Description
A soft, tender cake with a hint of cocoa and a beautiful pink hue, perfect for family gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2.5 cups cake flour
- 0.5 cups cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.75 cups unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1.75 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Red drops food coloring (to achieve desired hue)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease two 8-inch round pans and line them with parchment.
- Sift together the cake flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate cup, mix the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring.
- Gradually add this wet mix to the batter, alternating with the dry ingredients.
- Gently fold the batter until fully combined and no flour streaks remain.
- Divide the batter equally between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 22 to 28 minutes, testing with a toothpick for doneness.
- Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and mix until glossy and spreadable.
- Assemble the cake by spreading frosting between the cooled cake layers and covering the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
- Chill for 20 to 30 minutes for neat slices.
- Optionally decorate with fresh berries or crumbs before serving.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The cake tastes better the next day as flavors deepen.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg