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    Home » Type » Desserts » Cakes and Cupcakes

    3-Layer Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Buttercream

    Published: May 27, 2011 · Modified: Apr 11, 2022 by Faith · This post may contain affiliate links · 57 Comments

    This is a very special cake.

    And not because it’s the very first 3-layer cake I ever made (which it is!).

    Or because the frosting has that dangerous buttercream quality of being so deliciously smooth and melt-in-your-mouth amazing that the thought that there’s over a pound of butter in it never crosses your mind until after it has crossed your lips.  (Yes, I know that’s a lot of butter…for those of you on diets, you may want avert your eyes and pretend you never saw this post.  It’s about to get graphic, in a buttercream-y sort of way.)

    This cake is special because I made it to celebrate mine and Mike’s 6th wedding anniversary.

    I was one happy girl when he deemed it (and I quote) the best cake and frosting he’s ever had.  So happy, in fact, that I promised to make it for him again in another 6 years.  ;)

    A Note on the 3 Layers:  Because of the occasion, I wanted to make this cake extra special so I made it 3 layers.  For most occasions (or hey, maybe just a Monday night), a regular 2-layer cake would probably suffice, which is why below I’ve included the amounts for a 2-layer cake if you prefer.

    3-Layer Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Buttercream

    (Yield:  1 (3-layer) cake)

    Red Velvet Cake:  (Adapted from my mom’s Crazy Chocolate Cake recipe that I used to make Chocolate Hazelnut Truffle Cupcakes with Hazelnut Buttercream)

    4 cups all-purpose flour, plus a little more to flour the baking pans

    2 ¾ cups sugar

    1 tablespoon baking soda

    1 ½ teaspoons salt

    3 tablespoons cocoa powder

    1 tablespoon vanilla

    1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar

    1 cup canola oil

    1 ¼ cups water

    1 ½ cups buttermilk

    1 oz (about 2 ½ tablespoons) red food coloring

    Butter, to grease the baking pans

    Preheat oven to 350F; butter and flour 3 (9 ½ inch) round cake pans.

    In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder; make three wells (1 large and 2 small) in the mixture.  To each well, add vanilla, vinegar, and oil; mix batter, gradually adding water and buttermilk.  Once batter is mixed, stir in food coloring.

    Divide batter between the 3 prepared cake pans and bake 25-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.  Cool completely before frosting with cream cheese buttercream.  (Optional:  Chill before serving so buttercream cuts smoothly.)

    Cream Cheese Buttercream:  (Adapted from my recipe for Swiss Meringue Buttercream that I used to frost Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes)

    4 large egg whites

    1 ¼ cup sugar

    ⅛ teaspoon salt

    1 tablespoon vanilla

    22 oz (5 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

    12 oz (1 ½ boxes) Neufchatel cheese (or cream cheese), room temperature

    In a double boiler, whisk together the egg whites and sugar.  Heat until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is warm (about 140F), whisking frequently (about 3-5 minutes).  Transfer the egg white/sugar mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.  Add the salt and beat on high speed until the mixture is thick and glossy (about 5-7 minutes).  Beat in the extract, then gradually add the butter and cream cheese piece by piece while beating; stop beating when the buttercream is thick and smooth.

    Here are the measurements for 1 (2-layer) cake (the method is the same as above):

    2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour, plus a little more to flour the baking pans

    Scant 2 cups sugar

    2 teaspoons baking soda

    1 teaspoons salt

    2 tablespoons cocoa powder

    2 teaspoons vanilla

    2 teaspoons vinegar

    ⅔ cup canola oil

    ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons water

    1 c buttermilk

    ⅔ oz (about 5 teaspoons) red food coloring

    Butter, to grease the baking pans

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Lucy says

      July 01, 2020 at 3:09 pm

      Hi Faith,

      Is this buttercream sturdy enough as regular SMBC?

      I am wanting to create a 2-tier red velvet cake, however with cream cheese is impossible due to the consistency. Ideally would like a cream cheese SMBC that will hold in the weather and also hold a cake on top?

      Please let me know? :)

      Reply
      • Faith says

        July 14, 2020 at 4:05 pm

        Lucy, Thank you so much for your comment! This buttercream is as sturdy as a regular SMBC and will hold up fairly well for a couple hours at room temperature. Because of the butter content, it will definitely start to melt at warm room temperature though.

        Will the cake be left outside at all or will you be able to refrigerate it until serving?

        Reply
    2. Deidre says

      February 28, 2020 at 4:15 am

      There's no eggs in the recipe?

      Reply
      • Faith says

        March 03, 2020 at 4:59 pm

        Deidre, That's correct, there are no eggs in this recipe. It's such a moist, flavorful cake, I hope you enjoy it if you give it a try! :)

        Reply
    3. jessica says

      November 10, 2012 at 9:20 pm

      First time I made the eggwhites was grainy so we redid the eggehites and gradually added sugar.the bowl I used was my stand mixer bowl.I whipped them in the stand mixer and added my butter and cream cheese slowly on medium.I ignored the curdled soup and kept beating them on slow.then I whipped them on high when the butter came together.
      I am so glad I followed the recipe because its so sweet yet creamy. Tastes like cream cheese.melts in my mouth and went to my hips.I did hours of recipe searching and this one was the best.I made my rosettes and leaf's perfectly.my family loved it.thank you.
      Ps.if you haven't tried it. Give it ago.

      Reply
    4. Carrie says

      June 07, 2011 at 10:32 am

      I LOVE meringue buttercreams, so when I saw this frosting, I just had to make it. I used it to top cupcakes for a baby shower. They were the hit of the party. People went back for seconds and asked to take home leftovers. It makes a perfect frosting for piping because it's super soft and holds its shape. The cupcakes were the most beautiful I've made so far. Thank you for yet another perfect recipe!

      Reply
      • admin says

        June 07, 2011 at 12:42 pm

        Carrie, Yay, I'm so glad you liked the frosting! Thanks for letting me know, you made my day! :)

        Reply
    5. Karen says

      June 03, 2011 at 1:06 pm

      Wow, that's one spectacular looking cake! Your husband is one lucky guy. :-) Happy anniversary, Faith!

      Reply
    6. Megan'sCookin' says

      June 01, 2011 at 10:04 am

      This cake is magnificent! Very worthy of a special occasion! Happy anniversary by the way.
      I've never made a Red Velvet cake but I pinned this for a special occasion!

      Reply
    7. grace says

      June 01, 2011 at 12:56 am

      happy anniversary, faith! and might i commend you on your generous frosting usage. yum.

      Reply
    8. Tanvi@SinfullySpicy says

      May 31, 2011 at 5:31 pm

      Belated wishes on your anniversary! Red velvet is one of my favs..looks so decadent & delicious!

      Reply
    9. Evelyne@CheapEthnicEatz says

      May 31, 2011 at 2:44 pm

      What a cake, and I have had red velvet cake on my mind too. I am not surprised it was so highly critiqued. Happy Anniversary!

      Reply
    10. Juliana says

      May 31, 2011 at 2:03 pm

      Happy Anniversary Faith...the cake is beautiful, very special for such an special occasion. Beautiful pictures of the cake. Have a great week :-)

      Reply
    11. Aarthi says

      May 31, 2011 at 1:29 am

      This looks yummy....you have a lovely blog...I am having a giveaway in my blog..Y dont you check and join that
      http://yummytummy-aarthi.blogspot.com/2011/05/chocolate-recipe-and-chocolate.html

      Reply
    12. Victoria says

      May 30, 2011 at 5:40 pm

      Congrats on your wedding anniversary! This is the perfect cake for such an occasion, as red is the color of passion and love :) It's one of my favorite cake flavors, and yours looks beautiful. Wish I could taste it!

      Reply
    13. Deepthi says

      May 29, 2011 at 10:12 pm

      You hv got very wonderful sapce....
      plz visit my space when time permits...
      I'm ur happy follower now......

      DeepthiDigvijay
      Good Food Recipes
      Coffe With Me Deepthi

      Reply
    14. Nutmeg Nanny says

      May 29, 2011 at 9:30 pm

      I love the recipe for the cake! I make a quick cake that is made the same way. Also the three layers make the cake look so special and delicious...yum!

      Reply
    15. Reeni says

      May 29, 2011 at 8:44 pm

      Happy Anniversary Faith! Your gorgeous cake is indeed special! Such a treat with that rich frosting!

      Reply
    16. Nina says

      May 29, 2011 at 9:50 am

      Happy Anniversary, Faith!! What a gorgeous, gorgeous cake. Beautifully done! I am *sure* it was a hit...perfect for a special occasion. Your photos are stunning!

      Reply
    17. Susan says

      May 29, 2011 at 7:41 am

      Happy Anniversary! What a special cake for a special occasion. My husband would love all of that buttercream icing :)

      Reply
    18. Raina says

      May 29, 2011 at 7:29 am

      Happy anniversary! He is a lucky guy to have someone make him such a special cake. It looks gorgeous and sounds wonderful:)

      Reply
    19. Anna Johnston says

      May 29, 2011 at 5:03 am

      Wow Faith, love red velvet cakes but I've never tried buttercream like this....... and you know I just have to. Thanks for sharing this one & congratulations Lovely..., hope it was a beautiful anniversary too :)

      Reply
    20. Veronica says

      May 29, 2011 at 1:16 am

      Awwwwwwww, that IS a very special cake! Happy anniversary! You did your baby proud with this beautiful cake. I could just die over that buttercream alone! I love that you turned cream cheese icing into a Swiss Meringue--brilliant! I soooo have to try that.

      Reply
    21. nancy at good food matters says

      May 28, 2011 at 1:00 pm

      It IS very special, Faith---congratulations on both your anniversary AND making your first three layer Red Velvet Cake. I recommend going all the way with 3 layers! The Red Velvet Cake is so alluring. I will have to try that cream cheese buttercream recipe--unique and no doubt delicious.

      Reply
    22. Hannah says

      May 28, 2011 at 7:34 am

      Stunning! Congrats on your first 3-layer assembly, its truly beautiful. Makes me want to whip up more serious layer cakes, that's for sure! Oh, and yes, of course, Happy Anniversary! :)

      Reply
    23. Michele | Cooking At Home says

      May 28, 2011 at 4:38 am

      Gorgeous! Happy Anniversary.

      Reply
    24. Angie's Recipes says

      May 28, 2011 at 3:41 am

      Faith, this looks splendid! Happy Anniversary!

      Reply
    25. Ambreen says

      May 28, 2011 at 2:24 am

      Best wishes to you on your anniversary! What a wonderful cake, perfect for the occasion! This looks divine ... can't take my eyes off this gorgeous cake!

      Reply
    26. LeQuan says

      May 28, 2011 at 12:55 am

      Holy moly, Faith, you're killing me! This looks absolutely divine. Lucky lucky Mike, I tell ya. Happy happy anniversary to the both of you! With I cake like this, I definitely wouldn't settle for two layers. Heck, I'd ask for 6. Afterall, it may be another 6 years till I see this cake again ;)

      Reply
    27. Anh says

      May 27, 2011 at 11:48 pm

      congrats to you and Mike! And what a lovely cake to celebrate it with! :)

      Reply
    28. Betty @ scrambled hen fruit says

      May 27, 2011 at 10:28 pm

      Happy Anniversary! That's one gorgeous cake, there. Special celebrations like this one deserve a good buttercream. :)

      Reply
    29. Carolyn Jung says

      May 27, 2011 at 10:06 pm

      Happy Anniversary! Awww, that is just too sweet to have made such a gloriously wonderful cake to celebrate. Ya know, there are times when being wary of so much butter and so much cream should just be shoved out the window. This is one of those times. Enjoy, enjoy, ENJOY! ;)

      Reply
    30. Magic of Spice says

      May 27, 2011 at 7:55 pm

      Oh Faith this cake is stunning and I happen to love the indulgence of all this creamy buttery goodness :)
      Happy Anniversary to the both of you!!!

      Reply
    31. Mary says

      May 27, 2011 at 7:40 pm

      This is gorgeous and a perfect treat to celebrate with. I hope you had a great celebration and that the rest of the food was worthy of this gorgeous cake. Have a wonderful weekend. Blessings...Mary

      Reply
    32. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says

      May 27, 2011 at 6:26 pm

      Happy anniversary to you and Mike! And a sweet and delicious way to celebrate it! I love layer cakes and yours looks perfect! LD

      Reply
    33. Dorothy says

      May 27, 2011 at 4:24 pm

      Happy Anniversary to you guys! Congrats on the 6 years of marriage as well as assembling your first-ever 3-layer cake. It looks beautiful and delicious :)

      Reply
    34. pachecopatty says

      May 27, 2011 at 4:02 pm

      Hi Faith, I haven't made a layer cake in quite a few years but this is one that I really would like to make. Yes, the butter in the frosting always gives me pause but I think for a special celebration like an anniversary- it's the perfect splurge;-) Your pictures are gorgeous;-)

      Reply
    35. Erica says

      May 27, 2011 at 2:40 pm

      This is your first three layer cake? Its gorgeous! Great work!!!And tasty? Heck yah! My favorite part of this post "It’s about to get graphic, in a buttercream-y sort of way." hahahha. Love it! Enjoy celebrating alll weekend long!

      Reply
    36. BeadedTail says

      May 27, 2011 at 1:58 pm

      Happy Anniversary! What a beautiful cake to celebrate with!

      Reply
    37. Erica says

      May 27, 2011 at 12:41 pm

      Happy Anniversary!!!!What a delicious looking cake,Faith!

      Reply
    38. Maria @ Scandifoodie says

      May 27, 2011 at 12:35 pm

      Such a gorgeous way to celebrate - Happy Anniversary!!

      Reply
    39. Swathi says

      May 27, 2011 at 12:24 pm

      Happy anniversary to you and mike. wishing many more years togetherness. The cake looks fabulous, the frosting is wonderful.

      Reply
    40. Nicole, RD says

      May 27, 2011 at 12:12 pm

      Happy 6th Anniversary! Lots of May anniversaries around the blogosphere! :) What a treat! This looks amazing, Faith! I love the line, "It’s about to get graphic, in a buttercream-y sort of way." So cute!

      Reply
    41. Ameena says

      May 27, 2011 at 11:47 am

      Happy Anniversary Faith! I can't think of a better way to celebrate 6 years than with a cake containing a pound of butter. Sounds amazing!

      Reply
    42. Sanjeeta kk says

      May 27, 2011 at 11:28 am

      Wow..how gorgeous and decadent the cake look! Lovely frosting and clicks, Faith.

      Reply
    43. aipi says

      May 27, 2011 at 11:20 am

      The cake is stunner!!
      Many many happy returns to you and Mike ~ Enjoy your day!
      US Masala

      Reply
    44. Heavenly Housewife says

      May 27, 2011 at 11:19 am

      Happy Anniversary daaaaaaahling! I can't think of a more beautiful cake to celebrate with!
      *kisses* HH

      Reply
    45. Jessica says

      May 27, 2011 at 11:15 am

      Congratulations and happy anniversary!!!

      It's a very very gorgeous cake and I wish I could try some! We had red velvet for our top layer wedding cake too =)

      Reply
    46. Sonia says

      May 27, 2011 at 10:56 am

      Happy anniversary! The cake looks stunning :)

      Reply
    47. Carol @ There's Always Thyme to Cook says

      May 27, 2011 at 9:44 am

      Happy Anniversary to you and Mike, a very special cake for sure, it looks fantastic.

      Reply
    48. admin says

      May 27, 2011 at 9:33 am

      Shelly, So excited that you're thinking of making this frosting, it really is delicious! It has a pretty standard buttercream consistency -- soft at room temp but hardens up when chilled. I didn't try to pipe it, but I think it would pipe nicely if it were just very slightly chilled (maybe 10-15 minutes or so?). If you decide to try it, let me know how it goes!

      Reply
    49. Joanne says

      May 27, 2011 at 9:32 am

      You definitely went all out on this baby and for such a good cause! 6 years is nothing to be scoffed at! Congrats love!

      Reply
    50. marla {family fresh cooking} says

      May 27, 2011 at 8:21 am

      Happy Anniversary to you and Mike!! Such a wonderful cake to celebrate with. You did a wonderful job with the 3 layers. I bet it was delicious! xo

      Reply
    51. Rosa says

      May 27, 2011 at 6:54 am

      What a gorgeous cake! so beautiful and tempting. Congrats!

      Cheers,

      Rosa

      Reply
    52. Cara Craves... says

      May 27, 2011 at 6:36 am

      What an impressive cake!
      And congrats on the wedding anniversary!
      My 4th is coming up in a couple of days.

      Reply
    53. Shelly Odebralski says

      May 27, 2011 at 6:27 am

      Hi Faith,
      I have a sheet cake to frost & decorate for my daughter's grad party...is this frosting suitable for decorating? I need to be able to pipe it and wondering about the consistency of it. It sounds yummy... Thanks, Shelly

      Reply
    54. Beth says

      May 27, 2011 at 6:26 am

      Happy anniversary! This is a beautiful cake, and I can see why it would be his favorite. I hope he doesn't have to wait another six years for the next one!

      Reply

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