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Red Velvet Cake

Yields1 ServingPrep Time20 minsCook Time1 hr 30 minsTotal Time1 hr 50 mins

In a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or with a hand-held electric mixer in a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and butter on low speed until incorporated. Increase the speed to high, and mix until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. (Occasionally turn the mixer off, and scrape the down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.)

 1 cup all-purpose flour
 ½ cup sugar
 1 tsp baking soda
 1 tsp fine salt
 1 tsp cocoa powder
 ½ cup vegetable oil
 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
 2 large eggs, at room temperature
 1 tsp red food coloring (1 ounce)
 1 tsp vanilla extract
 Cream Cheese Frosting, recipe follows
 Crushed pecans, for garnish
1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil and flour three 9 by 1 1/2-inch round cake pans.

2

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In another large bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla.

3

Using a standing mixer, mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined and a smooth batter is formed.

4

Divide the cake batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Place the pans in the oven evenly spaced apart. Bake, rotating the pans halfway through the cooking, until the cake pulls away from the side of the pans, and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean, about 30 minutes.

5

Remove the cakes from the oven and run a knife around the edges to loosen them from the sides of the pans. One at a time, invert the cakes onto a plate and then re-invert them onto a cooling rack, rounded-sides up. Let cool completely.

6

Frost the cake. Place 1 layer, rounded-side down, in the middle of a rotating cake stand. Using a palette knife or offset spatula spread some of the Cream Cheese Frosting over the top of the cake. (Spread enough frosting to make a 1/4 to 1/2-inch layer.) Carefully set another layer on top, rounded-side down, and repeat. Top with the remaining layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Sprinkle the top with the pecans.