Are you planning to surprise your loved ones with a delicious dessert for Valentine’s or any day really? If yes…your search on “how to make red velvet cake from chocolate cake mix” ends here.
I am a self-professed freak for red velvet cake! And when I make it for my family and friends, no one can stop eating it. It is a light, moist, and soft chocolate layer cake with a hint of red that is visually appealing and utterly delicious. The texture of the cake is so soft, and I just love the creamy white frosting.
What Is Red Velvet Cake?
Traditionally, red velvet cake is a red, brownish red, scarlet, or crimson chocolate layer cake covered with ermine frosting. Buttermilk, cocoa, butter, flour, and vinegar are some of the most commonly used ingredients. Traditional versions do not utilize food coloring, with the red color coming from rich cocoa.
This recipe has changed very much over the years, and there are several variations on how to make red velvet cake. If you don’t have the time to make the cake from scratch, you can also use a chocolate cake mix to make your red velvet cake. Yes! Today, I will share how to make red velvet cake from chocolate cake mix.
How To Make Red Velvet Cake From Chocolate Cake Mix
Making red velvet cake from a chocolate cake mix is simple; anyone can do it. All you need is your favorite chocolate cake mix and a few more simple ingredients!
Ingredients
- ½ cup vegetable oil: You can substitute the oil with melted butter as well.
- 1 cup buttermilk: You can substitute the buttermilk with water.
- 1 box chocolate cake mix: You can use any of your favorite brands.
- 3 eggs: Eggs provide structure and softness, build volume, stabilize, and provide a distinct flavor to the cake.
- 2 tbsp. unsweetened baking cocoa: It imparts a dark color and a rich chocolate flavor.
- 2 tbsp. red food coloring: It is a key ingredient that will turn your chocolatey batter into a gorgeous shade of true red.
For frosting
- 2 tsp. milk: You can use dairy or plant-based milk.
- 2 oz. softened cream cheese: Cream cheese provides the sweet cream frosting with just the right amount of tang.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Perfect for making sweet, smooth texture frosting.
- 1 ½ cups whipping cream: It’s light, fluffy, rich, and provides the perfect texture for the frosting.
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and lightly flour the sides and bottom of a 13×9″ pan or two 9-inch round cake molds, or spray with cooking spray and dust flour.
- Mix the cake ingredients for about 2 minutes in a big mixing bowl, scraping the sides frequently.
- Pour the batter into the baking pan(s).
- Bake according to the instructions on the chocolate cake mix box.
- Remove the pan from the oven. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. Let it cool thoroughly.
- Mix the milk and cream cheese in a clean, chilled mixing bowl. Beat until smooth. With an electric mixer on high speed, beat the sugar and whipped cream until fluffy peaks are created, scraping occasionally. Fill and layer the cake, or frost the top of the cake. Refrigerate loosely.
- Your red velvet cake is ready to eat! Serve and enjoy!
What If You Don’t Have Buttermilk?
Buttermilk is one of my favorite ingredients to add to any recipe. It helps bring out the flavors. But don’t worry if you don’t have any, and you don’t need to run out to the store. You can prepare your own buttermilk by whisking together 1 cup full-fat milk and 1 teaspoon of vinegar. Let the milk sour for 5 to 10 minutes before using it in a recipe. You can also use water instead of buttermilk.
What Frosting Works Best With Red Velvet Cake?
I know a lot of you love cream cheese frosting on your red velvet cake, which I have shared above! However, you can also use:
- Buttercream Frosting: It’s a convenient alternative for people who don’t like cream cheese frosting.
- Chocolate Frosting: It might appear odd, but red velvet and chocolate are a fantastic match!
Easy Recipes Using Red Velvet Cake Box Mix
Red velvet cake mix can be a great starting point for a variety of easy and delicious recipes. Here are a few simple ideas that you can try:
Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- Optional: 1 cup white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, mix together the red velvet cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs until well combined.
- If desired, fold in the chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
Ingredients:
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 egg
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 additional egg
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, vegetable oil, water, and 1 egg. Mix until well combined.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and the additional egg until smooth and creamy.
- Dollop the cream cheese mixture on top of the red velvet layer and use a knife to swirl it into the batter.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the brownies are set.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
3. Red Velvet Pancakes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups red velvet cake mix
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- Butter or oil for the pan
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the red velvet cake mix, milk, and egg until smooth.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and coat with a little butter or oil.
- Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan for each pancake.
- Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook the other side until browned.
- Serve with cream cheese glaze or your favorite syrup.
4. Red Velvet Poke Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box, typically water, eggs, and oil)
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 container whipped topping or homemade whipped cream
- Optional: chocolate shavings or sprinkles for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the red velvet cake according to the package instructions and bake in a 9×13-inch pan.
- Once baked and while still warm, poke holes all over the cake using the handle of a wooden spoon.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, making sure to fill the holes.
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Spread the whipped topping over the cooled cake.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings or sprinkles, if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
FAQs
Does red velvet cake need to be refrigerated?
Red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting needs to be refrigerated. The cream cheese frosting is dairy-based and should be kept cool. Red velvet cake with other types of frosting does not need to be refrigerated.
What nuts go on red velvet cake?
Traditionally, pecans are the nuts that are used to top a red velvet cake. However, some recipes may call for other nuts, such as walnuts or almonds. Ultimately, the choice of nuts to use on a red velvet cake is up to personal preference.
What does a red velvet cake symbolize?
Red velvet cake is often associated with love, passion, and romance. In some cultures, red is also a symbol of good luck and prosperity, so red velvet cake may also be served at special occasions like weddings or other celebrations.
