Ingredients:

  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup full-fat buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp white distilled vinegar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp red food coloring
  • 8 oz full-fat cream cheese
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add the oil, buttermilk, eggs, vinegar, vanilla, and red food coloring to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until the batter is smooth and velvety, taking care not to overmix.
  4. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  5. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, whipping until stiff peaks form.
  7. Apply the frosting to the cooled cake layers using an offset spatula.