Ingredients (Serves 8–10)

For the Red Velvet Cake:

• 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour

• 250 g (1¼ cups) granulated sugar

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp cocoa powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 240 ml (1 cup) vegetable oil

• 240 ml (1 cup) buttermilk, room temperature

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 2 tbsp red food coloring (liquid or gel)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 450 g (16 oz) cream cheese, softened

• 120 g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened

• 480 g (4 cups) powdered sugar

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For Decoration:

• Fresh cherries (whole, stems intact)

• Red buttercream (made from a portion of the frosting + extra red food coloring)

• White buttercream for piping details

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Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Red Velvet Cake

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line two 8-inch heart-shaped cake pans (or round pans if you’ll carve the heart shape later).

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.

3. In another bowl, mix oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar until well combined.

4. Gradually fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until smooth.

5. Divide batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Let cakes cool completely before frosting.

2️⃣ Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy.

2. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until well combined.

3. Mix in vanilla extract.

4. Tint a portion of the frosting red for decorative piping.

3️⃣ Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a board. Spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting.

2. Add the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with a smooth coat of cream cheese frosting.

3. Pipe red buttercream borders along each layer for a layered vintage look.

4. Add small white buttercream dots for detail.

4️⃣ Decorate with Cherries

1. Arrange whole cherries around the top border, dipping the bottoms in a bit of frosting to help them stick.

2. Place the number topper (“18” in the picture) or any age/word you prefer in the center.

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💡 Tips:

• For a deeper red color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid.

• Chill the cake for 20 minutes after crumb-coating to make final frosting easier.

• You can also fill between layers with cherry compote for extra flavor.