Ingredients
Equipment
Method
For the Cake Layers
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Place a parchment paper circle on the bottom of each pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, white vinegar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add your pink food coloring to the wet ingredients. Use gel food coloring for vibrant color; start with a small amount and add more to reach desired pink shade.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a spatula or on low speed with an electric mixer until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting & Assembly
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the sifted powdered sugar. Once mostly incorporated, add the vanilla extract and salt.
- Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for another 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth.
- Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate. Spread about 1 to 1.5 cups of frosting evenly over the top. Place the second cake layer on top.
- Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake. For a rustic look, create swirls with the back of a spoon. For a sharp finish, apply a crumb coat first.
- Decorate with fresh berries, sprinkles, or edible flowers. Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition
Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 5gFat: 20g
Notes
For substitutions, make your own buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Do not overmix the batter to maintain the velvety texture. Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving. The cake can be made ahead: bake layers up to 2 days ahead, and make frosting 1-2 days ahead. For variations, add raspberry jam between layers or make a gluten-free version with 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. If the cake is dry, check for overbaking or incorrect flour measurement.
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