Red-Velvet-Cake

Ingredients

• 2 and ½ cups (340grammes) of all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup (35g) of corn­starch

• 2 tablespoonsful (12grammes) of unsweet­ened cocoa powder (any kind works)

• 1 teaspoonful of baking soda

• ¾ teaspoonful of salt

• ½ cup (1 stick/ 115grammes ) of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

• 2 and ⅛ cups (425grammes )of granulated sugar

• 1 cup (240 millimeters)of vegetable or canola oil

• 3 large eggs

• 2 teaspoonful of vanilla extract

• 1 and ¼ teaspoonful dis­tilled white vinegar

• 2-3 tablespoonful of red food colouring

• 1 cup (240 millimeters of ) buttermilk

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 16 oz. (450grammes ) full-fat block cream cheese (not spread), at room tem­perature

• 2 sticks/225grammes of unsalted butter , softened to room temperature

• 4 cups (480grames) pow­dered sugar, sifted

• 2 teaspoonful of pure vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt (optional)

Preparation

-To make the cake: Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C. Grease two 8-inch or 9-inch cake pans that are at least 2-inch­es high, and line the bottom of the pan with a round piece of parchment paper.

-In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cornstarch, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

-In a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as neces­sary. Beat in oil. The butter might look a bit curdled but that’s okay. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well between each addition. Add vanilla and vinegar and beat until combined.

-Add red food colour­ing, until desired colour is reached. With the mixer on low speed, add half of the dry ingredients and beat just until combined. Add buttermilk, followed by the rest of the dry ingredients. Do not over mix.

-Divide butter evenly between pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in the pan on a wire rack until they’re easy to handle, then remove from pan and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

-Making the frosting: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and cream cheese on medi­um-high speed until smooth and creamy, 1-2 minutes. Add sugar in two additions, beat­ing well after each addition until smooth. Add vanilla and salt and keep beating until smooth and fluffy.

-Assembling the cake: Set one layer on a plate with the flat side facing up (or, if your cake rose too much, cut its rounded top with a knife to make it flat). Evenly spread a thick layer of the frosting over the cake to the edge. Top with the second cake layer, rounded side up. Spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake.

-Store cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. One can remove it from the fridge 15-20 min­utes before serving so that it’s soft.