Pink Velvet Cake Recipe

Name: Pink Velvet Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 100 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: Baking spray with flour; 1 (15.25-oz.) pkg. classic white cake mix (such as Pillsbury); 1 cup whole buttermilk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 6 drops soft pink food coloring gel (such as Americolor); 1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup (2 oz.) unsalted butter, at room temperature; 4 cups (16 oz.) unsifted powdered sugar; 2 tsp. vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp. kosher salt; Pink sprinkles

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Have you ever heard of pink velvet cake? If not, its time to try it! This Pink Velvet Cake recipe puts a fun twist on the traditional red velvet cake, offering a light, tangy, and moist dessert without the cocoa powder. The result is a vibrant, flavorful cake thats not too sweet, making it the perfect finishing touch to any meal.

Ingredients

1 (15.25-ounce) package classic white cake mix (such as Pillsbury)
1 cup whole buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
6 drops soft pink food coloring gel (such as Americolor)
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
4 cups unsifted powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Pink sprinkles (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with baking spray. Set aside.

Step 2: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the cake mix, buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and pink food coloring until the mixture is fully combined and no dry streaks remain.

Step 3: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it into an even layer.

Step 4: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for about 1 hour.

Step 5: While the cake is cooling, make the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 6: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until smooth and fully combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed, continuing to mix for about 3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and kosher salt, and beat until everything is just combined.

Step 7: Once the cake has cooled completely, use an offset spatula to spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.

Step 8: For the finishing touch, garnish with pink sprinkles, if desired.

Step 9: Cut the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious pink velvet cake!

Pink Velvet Cake Recipe

When you think of velvet cakes, your mind may immediately go to the classic Red Velvet Cake. But theres another version of this popular dessert that's just as delicious and equally eye-catching: the Pink Velvet Cake. This vibrant treat is perfect for any occasion, and its as delightful to look at as it is to eat. But where did this cake come from, and what makes it stand out from other cakes? Lets dive into the story behind the Pink Velvet Cake, its regional variations, and some interesting facts about this beautiful dessert.

Origin Story of Pink Velvet Cake

The exact origins of Pink Velvet Cake are not as well documented as its red counterpart, but it is thought to be a variation of the famous Red Velvet Cake, which itself has roots in the Southern United States. Red Velvet became popular in the early 20th century, with its bright color often attributed to the reaction between cocoa powder and buttermilk. Pink Velvet Cake takes the same basic principlesmoist, tender cake combined with tangy buttermilkbut omits the cocoa powder, resulting in a lighter flavor and a soft pink color.

Regional Differences

While Pink Velvet Cake is often made using a boxed cake mix, this cake is particularly popular in the Southern U.S., where its commonly served at celebrations like birthdays, baby showers, and holidays. However, the use of food coloring to achieve the pink hue can vary based on personal preference and regional traditions. In some areas, the cake is made with natural pink ingredients like beetroot or raspberry puree, which add both color and a unique flavor twist.

How Does Pink Velvet Cake Differ from Other Cakes?

At first glance, Pink Velvet Cake may seem like just another variation of vanilla cake, but its much more than that. The key difference lies in its texture and flavor profile. Like the Red Velvet Cake, Pink Velvet Cake is incredibly moist due to the addition of buttermilk, which gives the cake a slight tang. This tangy sweetness, combined with the rich cream cheese frosting, makes Pink Velvet Cake stand out from traditional vanilla cakes or sponge cakes, which tend to be lighter and less flavorful. The bright pink color also sets it apart visually from its deeper-hued cousins, offering a fun and festive appearance.

Where Is Pink Velvet Cake Typically Served?

Pink Velvet Cake is often served at festive occasions like birthday parties, bridal showers, and baby showers. Its striking color and rich flavor make it an ideal choice for celebrations that require a cake that's as beautiful as it is delicious. While its not as universally popular as the traditional Red Velvet Cake, its becoming more common in bakeries and home kitchens, especially for events that want to add a touch of whimsy and elegance. Pink Velvet Cake also works well for themed parties, especially those that feature a pink or pastel color scheme.

Interesting Facts About Pink Velvet Cake

Although Pink Velvet Cake is often made with artificial food coloring, some people opt for natural coloring methods, like beet juice or hibiscus flowers, to create a more natural hue.
The frosting on a Pink Velvet Cake is typically made from cream cheese, which adds a tangy richness that balances the cake's sweetness. This is a hallmark of all velvet cakes, which are traditionally paired with cream cheese frosting.
Pink Velvet Cake became particularly popular on social media, where its vibrant color and photogenic appearance made it a go-to choice for Instagram-worthy desserts.
The cake's rich but light texture is a result of the buttermilk, which also helps create the perfect crumb and adds flavor complexity. This is what separates velvet cakes from regular cakes that are often lighter and drier.

Conclusion

Pink Velvet Cake offers a playful yet sophisticated twist on the traditional velvet cake. Its vibrant color, moist texture, and tangy flavor make it a standout choice for special occasions. Whether youre serving it at a party or baking it just for fun, this cake is sure to impress your guests and add a bit of color to any celebration. So, why not give it a try? Its an easy and delicious way to make your next dessert a little more memorable!

FAQ about Pink Velvet Cake Recipe

You can store Pink Velvet Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store it for longer, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Make sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Yes, you can freeze Pink Velvet Cake. Wrap individual pieces or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave the cake at room temperature for a few hours or overnight.

Yes, you can substitute the classic white cake mix with other cake mixes, such as vanilla or butter cake mixes, for a slightly different flavor. However, using a white cake mix will yield the most traditional result.

If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.

Yes, you can make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature and give it a quick stir to smooth it out before applying it to the cake.

Yes, you can use any gel or liquid food coloring you prefer. If you want a deeper or lighter shade of pink, adjust the amount of food coloring to your preference. Gel food coloring typically gives a more vibrant result.

If your Pink Velvet Cake turns out dry, it could be due to overbaking or not using enough liquid. Make sure to check the cake for doneness 1-2 minutes before the recommended time, and if it feels dry when slicing, try adding a light syrup to the layers next time.

Yes, you can add additional flavorings to customize the cake. For example, a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest could add a unique twist. Just be sure to adjust the vanilla flavor to maintain balance.

Yes, you can make Pink Velvet Cake into cupcakes. Just spoon the batter into a cupcake tin lined with paper liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

To make your Pink Velvet Cake fluffier, you can sift the dry ingredients before mixing. Additionally, make sure to not overmix the batter to prevent it from becoming dense. If using a stand mixer, mix on low speed and stop as soon as everything is combined.