Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch cake pans with cooking spray.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder.
Step 3
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of vegetable oil, 1 cup of buttermilk, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon of red food coloring, and 1 teaspoon of distilled white vinegar.
Step 4
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don't overmix the batter.
Step 5
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
Step 6
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8
To make the frosting:
Step 9
In a large mixing bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter until creamy.
Step 10
Gradually beat in 4 cups of powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until smooth.
Step 11
Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Step 12
To assemble the cake:
Step 13
Place one cake layer on a cake plate or serving dish.
Step 14
Spread a layer of frosting on top of the cake layer.
Step 15
Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting and spread frosting on top and around the sides of the cake.
Step 16
Decorate the cake with additional frosting, if desired.
