Name: Moist Red Velvet Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 32 min
Total time: 52 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 1/2 cups buttermilk; 2/3 cup vegetable oil; 2 1/4 cups granulated sugar; 3 eggs; 1 (1 oz.) bottle red food coloring; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 cup butter, room temperature (1 stick); 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, room temperature (1 block); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 4 cups powdered sugar; Pearl sprinkles or other seasonal or birthday sprinkles

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 22 reviews

If you are on the hunt for a cake that brings both celebration and comfort in every bite, this Moist Red Velvet Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine a tender, luscious sheet cake with that signature deep red hue, perfectly complemented by a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. It’s a showstopper for birthdays, holidays, or any day that calls for a slice of pure joy. The balance of flavors and the moist crumb make this recipe unforgettable and an absolute must-try for anyone who loves classic Southern treats with a little modern twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of various baking ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. There are 11 containers in total: a large white bowl filled with fine white powdered sugar in the top left, a small glass bowl with granulated salt next to it, a small white bowl holding dark brown vanilla extract, a small white bowl containing dark liquid (likely another extract), a small glass bowl of creamy butter, two brown eggs side by side, a square block of cream cheese partially wrapped in silver foil, a medium glass bowl of granulated white sugar, a medium glass bowl with white flour, a large glass measuring cup of white thick cream, and a small white bowl holding rich brown cocoa powder. Each container is clear or white, showing the ingredients’ different textures and colors clearly against the white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Moist Red Velvet Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe uses a handful of straightforward ingredients that combine to create spectacular flavor and texture. Each component plays an essential role, from the buttermilk that tenderizes the crumb to the cocoa powder that gives a hint of classic chocolate undertones, perfectly paired with the vibrancy of red food coloring.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for a soft but sturdy cake crumb.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a subtle chocolate depth that complements the red velvet flavor.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the cake.
Buttermilk: Reacts with baking soda to give the cake its famous tender, moist texture.
Baking soda: Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and helps prevent it from drying out.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and tenderizes the cake.
Eggs: Bind everything together for a rich, soft bite.
Red food coloring: Gives the cake its iconic, eye-catching red hue.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors.
Butter (room temperature): Creates a creamy base for the luscious cream cheese frosting.
Cream cheese (room temperature): Delivers that tangy, smooth frosting that perfectly balances the cake’s sweetness.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.
Optional sprinkles: Add a festive touch for birthdays or special occasions.

How to Make Moist Red Velvet Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly spray a large 15x10x1-inch jelly roll sheet pan with non-stick baking spray. This step ensures your cake releases easily after baking without losing any of that precious crumb.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. Sifting is key as it eliminates lumps and aerates the flour, giving your cake a wonderfully light texture.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Using a hand or stand mixer, blend the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and eggs until the mixture is silky smooth. Then, add the red food coloring and vanilla extract to create that iconic red velvet color and a hint of warm vanilla flavor.

Step 4: Combine Buttermilk and Baking Soda

In a small bowl, mix the buttermilk and baking soda together until the baking soda dissolves and the liquid becomes frothy. This frothy mixture is where the magic happens—it will give your cake the tender crumb and lift it needs.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

With your mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk mixture to the wet batter. Be sure to stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl, ensuring every bit is perfectly incorporated for an even cake texture.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour your smooth batter evenly into the prepared sheet pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, free of crumbs. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, make the frosting by creaming together room-temperature butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add vanilla extract, then gradually beat in powdered sugar, one cup at a time, scraping the bowl regularly to ensure a perfectly smooth, spreadable frosting.

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

Spread the luscious cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake with a spatula, creating a thick, inviting layer. If you want to add a festive touch, sprinkle your favorite pearl sprinkles or seasonal confetti sprinkles over the top for an extra pop of fun.

How to Serve Moist Red Velvet Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows a rectangular cake with one visible layer in a metal pan. The cake is covered with a thick layer of smooth, creamy white frosting spread evenly on top and around the edges, with subtle lines creating a gentle texture. Small, round white edible pearls are scattered across the frosting, adding slight dimension and decoration. The cake sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can elevate your Moist Red Velvet Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe to the next level. Consider topping it with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a tart contrast, or add edible flowers for a beautiful, elegant presentation that will wow your guests.

Side Dishes

Serve your slice alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent experience. A simple cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or even a lightly brewed black tea also pairs wonderfully and balances the richness of the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd, cut the sheet cake into fun shapes using cookie cutters or layer it with additional frosting and fresh fruit to turn it into a trifle. Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon to give as charming edible gifts to friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cake will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cream cheese frosting stays fresh and the cake remains moist, making it easy to enjoy this treat a day or two later without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted sheet cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then apply the cream cheese frosting fresh for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

While this cake is delicious chilled, if you prefer it slightly warmed, pop individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This gentle warmth helps bring back that freshly baked softness and makes the cream cheese frosting perfectly creamy.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?

While regular milk can sometimes work, buttermilk is key for this Moist Red Velvet Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe because it reacts with the baking soda to create that signature tender crumb and subtle tang. If you must substitute, add one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to one cup of milk and let it sit for 10 minutes to mimic buttermilk.

Is it necessary to use red food coloring?

The red food coloring gives this cake its classic, striking appearance, but if you prefer to avoid artificial coloring, you can use natural alternatives like beet juice. Keep in mind that this might slightly alter the flavor and intensity of the color.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a trusted gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum to keep the structure. The cake might be a bit more delicate but will still deliver that wonderful red velvet flavor and moistness.

How long does the cream cheese frosting last?

The cream cheese frosting tastes best when fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Always bring it to room temperature and gently remix before frosting your cake for the smoothest spread.

What’s the best way to cut a sheet cake evenly?

Use a sharp, serrated knife for clean cuts and to avoid tearing the cake. For perfectly even slices, score the top lightly first or use a ruler to guide your cuts, especially if serving a crowd.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to make this irresistible Moist Red Velvet Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and bake a cake that will instantly become a beloved classic in your home. Every moist bite bursting with flavor and creamy frosting is worth every minute spent in the kitchen. I promise once you taste it, you’ll be excited to share it over and over with friends and family!