Cream Cheese Frosted Red Velvet Cake

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Step 4: Add red food coloring and mix until combined.
5. Step 5: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture in three parts, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
6. Step 6: Beat in vanilla extract.
7. Step 7: Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and smooth tops.
8. Step 8: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Step 9: Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Step 10: For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
11. Step 11: Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy.
12. Step 12: Beat in vanilla extract.
13. Step 13: Once cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of frosting on top. Repeat with remaining two layers.
14. Step 14: Frost the outside of the cake with the remaining frosting.