   In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, vegetable oil, and caster sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, ensuring the mixture is smooth.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

   Sift the self-raising flour, cocoa powder, and salt into a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding them in with a spatula. Once fully combined, add the baking soda and give the batter a final gentle mix.

4. Bake the Cake

   Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

   While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually sift in the icing sugar, followed by the vanilla extract, and beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.

6. Assemble the Cake

   Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting over the top.

   Place the second layer of cake on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Use a palette knife to smooth the frosting over the sides and top, creating a polished finish.

Expert Tips

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

   For a smooth batter and even mixing, make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are all at room temperature. Cold ingredients can cause the mixture to seize or curdle.

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter

   Overmixing the batter can result in a dense, tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to ensure a light, fluffy crumb.

3. Adjust the Red Food Coloring

   The amount of red food coloring can vary depending on the type of food coloring you use. Start with a small amount, and adjust according to your desired depth of color. Gel food coloring usually yields the best results.

4. Allow the Cake to Cool Completely

   Before frosting, let the cake layers cool completely. If you frost while the cake is warm, the frosting will melt and slide off, creating a mess.

5. Chill the Frosting

   If you find that the frosting is too soft or difficult to spread, chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm it up.

Mary Berry’s Red Velvet Cake is a showstopper that combines classic flavors with a stunning appearance. The rich, moist texture of the cake, complemented by the tangy cream cheese frosting, makes it the perfect dessert for any celebration.

With the right ingredients and equipment, as well as following the expert tips, you’ll be able to create a red velvet cake that’s both delicious and visually impressive. Whether it’s for a birthday, a special occasion, or just because, this cake is sure to delight all who taste it.

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Red Velvet Cake

Mary Berry’s Red Velvet Cake is a deliciously moist, tender dessert that features a rich, velvety crumb and a beautiful deep red color. While the classic version is always a crowd-pleaser, there are several delightful ways to customize or tweak the recipe, making it your own. Here are a few easy recipe variations that can elevate this iconic cake:

1. Add A Touch Of Citrus

   If you’re seeking a slight tangy twist to balance out the cake’s rich sweetness, consider adding a bit of lemon or orange zest to the batter. The citrus will not only enhance the flavor profile but also provide a refreshing contrast to the cake’s indulgent frosting. For added depth, a splash of lemon juice can be mixed into the frosting for a zesty zing.

2. Cream Cheese Frosting With A Twist

   The traditional cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the richness of red velvet. However, you can play around with flavoring the frosting to match your preferences.

   Try infusing it with vanilla bean paste, or add a spoonful of mascarpone cheese for a slightly tangier, richer alternative. If you like a bit of crunch, incorporate crushed nuts like walnuts or pecans into the frosting for texture and flavor contrast.

3. Mini Red Velvet Cupcakes

   Instead of baking the red velvet cake in a traditional layered form, why not make mini cupcakes for bite-sized fun?

   The recipe can be adapted to fill cupcake liners, reducing the baking time. Cupcakes are an excellent option for parties and gatherings, and they’re easier to serve and enjoy in small portions.

4. Red Velvet With Chocolate Layers

   For an even richer flavor, incorporate layers of chocolate cake in between the red velvet layers. You could make a red velvet and chocolate marble cake by swirling the batters together before baking. This results in a beautiful marbled effect with the added richness of chocolate, which complements the tanginess of the cream cheese frosting perfectly.

5. Nutty Additions

   Red velvet cake is delicious on its own, but adding some chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, can bring a delightful crunch to each bite. You can fold them into the cake batter or sprinkle them on top of the cream cheese frosting for decoration. This adds not only a different texture but also a subtle, nutty flavor that enhances the richness of the cake.

6. Dye-Free Red Velvet Cake

   If you’re concerned about artificial food coloring, you can opt for a natural approach to coloring the cake red. Beetroot juice or powder is a fantastic natural alternative that gives the cake a similar deep red hue without the use of synthetic dyes. The flavor from the beetroot is mild and won’t overpower the cake, so it’s a perfect substitute for those who want a healthier or more natural option.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Red velvet cake is a rich, indulgent dessert that, if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, can be enjoyed for days. However, proper storage is key to ensuring that the cake remains moist and fresh. Here are some of the best practices for storing your red velvet cake leftovers:

1. Refrigeration For Freshness

   Due to the cream cheese frosting, it’s important to store red velvet cake in the refrigerator. The frosting, being dairy-based, requires cooling to prevent spoilage.

   To store the cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to protect the cake from drying out or absorbing any odors from the fridge. Make sure the cake is completely cooled before refrigerating to avoid excess moisture buildup.

2. Storing Slices Separately

   If you have a whole cake left, it’s often easier to cut it into individual slices before storing. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out. You can also place the slices in a sealed container for added protection.

3. Freezing For Long-Term Storage

   If you have more cake than you can finish within a few days, freezing is a great option. To freeze, slice the cake into portions, then wrap each slice in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil.

   This ensures that the cake retains its moisture and flavor when thawed. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw the slices at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.

4. Frosting Considerations

   If you’re storing the cake with its frosting on, you’ll want to ensure that the frosting doesn’t get squished or disrupted. When storing an entire cake, you can use a cake dome or cover it loosely with plastic wrap. If you’ve frosted individual slices, placing a piece of parchment paper between the frosting and the wrap will prevent sticking.

5. Room Temperature For Short-Term

   If you plan to finish the leftovers within 1-2 days, it’s fine to store the cake at room temperature, especially if your kitchen isn’t too warm. Just be sure the cake is covered well to prevent it from drying out. However, as a general rule, if you have any cream cheese frosting involved, refrigerating the cake is always safer.

What Goes Well With Red Velvet Cake

While red velvet cake is often the star of the show, pairing it with complementary items can elevate the entire dessert experience. Here are some ideas for what goes well with red velvet cake:

1. Fresh Fruit

   The richness of red velvet cake pairs beautifully with the freshness of fruit. Fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, add a refreshing contrast to the sweet, creamy frosting. You can serve these alongside a slice of cake or even add them as a topping for a beautiful presentation.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream

   A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing with red velvet cake. The cold, creamy texture of the ice cream balances out the richness of the cake and provides a cooling contrast to the warm, soft cake. You could even drizzle some chocolate or raspberry sauce on top of the ice cream for a touch of indulgence.

3. Coffee Or Espresso

   The slight bitterness of coffee or espresso makes an excellent complement to the sweetness of the red velvet cake. A hot cup of coffee or even a café-style latte enhances the flavor of the cake, bringing out its cocoa undertones. The pairing works well whether you’re serving the cake for dessert after a meal or as a mid-afternoon treat.

4. Whipped Cream Or Mascarpone

   If you prefer a lighter, less sweet topping than traditional frosting, whipped cream or mascarpone cheese is a fantastic option. The lightness of the whipped cream provides a beautiful balance to the cake’s density, while mascarpone’s creamy richness enhances the velvety texture of the cake.

5. Chocolate Or Caramel Sauce

   For those with a serious sweet tooth, a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce can take red velvet cake to the next level. The gooey, rich sauce not only adds sweetness but also introduces a contrasting texture. You could drizzle it over the top or serve it on the side for dipping.

Conclusion

Red velvet cake, with its soft texture, deep color, and decadent frosting, is an irresistible dessert that appeals to all ages. While the classic version is a showstopper on its own, there’s no harm in getting creative and exploring variations-whether it’s through flavor additions, mini cupcakes, or combining it with chocolate. Storing leftovers properly ensures that your indulgent cake remains fresh, and by following some best practices, you can enjoy this delicious treat for days to come.

Pairing red velvet cake with complementary items like fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a hot cup of coffee can elevate the experience, making it even more satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply indulging in a personal treat, red velvet cake remains a timeless and versatile dessert that always delights.

FAQs

What Are The Main Ingredients In Mary Berry’s Red Velvet Cake?

Mary Berry’s red velvet cake recipe typically includes ingredients such as self-raising flour, cocoa powder, butter, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and a splash of red food coloring. Additionally, you’ll need vanilla extract, vinegar, and a pinch of salt for flavor.

Can I Substitute Buttermilk In The Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens slightly, creating a similar acidic effect as buttermilk.

How Can I Get The Perfect Red Color For My Cake?

The key to achieving the bright red color in your cake is using good-quality red food coloring. Mary Berry’s recipe typically uses liquid food coloring, but gel or paste food coloring can also work well, as they are more concentrated and require less to achieve the desired hue.

Should I Use A Stand Mixer Or Hand Mixer For This Recipe?

Both a stand mixer and a hand mixer will work well for making Mary Berry’s red velvet cake. A stand mixer may be easier for some, as it allows you to mix the ingredients more efficiently. However, a hand mixer works just as well for combining the wet and dry ingredients.

How Do I Ensure My Red Velvet Cake Is Moist?

To ensure your red velvet cake stays moist, it’s important to follow the correct measurements for ingredients, especially buttermilk, and avoid overbaking. Baking it just until a skewer comes out clean will also help maintain its moisture.

Can I Make This Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make Mary Berry’s red velvet cake ahead of time. You can bake the cake layers a day or two in advance and store them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. If you’re preparing the frosting, it can be made in advance and refrigerated, then brought to room temperature before use.

How Should I Store Leftover Red Velvet Cake?

Leftover red velvet cake should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. If you’ve frosted the cake with cream cheese frosting, refrigeration is recommended to preserve its freshness.

Can I Freeze Mary Berry’s Red Velvet Cake?

Yes, you can freeze Mary Berry’s red velvet cake. After baking and cooling the cake layers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container.

You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before assembling and frosting.

What Frosting Is Typically Used With Mary Berry’s Red Velvet Cake?

Mary Berry’s red velvet cake is typically paired with a classic cream cheese frosting. The frosting is made from cream cheese, butter, icing sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract. This frosting complements the cake’s flavor and provides a rich, tangy contrast.

Why Does Red Velvet Cake Have Vinegar In The Recipe?

Vinegar is used in red velvet cake to help activate the baking soda, creating a light and airy texture. It also enhances the acidity, which helps to balance the sweetness of the cake and bring out the deep red color when combined with the cocoa powder.