Jamie Oliver’s Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Red Velvet Cake is an irresistible, vibrant dessert that combines rich flavors, a smooth texture, and a visually stunning red hue, making it perfect for special occasions or when you simply want to indulge in a memorable treat. His recipe takes the classic red velvet cake to a new level, making it both approachable for beginner bakers and delightful for experienced ones.

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Red Velvet Cake

Jamie Oliver’s Red Velvet Cake is a gorgeous layered cake with a moist, tender crumb and a subtle cocoa flavor, all enveloped in a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. This cake’s distinct red color is one of its trademarks, achieved through a generous amount of red food coloring that gives it an eye-catching, bold appearance.

Unlike many other cakes, red velvet is known for its delicate balance of tanginess, thanks to the use of buttermilk, paired with the rich sweetness of the frosting. It’s the perfect showstopper for any gathering, bringing both flavor and flair to the table. Jamie’s twist on this traditional cake incorporates his signature style of using simple, high-quality ingredients that result in a flavorful, moist cake.

Jamie Oliver’s Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To create Jamie Oliver’s Red Velvet Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients, which bring together the perfect combination of flavors and textures:

1. For The Cake

   • 250g self-raising flour (for a lighter, fluffier texture)
   • 50g unsweetened cocoa powder (for a slight depth of flavor)
   • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (to ensure a rise)
   • 1/2 teaspoon salt (to balance sweetness)
   • 200g unsalted butter (room temperature, for richness)
   • 200g caster sugar (to sweeten the cake)
   • 2 large eggs (providing structure and moisture)
   • 240ml buttermilk (a key ingredient to achieve the cake’s soft crumb)
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for a fragrant undertone)
   • 2 tablespoons red food coloring (for that iconic red color)
   • 1 tablespoon white vinegar (to activate the baking soda and add a touch of acidity)

2. For The Frosting

   • 400g cream cheese (softened, for a tangy, creamy base)
   • 100g unsalted butter (softened)
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
   • 250g icing sugar (to sweeten the frosting without overpowering it)

Equipment Needed

Here’s a list of the essential equipment you’ll need to make Jamie Oliver’s Red Velvet Cake:

1. Mixing bowls: A large bowl for the dry ingredients and a separate bowl for the wet ingredients.
2. Electric hand mixer or stand mixer: For easy mixing and to ensure that the butter, sugar, and eggs are well combined.
3. Measuring cups and spoons: To get accurate measurements for each ingredient.
4. Two 8-inch cake pans: For baking the cake layers.
5. Cooling rack: To cool the cake layers evenly and prevent sogginess.
6. Spatula or butter knife: For spreading the frosting evenly over the cake layers.
7. Sieve: To sift the flour and cocoa powder, ensuring a smooth batter.
8. Oven: Preheated to 175°C (350°F), ready to bake your cake to perfection.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Red Velvet Cake?

Follow these steps to create a spectacular red velvet cake:

1. Prepare the cake pans: Grease and line the two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper, ensuring the cakes come out easily once baked.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: One at a time, add the eggs, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Add the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, red food coloring, and vinegar. Gradually add this mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the dry ingredients, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
6. Bake the cake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the frosting: While the cakes cool, make the cream cheese frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the icing sugar, and continue mixing until you reach a fluffy consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.
8. Assemble the cake: Once the cake layers are completely cooled, place one layer on a cake stand or serving platter. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top. Place the second layer on top, then frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula.
9. Serve and enjoy: Your beautiful, velvety red velvet cake is now ready to be served! Slice and enjoy the moist, rich flavors with your friends and family.

Expert Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature before you start. This ensures that everything combines more smoothly and evenly.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can result in a dense cake, so mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined.
• Adjust the Color: Depending on the brand of food coloring, the exact shade of red might vary. Feel free to add more food coloring if you desire a more vibrant cake.
• Chill the Frosting: If your cream cheese frosting seems too soft, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before frosting the cake to ensure it holds its shape.

Jamie Oliver’s Red Velvet Cake is more than just a dessert – it’s a visual and culinary masterpiece that combines the tanginess of cream cheese frosting with the subtle richness of a moist, cocoa-infused cake. The combination of these ingredients results in a delightful balance of sweetness, creaminess, and decadence.

Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply indulging in a delicious homemade treat, this cake is sure to impress. With the easy-to-follow recipe and expert tips, even novice bakers can create a stunning red velvet cake that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Happy baking!.

Easy Recipe Variations For Jamie Oliver’s Red Velvet Cake

Jamie Oliver’s red velvet cake is already a showstopper with its striking color and rich, moist texture. But if you’re looking to mix things up a bit or cater to specific tastes, there are several easy variations to try that still maintain the essence of the classic dessert. Here’s how you can adapt the recipe for different preferences:

1. Cream Cheese Frosting Variations

   • Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting: For a tropical twist, incorporate shredded coconut into the cream cheese frosting. This adds a lovely texture and a subtle flavor that complements the sweetness of the cake.
   • Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the cream cheese frosting to introduce a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cake. This brightens up the flavors and adds a refreshing note.

2. Flour Alternatives

   • Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cake: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend you choose includes xanthan gum to help with texture. You may need to experiment with the liquid ratios slightly, but this version is perfect for those avoiding gluten.
   • Almond Flour Red Velvet Cake: For a slightly denser, nutty flavor, almond flour can be used as a substitute for regular flour. Almond flour also gives the cake a moist texture while adding richness.

3. Dye-Free Option

   • While red food coloring is traditional for the bold color, you can substitute it with beet juice or beet powder. Not only will this provide a natural way to achieve that vibrant red hue, but it also adds a hint of earthiness to the flavor profile.
   • Use of Hibiscus Powder: For a more unique approach, you can use hibiscus powder to create a beautiful deep red color, and it imparts a slightly floral, tangy note.

4. Flavor Enhancements

   • Spiced Red Velvet: Introduce a little cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of cardamom to the batter. These spices will not only elevate the flavor of the cake but also add warmth and complexity, perfect for colder months.
   • Chocolate Red Velvet Cake: Add a small amount of unsweetened cocoa powder (approximately 2 tablespoons) to the cake batter. This results in a deeper, chocolatey flavor while maintaining the signature red color.

5. Vegan Red Velvet Cake

   • Swap out eggs for flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water to form an egg replacement, and use non-dairy milk such as almond or soy milk. For the frosting, a simple vegan buttercream can replace the cream cheese frosting, which would still give you that creamy and sweet finish.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Once you’ve made your delicious red velvet cake, you’ll want to ensure it stays fresh for as long as possible. Here are some storage tips:

1. Refrigeration

   • Red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting must be refrigerated because of the dairy in the frosting. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it from drying out. It will last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days.
   • If the cake is un-frosted, you can store it at room temperature for 1-2 days, but refrigeration is best if you want to keep it fresh for longer.

2. Freezing

   • If you have leftovers and want to preserve the cake for a longer period, freezing is a great option. You can freeze both the cake and the frosting separately, or you can freeze the whole assembled cake. To do so, first, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and finally, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
   • For frosting, place it in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and re-whip before spreading.

3. Slicing Before Storing

   • For easy access and portion control, you can slice the cake before storing it. Just ensure that each slice is wrapped individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper, making it easy to grab a slice without exposing the rest of the cake to air.

What Goes Well With Red Velvet Cake?

Red velvet cake is already a showstopper on its own, but when paired with the right accompaniments, it can elevate the dessert experience even further. Here are some perfect pairings:

1. Beverages

   • Coffee: The richness and slight tang of red velvet cake pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. A latte or cappuccino works especially well, providing a creamy contrast to the cake’s dense, moist texture.
   • Milk: For a classic pairing, a glass of cold milk is always a hit with red velvet cake. The cool milk balances the sweetness of the cake and cream cheese frosting.
   • Champagne: If you’re serving red velvet cake for a special occasion, a glass of bubbly champagne adds an elegant touch. The light effervescence and slight acidity of the champagne complement the rich, velvety texture of the cake.

2. Side Dishes

   • Fruit: Fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake. The slight tartness from the berries balances out the richness of the frosting.
   • Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cream cheese-flavored ice cream pairs perfectly with red velvet cake. For something more decadent, try a salted caramel or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent contrast.

3. Additional Toppings

   • Crushed Nuts: Lightly toasted walnuts or pecans add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that complements the smoothness of the cake and frosting.
   • Chocolate Shavings: For chocolate lovers, a sprinkling of chocolate shavings or curls on top of the frosting can elevate the cake’s flavor and appearance.

Conclusion

Jamie Oliver’s red velvet cake is not just a visually stunning dessert; it’s versatile and full of potential for creative variations. Whether you’re looking for ways to change the flavor, cater to dietary restrictions, or try out new frosting combinations, the recipe is flexible and forgiving.

Paired with the right beverages and sides, red velvet cake can be the highlight of any gathering. Store your leftovers properly, and you’ll be able to enjoy this indulgent treat for days to come!.

FAQs

What Are The Key Ingredients For Jamie Oliver’s Red Velvet Cake?

The key ingredients for Jamie Oliver’s Red Velvet Cake include self-raising flour, cocoa powder, sugar, buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and a splash of red food coloring.

Can I Substitute Buttermilk With Regular Milk?

Buttermilk is crucial for the cake’s texture and flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can create a substitute by adding one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 10 minutes.

Do I Need To Use A Specific Type Of Food Coloring For The Cake?

Jamie Oliver’s recipe recommends using liquid red food coloring for the best color intensity. Gel food coloring can also be used, but you might need to adjust the quantity.

Can I Make The Red Velvet Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make the cake ahead of time. Bake the cakes, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also freeze the layers if needed.

What Type Of Frosting Is Used In Jamie Oliver’s Red Velvet Cake?

Jamie Oliver’s Red Velvet Cake is traditionally frosted with cream cheese frosting, made from cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a hint of vanilla.

Can I Use A Different Frosting For The Red Velvet Cake?

Yes, you can use other frosting options like buttercream or mascarpone frosting, but traditional cream cheese frosting is the best match for the tangy flavor of the cake.

Is It Necessary To Add Vinegar To The Cake Batter?

Yes, vinegar is an essential ingredient in red velvet cake. It reacts with the baking soda, helping to leaven the cake and contribute to its light, airy texture.

Can I Use A Stand Mixer To Prepare The Cake Batter?

Yes, you can use a stand mixer to prepare the batter. Just make sure not to overmix it to avoid dense cake layers.

How Do I Know When The Red Velvet Cake Is Fully Baked?

You’ll know the cake is fully baked when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs. It should also spring back when lightly pressed on top.

What Can I Do If My Red Velvet Cake Layers Crack While Baking?

If your layers crack, it could be because the oven temperature is too high. Make sure to bake the cake at a consistent 160-180°C (325-350°F). If cracks occur, you can level the top of the cake layers to smooth them out before frosting.