The Extravagant Red Grad Cake is a dazzling dessert that brings a pop of color and flavor to any celebration. Imagine biting into a moist, velvety slice of cake, with layers of creamy frosting that dance on your taste buds like a joyful tap dancer at a birthday bash. creamy pineapple coconut treat The rich aroma of vanilla and cocoa wafts through the air, promising an unforgettable indulgence that will have everyone clamoring for seconds. For more inspiration, check out this Irresistible Orange Custard Squares recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together!</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I make the Extravagant Red Grad Cake ahead of time?
- What can I use instead of food coloring?
- How do I make my cake moist?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This cake isn’t just for birthdays; it’s perfect for graduations, anniversaries, or even a Tuesday night when you want to treat yourself because you survived another day of adulting. I remember the first time I made this cake—my friends’ faces lit up like fireworks as they took their first bites, and I knew then I had discovered my secret weapon for all future events.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Extravagant Red Grad Cake is easy to prepare, making it perfect for bakers of all levels
- Its rich flavors and vibrant red color will impress anyone at your table
- The stunning presentation makes it an eye-catching centerpiece for any celebration
- You can customize the frosting or decorations to fit any occasion or theme effortlessly
I recall my best friend’s graduation party where this cake stole the show, and everyone kept asking for the recipe! savory Italian tortellini salad.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for a light, airy texture in your cake layers.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweeten your cake just right; adjust based on your sweetness preference.
- Cocoa Powder: Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder to balance the sweetness of the cake.
- Baking Powder: Make sure it’s fresh; expired powder can lead to flat cakes.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Baking Soda: Essential for that lovely lift your cake needs.
- Eggs: Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and texture. indulgent fudge-filled Easter eggs.
- Buttermilk: This ingredient adds moisture and richness; don’t skimp on it!
- Vegetable Oil: For added moistness without compromising flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla will elevate your cake’s flavor profile immensely.
- Red Food Coloring Gel: Go bold! Gel provides a vibrant red hue without altering texture too much.
- Buttercream Frosting: You can use store-bought or homemade—it’s all about personal preference!
- Sprinkles or Fresh Berries (optional): These add a fun finishing touch that makes your cake Instagram-ready!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together!
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with cooking spray or butter. This step is crucial—trust me on this one!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. delightful lemon tart meringue Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed—this is where the magic starts!
- Now it’s time for the wet stuff! Add eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and red food coloring gel into your dry mixture. Blend everything until smooth; avoid overmixing to keep that fluffy texture.
- Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The kitchen should smell heavenly right about now!
- Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks. After they are completely cool, frost generously with buttercream icing between layers and on top.
- To really wow your guests, sprinkle colorful sprinkles or fresh berries on top! Snap some photos because this cake deserves its close-up before everyone digs in.
And there you have it—the Extravagant Red Grad Cake that is bound to be the star of any occasion! Enjoy every bite as you bask in compliments from family and friends alike!
You Must Know
- Extravagant Red Grad Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a showstopper that can elevate any gathering
- The deep red hue and velvety texture create an unforgettable experience for your taste buds, making it perfect for celebrations or casual get-togethers
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, bake layers separately while preparing the frosting. This ensures even baking and saves time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap buttermilk with yogurt for a tangy twist or add chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Refrigerate if longer storage is needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room-temperature ingredients to ensure better mixing and a fluffier cake
- Don’t skip the cooling period; it prevents frosting from melting
- Make sure to sift your flour for a lighter texture in your extravagant red grad cake
Sometimes I think my oven has a personality; when I made this cake, it decided to bake one layer faster than the other, creating quite a dramatic moment when I revealed my masterpiece!
FAQ
Can I make the Extravagant Red Grad Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake layers a day before and frost them right before serving.
What can I use instead of food coloring?
Beet juice or pomegranate juice can give you that beautiful red color naturally.
How do I make my cake moist?
Adding buttermilk and not overmixing your batter will keep your cake perfectly moist.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Extravagant Red Grad Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the Extravagant Red Grad Cake, a vibrant and moist dessert perfect for any occasion. With layers of rich chocolate flavor and creamy buttercream frosting, this cake is sure to impress your guests and elevate your celebrations. Whether it’s a graduation, birthday, or just a treat for yourself, this delightful cake combines stunning visuals with irresistible taste.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring gel
- Buttercream frosting (store-bought or homemade)
- Sprinkles or fresh berries for decoration (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth without overmixing.
- Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Frost the cooled cakes with buttercream icing between layers and on top. Decorate with sprinkles or fresh berries if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (120g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg