Quick Red Velvet Cake

Red velvet cake is the perfect Valentine's Day dessert. The deep red color invokes hearts and love, and the taste of this delicious cake says the rest. If you're not a frequent baker or if you're short on time, try this short cut version of red velvet cake that uses boxed cake mix.

Notes

Need more easy dessert recipes? Check out these 24 Effortless Recipes with Cake Mix for inspiration!

Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix (the size that will make 2 layers)
1/2 cup oil
1 cup low-fat buttermilk
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
5 eggs
2 ounces red food coloring

Instructions

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch pan (cooking spray is fine).
Make and bake the cake according to package directions, substituting the oil, buttermilk, cocoa, eggs and food coloring listed above for the package ingredients.
Cool cake completely.
Frost with cream cheese icing (recipe below).

Cream Cheese Icing

1 package (8 ounces) softened cream cheese
1/2 box (1/2 lb) plus 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (add a little at a time)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup softened butter

Cream together and spread on cake.

Your Recently Viewed Recipes

Rate

I have not made this yet so I cannot rate it.

We are adding your Comments.

Thank you! Your comment has been added.

We are sorry. There was an error tyring to post your rating and review.

Your comment will appear after our editors have had a chance to review it.

Cancel Reply to Comment

Thanks for your comment. Don't forget to share!

Master Editor

Feb 09, 2011

Hello Mybobba1, I'm sure you can make this into cupcakes if you'd like. I'm not sure where you are getting the vinegar idea from? I know many recipes vary for Red Velvet recipes. Thanks.

Mybobba1 6118392

Feb 08, 2011

Can this be used for cupcakes, also most red velvet recipes call for vinegar , why..???

MsEditor

Nov 23, 2010

kissmerain: I'm glad you liked the recipe and found it helpful. Thanks for your comment! Blair, editor at RecipeLion.com

kissmerain

Nov 22, 2010

great idea! my daughter believes in prepackaged baking and cooking.. i'll be sending this to her, she really likes Red Velvet Cake..

nashmeow

Apr 16, 2010

Ah, the recipe was unclear - thanks for catching that, everyone! We have updated the recipe to reflect that it needs 1 box of cake mix, but the size that can make a 9x13-inch cake OR 2 layers.

Chef 0425418

Apr 13, 2010

so what is the answer??? what size panpans were used for this cake?

Chef 14375

Apr 11, 2010

is it 2 boxes of cake mix???? and what size pans?????

Member 2095127

Mar 09, 2010

What size pans are you using for this recipe? Thanks!