Green Velvet Cake

Green Velvet Cake is a festive and vibrant twist on the classic red velvet cake, making it perfect for Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations.

This light and moist cake has a hint of cocoa and pairs beautifully with a rich cream cheese frosting. Its eye-catching green color is sure to make it the centerpiece of any gathering!

With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this cake is approachable for bakers of all levels. Whether you’re celebrating with family or hosting a party, this cake is guaranteed to impress.

What You’ll Need for This Velvet cake recipe

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons green food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need

• Three 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls (2)
• Hand or stand mixer
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Wire racks for cooling
• Offset spatula or knife for frosting

Pro Tips for Perfect Green Velvet Cake

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs, buttermilk, and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smoother batter and frosting.
2. Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
3. Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring gives a vibrant hue without altering the batter consistency.
4. Chill Before Frosting: Refrigerate the cake layers for 30 minutes after cooling to make frosting easier.
5. Level the Layers: Trim the domed tops off each cake layer for a more even, professional-looking cake.

Substitutions and Variations

1. Dairy-Free: Use almond milk with a splash of vinegar instead of buttermilk and dairy-free cream cheese and butter for the frosting.
2. Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
3. Different Colors: Swap green food coloring for another festive color to fit any occasion.
4. Add Texture: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips into the batter.
5. Single Layer Cake: Halve the recipe to create a single-layer cake for a smaller crowd.

Make Ahead Tips

• Bake the cake layers up to two days in advance and store them tightly wrapped at room temperature. Frost the cake just before serving for the freshest presentation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Yield: 12-16 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Cuisine: Dessert

Full Ingredient List

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons green food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Preheat and Prepare:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour three 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   In another bowl, combine oil, buttermilk, eggs, green food coloring, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder. Whisk until well combined.
4. Combine and Mix:
   Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until the batter is smooth. Avoid overmixing.
5. Bake:
   Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool the Cakes:
   Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
7. Make the Frosting:
   In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
8. Assemble the Cake:
   Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting evenly over the top. Repeat with the second and third layers, then frost the sides and top of the cake.
9. Decorate and Serve:
   Decorate as desired with sprinkles, candies, or piped frosting. Slice and serve!

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