Description
If you’re looking for a quick dessert that’s effortlessly elegant, this Red Velvet Snack Cake delivers everything you love about the classic in a fast, fuss-free format. With a vibrant, soft crumb and luscious cream cheese frosting, it’s the perfect addition to your list of easy recipes, whether you’re hunting for quick breakfast options, simple dessert ideas, or just an indulgent treat. This is one of those food ideas that fits every craving — from weeknight baking to birthday surprises. It’s one of the best breakfast ideas turned dessert, and it absolutely deserves a spot in your collection of go-to easy dinner finales or healthy snack treats (in moderation, of course!).
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 tablespoon red liquid food coloring
1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch square baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, whisk oil, buttermilk, egg, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla until well combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined without overmixing.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the cake completely in the pan on a wire rack.
8. Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla, and mix until fluffy.
9. Spread frosting over cooled cake, creating decorative swirls if desired.
10. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
Let all your ingredients come to room temperature before baking for the smoothest batter and frosting.
Don’t skip the vinegar—it’s essential for proper lift and the signature red velvet flavor.
Always wait until the cake is fully cooled before frosting to prevent the cream cheese topping from melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg